Fix rattle on FEL control stick??

[DiezNutz]

Usually the link will pop you down to the unread section, but sometimes it does not work that well.

You know, that's a good point... I've noticed that also.

 

[Chilly807]

On a somewhat related topic, I have a question about greasing the FEL joystick.

I familiar with the joystick connections and how it works. I also read that the joystick is supposed to be part of the FEL grease schedule. What I don't see is any zerks on the joystick. How do you guys get grease in the joystick pivot points?

I use a general purpose spray grease, the carrier evaporates after a few minutes and the grease remains.

You might be able to wrap the linkage with elastic to cut down on the rattling, I haven't tried it yet.

Sean

 

[Tibbits]

Once again, the TBN guys have answered my questions. Time for a good linkage cleaning and some grease. Then some creativity with tie down straps. Much more comfortable knowing it is a normal (but irritating) rattle with my FEL and model.

Now, some more searches for using hooks/chains on the bucket for lifting....seems to be some controversy with that subject in the threads I've found so far. Don't want to bend or break anything, but I really need a means to move some heavier stock around a little (eg a 300 lb plugger from my pick up truck bed). I think the correct way involves distributing the weight across both sides of the bucket (mine came with a hook welded to each side). Also, not sure what my max lift is yet...only had the tractor a month. I've got a 6' box blade and filled rears...so 300 lbs shouldn't be a problem from the truck bed to the ground. Anyway, these kinds of problems are much more fun to solve than the ones at work....which is what I should be doing right now!

 

[Chilly807]

On the Kubota loaders, the loader number is equal to the lift capacity in kilograms, so a 463 loader will lift 463 x 2.2 lbs = 1018 lbs. I don't know how Woods classes their loaders. I've lifted a full (heaping) bucket of gravel with the 3400 with only loaded rears, so 300 lbs should be no problem at all stability-wise for your tractor.

Sean

 

[DiezNutz]

I agree, loaded rears alone should provide plenty of rear ballast to lift only 300 lbs with the FEL. I've lifted that much with zero rear ballast as an experiment (but I didn't try to carry it).

Couple of things to keep in mind with bucket hooks....
* The closer the hooks are aligned to the loader arms, the less likely you are to bend anything. Out at the ends of the bucket or in the middle of the bucket, are the most likely to "twist".
* Reinforcement to the bucket is needed in the area of the hooks. Depending on the bucket construction, you'll see this done a number of ways.

 

[Chilly807]

I agree, loaded rears alone should provide plenty of rear ballast to lift only 300 lbs with the FEL. I've lifted that much with zero rear ballast as an experiment (but I didn't try to carry it).

Couple of things to keep in mind with bucket hooks....
* The closer the hooks are aligned to the loader arms, the less likely you are to bend anything. Out at the ends of the bucket or in the middle of the bucket, are the most likely to "twist".
* Reinforcement to the bucket is needed in the area of the hooks. Depending on the bucket construction, you'll see this done a number of ways.

One thing to consider with bucket hooks, if you use two at the outer edges you should try to equalize the load on each as much as possible. The loader is meant to carry a balanced load of loose material, any variation in weight from one loader arm to the other will try to twist the loader.

Having said that, they're reasonably rugged. I added a single hook at the center heel of my bucket for heavier single point lifts, as well as two at the top edge for lighter two-point lifts.

Sean