Broken FEL Self-Leveling Link

mmranch · Jun 1, 2011

Yesterday, I had one of the self-leveling links on my FEL break (see attached images). I was backdragging small logs/slash down a hillside using my root grapple. The tractor front was pointed up the hill and I was dragging back down. I really was not putting very much down pressure as I didn't want to tear up the ground and thus the front wheels were not off the ground. I heard a break and saw the broken link and stopped work immediately and returned to the shop.

TYM is replacing the link under warranty, but I am concerned that this may happen again due to the thinness of the metal on this link (looks like about 3/16" or 1/4" steel). And I'm wondering if am doing something wrong by using my grapple in this way?

The loader is rated at lifting 3000 lbs. The grapple is 750 lbs. I have backdragged many times using my bucket, but the bucket is much lighter... about 300-400 lbs. (When I get a new bucket, it will be much heavier).

I would love to be pleasantly surprised when the new link arrives to find that TYM has doubled the thickness of this part... but I doubt it. Thinking about taking the new part to my local welder to see if he can strengthen it a bit.

Have others had this link break in the past?

Thanks for any ideas!

mmranch · Jun 1, 2011

Here's a scan of the link and where it broke.

beenthere · Jun 1, 2011

mmranch
Bummer! The pics look like the bracket that broke was bent from some other load before it broke. Is that possible? Either that or the parts pic doesn't show the same bends. Either a pic of the new part or the part on the other side that is not broken would help to see if there was some earlier problem.

The part in the parts pic looks like it can be stiffened with welding. The pics of the broken part not so likely. Maybe some bent rod welded around the perimeter would work to decrease the chances of ripping it apart again.

mmranch · Jun 1, 2011

beenthere,

Thanks for the ideas!

There definitely was major bending during the process. It's possible that one side of the link broke first and I didn't notice it, then noticed when the second side broke. (I was preoccupied with trying not to roll down the mountain!).

Now that I remember it, I'm pretty sure I witnessed the inside of the link break (side towards the engine) so if the outside had broken first and I was jacking it up and down with the bucket cylinder, the broken piece might have been bent under before the inside broke. Just a guess.

Think I will resist the temptation to install when the part arrives and have some strengthening done.

Thanks again!