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.

Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet

 

[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

Sent from my LGL35G using TractorByNet

 

[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.

Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet

 

[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