FEL Question

[carhartt56]

I removed my FEL the other day for the first time and when It came time to remount the loader , I had to pull one of the FEL arms in towards the center for it to line up with the socket . I plan to try again , but I am concerned that this is not normal and wanted to hear from other owners before I make a call to the dealer . It was on level ground , but not concrete . DK40SE , KL401 only 3 weeks new . thanks for your input ! Mark

 

[jlsanborn]

I wouldn't be all that concerned. Did the pins go through without much trouble? Keep them greased.
Mine came from the dealer with evidence of "persuasion", masked by a crappy spray paint job. I sure wish he would have considered a block of wood between my loader and his weapon!

 

[VictorW]

On my CK30hst with KL130, they match up without any persuasion from side to side if on level ground. Unlevel ground would give a twist to the matching up but not the fel arms needing squeezed together to fit the receivers. Maybe I was just lucky and there are build tolerances. Dealers would have much more experience with new units, no wear and tear after use, and there are several in this forum that probably will comment.

 

[chasemech]

I have a DK 40 SE HST and mine does the same thing if I don't pull into the loader even, one arm can push in. Here are directions that have worked great for me.
The best way to make sure the loader installs easily starts with taking the loader off. Make sure it's on firm level ground. If the loader is not stored on firm level ground re-installation can be a bear.

When you are putting the loader back on, if you have already used the bucket curl function, use the boom cylinders to line up one pin at a time. Once you make the first pin, you should be able to use the boom cylinders again to line up the second.

If one pin is higher than the other, you need to use the bucket and the boom functions to get it to line up. Just make the low pin first, then the higher one.

Starting on level ground saves a bunch of aggravation.

 

[MichiganIron]

When we mount the loaders for the first time, it isn't unusual to have the push on the arms to get them to line up in the brackets. Generally, a slight push from one side lines up the boom arms to the brackets. Level ground is the best way to save yourself some aggravation mounting the loader.

When removing the loader, always shut down the tractor and SLOWLY move the joystick lever around the clock three times to relieve any pressure in the hydraulic lines. Then un-plug the loader.

 

[carhartt56]

Thanks for all the replys ! I think its going to be alright and I can live with a little arm twisting . Hearing your replies makes me feel ok with the way it is. Mark