Bucket Drop

[Henro]

Absolutely good practice to never be under a raised loader bucket for any reason!

But in my mind the bigger question is l: should we be using the bucket for support at all?

I have and probably will continue to do so now and in my mind the issue you've experienced was probably related to something pushing on the loader control valve operating lever.

In addition to never being under a raise loader bucket, should we also say we will never be in or use a raised loader bucket for support?

The obvious answer is yes, never trust your loader bucket.

Can't help but think that I will still use mine occasionally for support in the future. At least if it fails I will be above it and not crushed under it, for what that is worth .

By the way, myB2910 loader control valve has a small hinged piece that can be easily positioned to prevent the control valve lever from being moved into the lower position or float position.

Bill

 

[teg]

...By the way, myB2910 loader control valve has a small hinged piece that can be easily positioned to prevent the control valve lever from being moved into the lower position or float position...

There is a Lock for the Front End Loader for his L3400... Could get in a habit to actually use it.

 

[Gem99ultra]

There is a Lock for the Front End Loader for his L3400... Could get in a habit to actually use it.

A lock? I would sure like to know more about the 'lock'. Owned this L3400 for 7 years and never seen anything about a lock. But then, there is no doubt a thousand more things I don't know - more than what I do know.

But please, enlighten me. I'll definitely start using it every chance possible.

 

[teg]

I could not get a good photo of it... do you have your tractor near? Here is the location and the locking knob:
View attachment 466226

Anyone got a better photo of it??? :anyone:

 

[Gem99ultra]

I could not get a good photo of it... do you have your tractor near? Here is the location and the locking knob:
View attachment 466226

Anyone got a better photo of it??? :anyone:

ah - I got it. I've seen that lever and used it on rare occasion. I 'thought' it was only to lock the joystick in place. That surely would prevent having the joystick only partially positioned.

And - I'm thinking that the FEL joystick not being totally in the neutral position was the cause of the drop. AND - as you suggested, using that lock would have prevented that possibility.

I certainly appreciate the consideration by the TBN members on this situation. We have some very smart and experienced members on here.

 

[teg]

...We have some very smart and experienced members on here.

There were lots of learning - sharing information with the early "standard" L-series. From people learning that their suspension seats were stuck, Front axle oil was usually low, and that the early jerky hitch was fixable. I've learned my share from the members...

 

[mdhughes]

ah - I got it. I've seen that lever and used it on rare occasion. I 'thought' it was only to lock the joystick in place. That surely would prevent having the joystick only partially positioned.

From my loader manual:
Value Lock

!CAUTION
* Do not utilize the value lock for machine maintenance or repair.
* The value lock is to prevent accidental actuation when implement is not in use or during transport.

The control valve is equipped with a valve lock feature.
The control valve is locked in the neutral position.
The lock is not intended and will not prevent a leak down of the implement during the period of storage.

 

[JWR]

From my loader manual:
Value Lock

!CAUTION
* Do not utilize the value lock for machine maintenance or repair.
* The value lock is to prevent accidental actuation when implement is not in use or during transport.

The control valve is equipped with a valve lock feature.
The control valve is locked in the neutral position.
The lock is not intended and will not prevent a leak down of the implement during the period of storage.

Amen to that. It may be a good practice to use the lock feature (I never have used it on 3 tractors so far with the feature, a Deere, a Kubota and a MF, though I am aware of it) but I concur with the quoted loader manual verbs. It is just to keep you from inadvertantly knocking the loader lever in some unintended direction. So in context of this thread it is an unrelated side issue. Every loader I ever operated returns to neutral in all 3 axis by spring loaded features built into the loader valve controls. So, I think that, properly interpreted, the loader valve control lever was NOT the source of your sudden drop (unless someone hit the lever.) There have been no answers offered yet about my post #18 about the possible sucking of air from a reservoir that was 3 gal. low, etc. I'm not saying that was for sure the reason for the drop at all but I just haven't heard any plausible explanations either. It might have been mentioned but -- I guess you are sure that one of those limbs you were moving around in the air did not hit the control lever ? Have you refilled the fluid to full level ? Has it acted completely OK since ? Very interesting (and scary) situation.