FEL install woes

[nessmuk53]

New to the forum and figured someone will have an easy fix for me, at least I hope. Taking the FEL off of my BX1500 was no problem at all, naturally.

Well I screwed up when reinstalling and got the bucket curled over and now I am in a bit of a mess. One of the 3 hydraulic lines gets pulled tight when I mess with it and I am afraid I will pull it apart if I fool with it much. As it stands now I can't get it in position to drop it onto the frame. I was thinking of having a line extension made up to give me slack enough to curl the bucket back up, but is there an easier way of dealing with this than I can think of?

As a last resort I could have a neighbor bring a larger tractor with bucket and just pick it up with a chain and swivel it into place.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Bob Smith
Central VA
(yes that is my name, not just trying to cover for any embarrasment)

 

[JerryG]

As a last resort I could have a neighbor bring a larger tractor with bucket and just pick it up with a chain and swivel it into place.

If you have a neighbor that would be will in to do that. I would say go for it. I know that a pride thing is involved, but that heals better than a damaged hood or radiator. We all live and learn. This is one of those learning things.

 

[milkman]

Here's what I would do, assuming the loader is like the one on the BX2200, if you can unhook the hydro lines, plug the one in that loops back to the tractor before you start it. I would park the tractor along side the loader, with the hydro connections next to the loader hydro connections. Hope this is clear, have the tractor right side parked next to the right side of the loader only on the outside of the loader arms with the right rear wheel of the tractor close to the loader bucket. You should be able to turn off the tractor and connect the loader hoses to the tractor, start the tractor and push down on the loader arms raising the bucket off the ground and carefully rotate the bucket back over the way you want it. Turn off the tractor, unhook the hoses and move the tractor back between the loader arms and install the loader.

 

[wushaw]

Milkman has a good idea here

 

[Glowplug]

Welcome to TBN!!

I had just removed my FEL from my tractor yesterday for the first time. Have never tried to put it back on yet. So, naturally this thread caught my eye. Problem is, I'm having difficulty visualizing your problem. Is your bucket curled too much putting tension on the hose? Maybe a picture?

 

[nessmuk53]

Thanks guys for the suggestions. I will wrestle the bucket out of the shed this weekend and give it a try - milkman's idea - and neighbor with large tractor as a backup. As for the situation. I managed to get the bucket facing straight down (sitting flat on all 4 edges) instead of open front forward.. Not quite sure how I did it, but am **** certain I could do it again

Chuck, If you really want to see a photo I will post one tomorrow.

 

[art]

I'd say invite a couple of good friends over and one on the tractor for hydraulics and just put the loader on! It only takes two in the shop for that size loader to install initially. Five minutes and it would be back on and open the fridge and celibrate with a good laugh!

 

[chrisjbell]

Milkman's idea would probably work...intriguing...but if not...

Just disconnect the hydraulic lines at some convenient fittings (with the thing disconnected from your tractor). You'll spill some fluid, but there isn't all that much in the lines and then you can move the cylinders and straighten your bucket out. Once you've done that it should go back on the tractor much more easily.

Reconnect your fittings, hook the bucket up to the tractor and excersize all the cylinders. Add hydro fluid to the tractor.

But the other folks are also right. While they are not light, FELs are not as substantial as they look and can be moved around by various means (other than the tractor they are meant to be attached to

 

[Glowplug]

Thanks guys for the suggestions. I will wrestle the bucket out of the shed this weekend and give it a try - milkman's idea - and neighbor with large tractor as a backup. As for the situation. I managed to get the bucket facing straight down (sitting flat on all 4 edges) instead of open front forward.. Not quite sure how I did it, but am **** certain I could do it again

Chuck, If you really want to see a photo I will post one tomorrow.

I think I've got it now. I can see how that would be a problem.

 

[Ken]

I replaced the hoses on my loader and added 4 inch to length this gives me more play in attaching loader. Also then have 2 spares to use in case some other line breaks. and know if have spares it will never be needed.
And have no answer on how to attach with out wondering why not fitting.
I frequently remove and then reattach and each time it is a different area of not fitting then all fits properly. I have found the old style of car jack is good to raise each side so can fit over the wheels then lower into the guides
The hood is warped by loader settleing onto the hood and the front cap lever broken by backing out and not seeing was it going to be hit.
Any one else have problems in getting loader off or on.
ken L3600 GST.