FEL operation

[Donkey Shade Farm]

If you don't have a spot that you can dig, then buy a load of soil. Practice spreading it out then picking it back up. With a little practice, you will be able to pick the dirt up off of grass without tearing up the grass (much!)

I already had a pile of gravel near the barn that my 16 year old and I used when we got our 2360. The only thing I told my son before he started is don't treat it like a bulldozer. And the gurus above are right, it's feel and finesse. Seat time will make you competent. I hate to say it but my son is better than me now.

I found I pay more attention to work sites now and will sometimes stop and watch the crews working with their equipment.

 

[aggiehortguy91]

That technique may work well in Florida dirt. Not so sure here with the hard clay I have a contractor here with a 10 ton bulldozer (Case 860 with 10' blade) and he commented that the blade was just sliding over the surface, wouldn't dig in unless he used the corner of the blade. And the dirt isn't even dried out yet!

Bottom line, I suspect that the techniques required (and sometimes the equipment required) depends very much on the local soil conditions.

Ken

Actually, it is a very difficult technique down here in S FL because the sand is so soft it is very easy to get more of a bite than your tractor can handle! Obviously, some soils are very different than others and it sounds like yours is on the opposite end of the spectrum. If the ground is too hard for your machine to cut, then you will have to break it up before you can scoop it up. That is what the dozer operator was doing with the corner of the blade and is also why so many people swear by tooth bars. I've been there, too. Once broken up, this technique works the same anywhere.

 

[TUG HILL ADDICT]

Seat time.

Take your time.

Don't be impatient.

Try different methods.

Learn from your mistakes.

 

[tatra805]

just realized something that might help you also.

i was looking at pictures taken during a neighbour project...

in the different phases of filling, backdragging etc etc you clearly see the different angles the bucket is at looking from the side. very interesting to relate the angle to the result.

it might learn you quickly how to position the bucket in the air correctly before putting it down and dragging.

as each bucket is different and length influences the angles a lot this is probably a individual course and not someting for a general "instruction"

so, go out and have somebody take pictures while you are figuring out your optimum settings.

 

[BX2230Dude]

This is the book I bought when I got my 'hoe. Very good book. I hear the latest edition is even better.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRAINING MATERIALS: Equipment Training Resources - Backhoes, Loaders, Excavators, Trenchers, Hydraulics Training Books & Videos

 

[soulasphil]

Seems to me the basics are to be found in the tractor and FEL manuals, then it's all a question of practice, adapting to your machine and the surroundings.

 

[wedge40]

This is the book I bought when I got my 'hoe. Very good book. I hear the latest edition is even better.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRAINING MATERIALS: Equipment Training Resources - Backhoes, Loaders, Excavators, Trenchers, Hydraulics Training Books & Videos

I'm guessing you got the book AFTER the TBL got parked on the water?
Sorry couldn't resist.

I'm still horrible at using my FEL, but each time I get a little better. To quote "Caddy Shack" "Feel the FEL" I always had ripples as I was removing top soil till learned that if the tractor was bogging down to lift the bucket, not change the anglet of it. I'll be getting my first load of dirt for the area I just cleared and that should give me some practice on move dirt from a pile.

I agree with others here reading about FEL use, is like reading how to swim.

Wedge

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I'm guessing you got the book AFTER the TBL got parked on the water?
Sorry couldn't resist.

I'm still horrible at using my FEL, but each time I get a little better. To quote "Caddy Shack" "Feel the FEL" I always had ripples as I was removing top soil till learned that if the tractor was bogging down to lift the bucket, not change the anglet of it. I'll be getting my first load of dirt for the area I just cleared and that should give me some practice on move dirt from a pile.

I agree with others here reading about FEL use, is like reading how to swim.

Wedge

While this is true, it is easier if you understand the fundamentals to put them to good use.

 

[newbury]

<snip>
I agree with others here reading about FEL use, is like reading how to swim.

Wedge

Naw, when yor reading how to swim you get the book all wet.

 

[BX2230Dude]

I'm guessing you got the book AFTER the TBL got parked on the water?

Yup, first chapter I read was "Locating Underground Utilities".