Loader FEL damage possible/likely?

[NoVAJD2720]

I just got my 2720 with the 200CX FEL and have using it to clear some pretty heavy brush with a ratchet rake. It seems to be working well but I've found a few cases where I couldn't lift the bucket much after running the FEL into the brush low. It seems like a bit too much brush is still anchored to the ground...

Am I running a risk of damaging the FEL or tractor if I try to lift/pull up more of the brush than the loader can handle? FWIW, I've got bucket pretty much in the neutral position or tilted up a bit when I'm doing this.

Definitely want to get the brush out of there as the neighbors have reported the odd rabid fox around and I've got small kids but I don't want to break the tractor - that'd really slow things down...

Thanks!

 

[arsenix2001]

Unless you are really hooking one side of the bucket and tweaking the arms, dont worry about it. When it wont lift it is activating the system relief valve which is normal. Just dont hold it there for long periods of time as this can cause your fluid to overheat.

 

[NoVAJD2720]

Thanks! I kind of figured they must have some relief or limiting valve to keep new and overly enthusiastic users from getting carried away buy I wanted to make sure I wasn't being too optimistic. Sure would hate to explain to my wife how I broke it on day X where X is some number smaller than, say, 10. It'd be a hard conversation...

 

[RoyJackson]

Still use a degree of common sense...and rear ballast to keep the rear tires on the ground.
You'll get your maximum lift with the bucket as low as possible. Try dropping the bucket (bucket is dump position) to the ground adjacent to the bush. Rig your chain around the bush to the bucket (hopefully, you have the hooks welded nearest each end of the bucket). Curl the bucket for the initial pull, as you're raising the bucket.

 

[NoVAJD2720]

Thanks, Roy. I've not actually graduated to having hooks and a chain and am just engaging the ratchet rake teeth in the brush and lifting. Sounds like a chain is the way to go for larger stuff?

I have managed to lift a rear wheel a couple of times and have not dawdled in getting the FEL back down - sporty... I gather that the front axle is essentially on a pivot and that's why it's really important to keep the rear end firmly planted? I did have the tires filled but the dealer suggested that the weight box wasn't really needed - I'm not sanguine about that now having operated the loader a bit. Sounds like the weight for the 3pt is in the near future since I'd find getting dead to be inconvenient. Is the 3pt box full of concrete the best bet?

I have at least been smart enough to use the ROPS and belt and insist that my (very) interested boys are only allowed to watch from long distance with additional supervision so perhaps there's hope.

 

[k0ua]

While loaded tires are great and recommended, you still need rear ballast, I made mine out of a 55 gallon barrel. I have 750 extra lbs on the rear on my little L3400HST Kubota. The reason we know you still need ballast is because the rears are still lifting As you said "sporty" on a good day! It sounds like to me you have a good attitude about self preservation, and hopefully will live long and prosper! If you pull with a chain, hook to the drawbar under the rear axle, and go forward slow, and evenly, no jerking and there is still some risk. I do it all the time, but there is risk.. Never do it with your front end going uphill, it puts you at a disadvantage from the start. You usually run out of traction before the front end comes up or the chain breaks. Both have happened to others, but not to me. (so far). Of course smaller stuff you want to pull up is fine with a chain and hooks on the FEL. just dont expect to pull up a 6 inch tree with it! Yes the front axle is just a single pivot, so if it doesnt raise the rears equally, you can go over on your side pretty quick. Most people that have done it report less than about 1.5 seconds. You already know to keep your hand on the joystick and be ready to drop that bucket at the first sign of trouble. Glad to hear you are learning fast, and having fun.

James K0UA

 

[tkoza]

skip the ballast box - PITA

go big, get something that will solve both the digging and the ballast problem

get the sub-frame mounted backhoe!

if you cant pull it out you can dig it out

and dont forget the hooks and chain,

keep the backend on the ground or the Fox will be the last of your worries

be safe and have fun

 

[dex3361]

I use a box blade for rear ballast and it works well.

 

[NoVAJD2720]

Thanks much to all. I'll definitely keep trying to be careful and think things through before I do them...much cheaper that way. I wish I could take the backhoe advice but I don't think I can go there just yet. Sounds like a good heavy bush hog or box blade may be just the ticket. I'll look into that soonest.

Anybody experience any difficulty using an implement as a weight? My only concern is that the box weight is a lot smaller and would seem to be easier to maneuver with in tight spaces.

 

[kennyd]

Anybody experience any difficulty using an implement as a weight? My only concern is that the box weight is a lot smaller and would seem to be easier to maneuver with in tight spaces.

Exactly. The BB is small and compact so you don't have to worry about snagging it like you would if you had a box blade or cutter hanging back there. With the iMatch QH it's effortless to mount/dis-mount also.

Another suggestion is to use the bucket curl to pop the brush-it's got more force than the lift alone.

Hooks are a great addition as well, either welded or bolted on (I sell bolt-on grab hooks...)