Loader frequent loader removal a bad thing?

[rmilho]

I saw an exhaustive thread (2009) regarding all TBN members that remove FEL for mowing (and was entertained with the comments)...nonetheless, most members were removing FEL for mowing (BX owners). I will choose to remove my FEL while mowing. However, does this place any unnecessary 'wear and tear' on the hydraulic connections or the hydraulic system itself?

for the record: i would love to leave it on all the time just to show i own a tractor and not a glorified mower...ha (making reference to the 2009 threads).

 

[Grandad4]

I've been doing that with 2 Kubotas for 9 years and 6 years respectively, with no ill effects. The paint on the bracket pins wears off and there are a few scrapes on the brackets. Big deal. But not having that heavy FEL beating up and down on the front axle as you mow saves wear and tear on the tractor itself. Plus, I don't risk taking out my wife's flowers or the mailbox if the FEL is parked safely in the shop!

 

[dennis52]

My FEL provides counterbalance for my 5 ft slasher (brush hog) when on slopes. I keep them both on all the time but take the bucket off.

From reading other posts ,either way sounds OK

 

[BotaBigot]

I always drop FEL/BH...less weight/more maneuverable...easier on 'bota/grass/fencing/landscaping. BX's ability to play riding mower is one reason I bought. Only downside I see is minimal fluid loss and chance of contamination...but I cap and always wipe QCs before reconnect. Removing/reinstalling can't be any harder on mounts than bouncing up and down if left on...

 

[soulasphil]

I always take off the FEL to hitch the autoconnect deck on my JD 3520 to increase visibility and manoeuvrability and decrease weight. Less damage to the grass and smaller surfaces left to cut with the walk behind. No particular sign of wear so far.

 

[fredhargis]

The first lesson I learned after delivery of my tractor was that the FEL is really in the way when mowing, and stuff out and about on the property was in mortal danger. So after one mowing, the FEL came off, and stays off when mowing.

 

[YesDeere]

I may be wrong but I always take mine off. I can't stand to watch it bounce around while mowing. I think that causes more wear. Plus its in the way for tight spaces.

 

[powergod1]

I may be wrong but I always take mine off. I can't stand to watch it bounce around while mowing. I think that causes more wear. Plus its in the way for tight spaces.

agree and thats the same reason I take mine off

 

[psvines]

And taking it off frequently helps to reduce the amount of time required to take it off. I'm not yet at the Messicks video time, but it's getting much easier each time I remove it.
On my BX2660, for 3 years, I tend to leave the FEL attached from the last mow until the first mow in the spring, and then only attach it when needed during the mowing season. And then at the same time, almost always mount the rear blade for counter balance.

 

[Bird]

Personally, I sure preferred having the FEL off when I was using the tiller, cultivator, rotary cutter, and/or finish mower.

 

[Don87]

Personally, I sure preferred having the FEL off when I was using the tiller, cultivator, rotary cutter, and/or finish mower.

I'm the opposite, I've found that for my purposes it's better to keep the FEL on.

When I mow, I constantly need to pick up sticks that have fallen from the trees, and rocks that have pushed up out of the ground. When I till, I'm always finding rocks that need removing.

 

[Bird]

I'm the opposite, I've found that for my purposes it's better to keep the FEL on.

When I mow, I constantly need to pick up sticks that have fallen from the trees, and rocks that have pushed up out of the ground. When I till, I'm always finding rocks that need removing.

Under those circumstances, I can understand why you wanted it on.:laughing: I didn't have a problem with rocks and sticks.

 

[DAY]

I can't speak to the mowing issue, but "wear and tear" on connections is not an issue. I say that as a former farmer who put on and took off many hydraulic powered devices all the time (haybine, baler, disc, plow, etc.) One might as well worry about the "wear and tear" of your socket wrench. . .

 

[46andtool]

I prefer to take mine off for better visibility and less chance of hitting something with the bucket.
If it were bad to remove the loader ofter, then they wouldn't have made it so easy - Both Deere and Kubota tout how easy and quickly their loaders can be installed/removed...

@DAY - I like your "One might as well worry about the "wear and tear" of your socket wrench. . . " comment! As a former farmer myself, many a hydraulic connection has been made with no problems.

 

[ChuckinNH]

The greatest wear I have experienced by removing my loader many times is that the plastic protective covers no longer stay connected, and I need to get some new ones. I think that tooling around on my tractor without the loader or implement hangign off the back is just plain more fun! Especially on my BX, I have also found that my tractor feels more stable on slopes, etc. with the loader, and in the case of my BX, the backhoe off. Even when you keep the bucket low, there is enough weight higher up to sure change how it feels. Now, I'll go out to my shop, and check my socket wrenches.......

 

[legbuh]

I too have the loader off most of the time in the summer when mowing is it's main job. I make lists of jobs that I need the FEL for so when it gets big enough, I take a day and get the work done, then remove it again ready for the next mow.

I also keep the FEL on when tilling. Almost got stuck one time without the extra weight on the front (BX1860).

In winter, the FEL stays on the whole time. Last year it was a box blade on the back for light snow removal, but this year it's gonna be a rear mounted blower! Now more blading (with ATV) for me. It works great, but it's not as fun any more. haha..

 

[Chilly807]

I leave mine on when bush hogging until the ground is good and solid. If I have to un-stick myself from a soft spot, the loader is the first tool I'd want to have handy.

Sean

 

[rmilho]

Thnx to all! I'll keep it off and b sure to keep an eye in the connections and wipe them when appropriate.

 

[5030]

If you really want to pull a big loader off, try my M9 or the 105. Those are big loaders but actually I find them easy to dismount, easier than my previous 5030 and even easier that the Grand L I had before the 5030.

I have to pull the loaders to service the tractors. Other than that, I just drop the buckets (both have ATI Bobcat Style 2 pin QD's).

The big loaders are true 2 pin disconnect and 4 QD hydraulic couplers. Takes about 30 seconds to dismount and a minute to remount.

 

[timswi]

I've been taking my BH and FEL off every week during mowing season for the past 7 years (The connected machine sits in a climate controlled garage, with no extra room to seperate the attachments)...No issues whatsoever with removing them this often...I've tried mowing with the FEL on...Too much grief to be honest.

I can take the whole thing apart in less than 10 minutes...So why suffer?