FEL Storage

sld · Nov 9, 2009

I am getting ready to remove my FEL for winter. I don't use it for moving snow.

The question is whether it is better to store it with the cylinders fully extended or contracted. It will be in the garage until spring.

Any opinions?

kennyd · Nov 9, 2009

In the garage it doesn't really matter, but if it's like most loaders you won't have a choice anyway-the cylinder's will be they way they need to be to remove the loader and you won't be able to change them without changing the loaders position.

If it's real damp, then cover exposed rods with Fluid-Film or a light coating of grease if you are concerned.

JB4310 · Nov 10, 2009

Just curious why you don't need the loader in the winter, do you have a plow? or use another machine for snow work?

JB.

smfcpacfp · Nov 10, 2009

Definitely retracted. The condensation that forms on the exposed cylinders will rust a little and damage the seals a bit.

Diamondpilot · Nov 10, 2009

Retracted.

Chris

MessickFarmEqu · Nov 10, 2009

IMO, it does not matter. If its a quality cylinder it will be fine. Of course I'd error on the side of retracting it... but when is the last time you've seen a used tractor with a line where the cylinder rests. Now thats IF its a quality loader and quality cylinder, there is some substandard stuff out there that does not fare so well.

Spudland_Dave · Nov 10, 2009

kennyd said:
....but if it's like most loaders you won't have a choice anyway-the cylinder's will be they way they need to be to remove the loader and you won't be able to change them without changing the loaders position.

I have a friend who is really picky with stuff like that and when he removes his loader in preperation for his front blower he removes it as per normal and then drives the tractor next to the loader and uses a set of "extension" hoses about 72" long so he can park next to the loader, hook the hydraulics back up and retract the cylinders completely.

firefighter jim · Nov 10, 2009

Common sense. Retracted.

sld · Nov 10, 2009

JB4310 said:
Just curious why you don't need the loader in the winter, do you have a plow? or use another machine for snow work?

JB.

We don't get much snow and I just use the rear blade. Plus the tractor is easier to store in my garage without the extra length. The loader will stay at the tractor's summer home.

The loader is a Westendorf so I hope it is considered quality. Since it is inside maybe it won't make much difference. I'll see how hard it is to remove and manipulate the arms.

some zilch · Nov 10, 2009

i dont even think i'd worry about it, especially in the garage. large excavators and loaders are generally too large to be kept inside, and they dont seem to have cylinder pitting issues

jnjpream · Nov 10, 2009

I leave my backhoe outside all winter.. I just grab a spray can of white lithium grease and give the exposed cylinders a quick coat. In the spring, I give them a quick wipe with a rag when it's time to use it again.

It's probably not needed, but I consider it cheap insurance against new shafts and seals.

radioman · Nov 11, 2009

A BX FEL can be moved in a way after its been removed. once its out of the tractor, I curl bucket some so most of curl piston is covered. Then I can retractor the side rams, that's the easiest to do compared to the curl since side arms doesnt affect how it stands ups, its the curl. For my backhoe rams when its not in use, I use vaseline so it can be used on the fel aws well. I dont bother to wipe it off, the seals act like a wiper anyway and its good for the rubber to get covered anyways.

JB4310 · Nov 11, 2009

Inside is better than all the equipment sitting outside at the dealers.

I always think about the people that really baby their equipment and bring it to the dealer for service and the dealer leaves it sitting outside in the elements for a month. They'd probably cry if they knew.
That said I try and keep my equipment under a roof at least when ever possible.

I keep my BH in one of those tent type garages, the conditions in there are not much better than outside sometimes with the humidity, everything gets mildew on it.

I was worried about the bare cylinders also as they were showing signs of spotting, but they cleaned right up with one wipe of an oily rag.

JB.

ovrszd · Nov 13, 2009

There's an old abandoned Ford loader at my farm 1960's era, been sitting with the lift cylinders half out for at least twenty years. Everytime I look at it I notice the cylinders are still shiny with no pits. I'll go with Mr Messick.

D7E · Nov 13, 2009

some zilch said:
i dont even think i'd worry about it, especially in the garage. large excavators and loaders are generally too large to be kept inside, and they dont seem to have cylinder pitting issues

Closed ideally but Just over winter won't matter ,if cylinders are going to rust in that time then the chroming must be damaged on the pins and will ruin the seals anyway we have used loaders that were taken off tractors 5-6 years ago sat in the field in all shapes and their fine..If it's in a shed don't worry about it.

D7E · Nov 13, 2009

JB4310 said:
Inside is better than all the equipment sitting outside at the dealers.

I always think about the people that really baby their equipment and bring it to the dealer for service and the dealer leaves it sitting outside in the elements for a month. They'd probably cry if they knew.
That said I try and keep my equipment under a roof at least when ever possible.

I keep my BH in one of those tent type garages, the conditions in there are not much better than outside sometimes with the humidity, everything gets mildew on it.

I was worried about the bare cylinders also as they were showing signs of spotting, but they cleaned right up with one wipe of an oily rag.

JB.

Farmers baby their combines and don't let them spend one night outside yet they truck it to a dealer for a service in the spring in slushy conditions with road salt and spray doing more damage in 1 day than a winter outside....I had a combine brought home this way against my will once and i had to change a lot of the chains and bearings as a result..!
For idle machines sitting for months or years i think summer is more damaging than winter on paint ,seals,tyres etc.

Westendorf-RR · Dec 16, 2009

sld said:
We don't get much snow and I just use the rear blade. Plus the tractor is easier to store in my garage without the extra length. The loader will stay at the tractor's summer home.

The loader is a Westendorf so I hope it is considered quality. Since it is inside maybe it won't make much difference. I'll see how hard it is to remove and manipulate the arms.

Your Westendorf operator's manual tells you to apply a light film of grease on the exposed rams and seals if you will be storing for an extended period of time. It's inside so not a huge deal, but will help keep dirt, debris and moisture out of the hydraulic system and off the rams (wipe clean before using again in the spring).

sld · Dec 16, 2009

Westendorf-RR said:
Your Westendorf operator's manual tells you to apply a light film of grease on the exposed rams and seals if you will be storing for an extended period of time. It's inside so not a huge deal, but will help keep dirt, debris and moisture out of the hydraulic system and off the rams (wipe clean before using again in the spring).

I would love to have an owner's manual. I bought the unit used but it is almost brand new. Thanks for the tip though, I do appreciate it.