FEL when using 3pt implements

[motownbrowne]

For myself, it's on all the time...I just drop the bucket when not needed, beeing a SSQA, it's easy and fast.

I mostly do that as well. I do however remove the whole thing in the springtime for making raised beds in our veggie fields. The weight of the loader, even without the bucket, combined with the narrow and aggressive ag tires up front makes a mess of the grassy areas on the edge of the field. It looks much better if i take the loader off.

If I had a slab to leave it on, I'd take it off more often. For mowing, tilling, etc it's much nicer to have it off. Less stress on the front axle, more nimble machine, better power to weight ratio. The tractor feels like a sports car without the loader on.

 

[DK35vince]

For finish mowing, brush mowing the field, tilling I take I take my loader off.
More maneuverable and personally I think it rides better while mowing with the loader off.

 

[TerryR]

Having a slab is a big advantage. When my barn had a gravel floor I often found it difficult to reconnect the hoses because the loader had shifted after it was off and put pressure on one of the cylinders. I've not had that problem since I poured a slab floor.

 

[ovrszd]

Having a slab is a big advantage. When my barn had a gravel floor I often found it difficult to reconnect the hoses because the loader had shifted after it was off and put pressure on one of the cylinders. I've not had that problem since I poured a slab floor.

Yep. Picking a good removal spot pays big dividends when trying to reattach.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Mowing is the only task I remove the FEL for. "Mowing" as in Brush Cutting with a 10ft cutter. If just quick use of the BB or other attachment, I leave it on.

I hate Brush Cutting with the FEL on. Really gets in the way. Changes the dynamics/balance of the tractor. As Terry explained, I too use suitcase weights on the front of the tractor for weight.

Here's a couple comparable pics. Notice how much more compact the tractor is without the FEL.





View attachment 495669





View attachment 495670

Man that is a nice looking tractor!

 

[Catman8]

Having the FEL on is good ballast when mowing with my rotary cutter on our hilly property, but it really gets in the way when working close to trees and other obstacles. So I take it off and add some suitcase weights to help the balance.

I leave it on when using the rear blade, either to use it for touch-ups or to carry hand hand tools for the same purpose. I also leave it on when using the leaf vac to carry my backpack blower and to hold the pickup hose when moving from place to place.

So you get better ballast with the FEL over the suitcase weights. It must be a big difference or you would just use the suitcase weights.

My JD weighs 1,973 lbs, My 3pt lifting capacity is 1,314 lbs and I am going to try to use my flail mower that weighs 860 lbs, I have a flat field with no trees, so using such a heavy implement with a small tractor do you think I should leave the FEL on for ballast or take it off.

 

[motownbrowne]

So you get better ballast with the FEL over the suitcase weights. It must be a big difference or you would just use the suitcase weights.

My JD weighs 1,973 lbs, My 3pt lifting capacity is 1,314 lbs and I am going to try to use my flail mower that weighs 860 lbs, I have a flat field with no trees, so using such a heavy implement with a small tractor do you think I should leave the FEL on for ballast or take it off.

That's a pretty hefty mower for a tractor that size. I think you're definitely going to want some weight up front. Ideally you'd try it with the loader and then try it with suitcase weights and see which you like better. Since, however, you have flat land with no obstacles and suitcase weights are stupid-expensive you might just stick with the loader.

 

[ovrszd]

Man that is a nice looking tractor!

Thanks Luke. We need to get you one!!!!

 

[ovrszd]

So you get better ballast with the FEL over the suitcase weights. It must be a big difference or you would just use the suitcase weights.

My JD weighs 1,973 lbs, My 3pt lifting capacity is 1,314 lbs and I am going to try to use my flail mower that weighs 860 lbs, I have a flat field with no trees, so using such a heavy implement with a small tractor do you think I should leave the FEL on for ballast or take it off.

If you have no obstacles, leave it on.

My FEL gives me better ballast than 1200lbs of suitcase weights. I just hate the bulkiness of the FEL. Your results may vary.

 

[Fallon]

In the 3 years I owned my L3200 I never took off the loader. It was a nice quick attach allegedly that could be mounted or dismounted in 5ish minutes. I could just never be bothered.

I did a lot of mowing & a fair bit of lighter brush cutting. I'd use the bucket to make sure noting would stick up enough to catch my undercarriage.

Mowing grass I'd often dump the bucket for less weight & clearance. You do have to raise & lower the loader a fair bit for clearance when mowing near fence or obstacles. It was never a problem for me though. The bucket makes a decent sun visor on occasion too.

I expect my new L4060 will likely see minimal if any loader removal.