Bucket/implement ups or down?

[swampvol]

My owners manual says that when parking that you should lower your loader and implements all the way to the ground.

What is the reason for this? I would rather not leave them sitting on the ground if its not necessary.

Thanks.

 

[Jstpssng]

It takes the pressure off your hydraulics. To keep implements off the ground place an old board underneath. I also like to tilt my bucket to keep it from filling with water. (My garage roof leaks, mostly because the lumber is still called "trees")

 

[Rich P]

I would think it is safety orientated. Say some kids got on the tractor, hit the loader lowering control while another kid was under there.
My .02
-Rich

 

[Opti-Mist]

It is safety for sure, for every legal reason that you can think of. It is also less stressfull on the equipment.

 

[mchasal]

I also like to tilt my bucket to keep it from filling with water. (My garage roof leaks, mostly because the lumber is still called "trees")

I used to do this too, but a friend pointed out that by storing with the bucket tilted, the curl cylinder shafts are exposed. It would be a bigger problem to have rusty cylinders than a rusty bucket. Just something to consider.

 

[thcri]

Safety issue all the way. It is the total reason for putting the stuff down. You would hate your self if some kid was under the bucket or implement and it dropped down.


murph

 

[RoyJackson]

I used to do this too, but a friend pointed out that by storing with the bucket tilted, the curl cylinder shafts are exposed. It would be a bigger problem to have rusty cylinders than a rusty bucket. Just something to consider.

I wouldn't expect this to be a problem for short term (a few weeks). You can always smear a light coating of water displacing grease on the rods. Deere recommends smearing grease on the exposed sections of the cylinders for storage.
These rods are plated to minimize corrosion. Also, you don't have to be in the full dump position to minimize exposure.

If you don't mind drilling a couple ¼" drain holes in the bottom of the bucket, one could do that.

I lower my loader and implements. If it's going to be more then a day or so, I'll put wood or something handy under the edge of the implement. To me, this is a safety issue.

 

[David_G]

Bucket and backhoe down. If some one wants to tow the girl away they have to raise the bucket first.

 

[weldingisfun]

Down for safety first and all of the other reasons stated second.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Like everyone has said, both safety and minimizing strain on hydraulics (release pressure = no pressure on seals = longer seal life).

I'm always amused when I see stuff on dealer lots with FEL buckets way up in the air. One leak (just as likely on brand new as on used) and bucket will come crashing down on whatever happens to be below it.