Dirt Moving Back dragging dirt with FEL

[CanuckPT]

Yesterday I was getting some enjoyable seat time using my ripper tooth to pull up some stumps & then used my FEL to back drag fill into the holes.

One hole was quite large & in an area that has been eroding the last couple of years so I had a fair bit of material relatively spread out.

I angled the bucket & dropped it down & in order to move the material I was using enough down pressure on the FEL to raise the front wheels. I successfully achieved my goal & was feeling quite pleased with my accomplishments.

Last evening I was reading a thread where someone mentioned that back dragging in the manner I just described was perhaps too stressful on the FEL.

Opinions? Thank you in advance for taking the time to read & offer your insight.

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[adirondackmtnman]

Does Your loader have a 'float' option, one click past 'down?' If so, place the lever into this position, and it will allow the loader to 'float,' or follow the contour of the ground...Sometimes you need a little down pressure though, just don't get too carried away with it, and you'll be OK

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[Coyote machine]

You don't want the wheels off the ground, it will stress your loader and gives you less steering control. Use 'float' position and do multiple passes. Use the bucket's edge on an angle to allow the bucket to back grade, without straining by trying to move too much at once.

 

[RaydaKub]

And don't angle the bucket too far. The angle helps a lot to get the work done, but it is also the best way bend your curl cylinder(s).

 

[johnk]

I use mine in full curl and float when roughing in the area. After it is pretty smooth I still stay in float and go from level bucket to a little down while back dragging. You'll get the feel after while.

 

[CanuckPT]

I do have a float (Kubota LA 504) FEL.

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[chopped]

Another way is to load tha bucket with material (for weight) and in full back curl backdrag it in float..

 

[PILOON]

I often back drag using the teeth to pull roots and pop stones, No damage to date.
Since I have teeth installed I added a wear plate on the bucket heel to smooth or finish using the heal when I back drag.
I also forward grade using the heel often with wheels very light but always slow and a very shallow angle.
Caution is the word and no jerky movements.

 

[Greenpto35]

Well, I've been heavily and successfully back dragging for years with my 1070 / 430 loader combo but today just tested out a new WR Long toothbar on a H310 loader and ruptured a steel line on the curl cylinder. I was testing it out by digging out a big stump and back dragged a bit to smooth out and caught a a rock and Hyd fluid shot everywhere. Took me an hr to simple green the new green paint on my 5115m which was covered. The cylinder was hot so I thing I overheated it which is odd. I have a lot more fluid in the reservoir than on the small unit and only worked the loader for 40 min. Guess i need a backhoe as I never did get that stump out.

 

[Clint S]

My owners manual says that is a no no. It puts alot of stress on the cylinders especially if you catch something. Even in float it could turn out bad. That said have I done it.......... sure. I go slow make sure there are no large rocks or stumps to catch. I much prefer the loaded bucket though either in float or with a little pressure if I need to take off some humps.
Here is a thread on it

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/56974-back-dragging-bucket.html

 

[EddieWalker]

My loader can lift a lot more weight then what the front of my tractor weighs, and I do this all the time. It is by far my favorite way to smooth out, and shape dirt. I like to just get my tires off the ground, then adjust the angle of the bucket to either cut down deeper or feather out what I'm spreading. With just a little bit of practice, it's a very simple and effective technique.

Eddie

 

[johnk]

My loader can lift a lot more weight then what the front of my tractor weighs, and I do this all the time. It is by far my favorite way to smooth out, and shape dirt. I like to just get my tires off the ground, then adjust the angle of the bucket to either cut down deeper or feather out what I'm spreading. With just a little bit of practice, it's a very simple and effective technique.

Eddie

Well said.

 

[Greenpto35]

I agree with using the loader and bucket in a functional manner with some common sense. I have beat on my 430 loader for the past 15 yrs. Never blew a line. I think its supposed to lift like 1400lbs and I just took two 1 ton pallets of pellets out of my truck last week. I could curl to take the weight and back up then drop the load. The loader took the weight. I use it in winter to load bulk salt for my winter snow business. My 5 ton 5115m and loader are not the same as my 40 hp 1070. I run equip all the time. I dont think the line should have ruptured. I would think a rubber hose would fail before a steel line given that the H310 loader has less than 20 hrs on it. I think a relief ball valve somewhere would go before a new steel line. I could be wrong. lifting cap is around 2 ton so a lot bigger. It can easily lift the front of the tractor. Not even a strain there.

 

[TripleR]

Yes, I do it and if it won't hold up, I'll buy one that will, there is a reason I own tractors.

I won't recommend it as I accept some tractors/loaders won't hold up; had one and got rid of it.

 

[HillStreet]

I back drag frequently as I cleared a big area over the past few years, often lifting the front wheels slightly with the bucket edge curled all the way down. Probably the most stressful configuration but I do need the edge to "cut". I am aware of the stress and move smooth and slow. Also use this position to drag loose rocks to a collection point to ease loading.

 

[Utopia Texas]

Many years back getting a FEL, with detent valve, was a option much like a live PTO. Today a detent on FEL is standard on most new tractors. Once you learn how to use the valve properly you can level most any area without the roller coaster effect in the dirt.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Different loaders must have different limits. Have backdragged used all above from empty bucket/float/flat to curl forward/wheels in air. For years with no issues. B21.

 

[k0ua]

Different loaders must have different limits. Have backdragged used all above from empty bucket/float/flat to curl forward/wheels in air. For years with no issues. B21.

same here I've been back draggIng for years with never any problems

 

[LD1]

Back dragging with the bucket pointed down isnt a big deal. But the general rule I think is dont angle it down more than 45 degrees. This limits the chances of catching something, and minimizes the amount of rod sticking out of the cylinder and lowers the chances of bending it.

You DONT want to dump the bucket all the way, and then do what you did. Good way to pop hydraulic hoses or bend cylinders.

But I gotta ask, why not push the dirt back into the holes instead of dragging?? The tractor pushes way better than it pulls.

 

[cartod]

But I gotta ask, why not push the dirt back into the holes instead of dragging?? The tractor pushes way better than it pulls.

I don't agree, the tractor is a much better pulling machine than a pushing. That said I back drag with my tractor all the time. If it can't handle it I'll get one that will.