b7100 FEL - should be able to lift front end?

[charlz]

I recently bought a 70's-80's B7100 with FEL, BH, rear blade and a snow blower. When using the FEL to stabilize the tractor for BH work it will not lift the front of the tractor off the ground. Should it be able to? This is even with the bucket in 'full dump' position. With over 3000 hours on the machine I am pretty sure the FEL cylinders need to be repacked but wanted to confirm that it should be able to lift the front end off the ground before I tear into them.

Thanks,

Charles

 

[Egon]

It should lift the front end.

 

[jeffmazz]

Are you sure you're not pushing too hard on the lever and putting it into the float position? If you are it will not lift the front end. Gently push the lever forward until the loader starts going down and you should be able to easily lift the front end.

Let us know if this works.

Jeff

 

[tractorworks]

The FEL should lift the front end. If you have the stabilizers down for backhoe work and try to pick up you are picking up the whole tractor and it may not. Use FEL to lift front end and then put stabilizers down and it should work.

 

[JerryG]

Because of the geometry of the loader, you need the brakes released to lift the front end. If the rear wheels can roll, the loader will lift it.

 

[Egon]

Note picture of one front wheel off the ground. The other is still back in the woods.

 

[charlz]

Thanks for all the info! I will not be back to where the tractor is until Thursday or so. I have tried it with BH stabs in either position so it's not that. Float position is likely as is having the breaks on. I will give both of those a try and report back.

Thanks!
Charles

 

[KeithInSpace]

I have to say, Egon: That picture looks a little like the punch line from some future Darwin Award. The tractor held up on the ramps by some 2x4's stabbed into the muddy earth while I'm sure the beast is putting PLEANTY of upward pressure on the poor little ball at the front of the trailer. All while climbing under the rig and tugging on the lugs to swap the front wheel.

Not to say for a second that I wouldn't do the same darn thing given the unfortunate opportunity! I sure would be puckered up for the duration of being under there, though.

 

[Egon]

Seems the picture is a bit missleading.

The front wheel steering assembly broke and let the front wheel fell off. No steering. The front bucket has old truck leaf springs for forks and that is what you thougt were 2x4's.

I'm using the forks as slides and backing the tractor into the trailer for some dealer repairs. Trailer has 10k rating and has 2-5/8 or 2-5/16's ball.

 

[KeithInSpace]

As I said...probably do the same darn thing. Just looked "extra" fun.

That picture of the bucket is THE reason Kubota's rock. Own one for 25 years and you don't have a worn out tractor...you have a Franken-Bota that suits whatever need you happen to have.

Talk to you in 25 years when I'm fitting the anti-gravity scalp wheels to my deck.