Grading Grading with bucket

[nails_n_glue]

Hi all

Here's what I discovered the other day but I am a bit worried JD would not approve.

Prior to putting down a cement slab I needed to excavate 50 - 100mm from an area measuring 9 meters * 6 meters. I had thought about buying a box blade or grader blade but discovered that if I angle the loader bucket (so that loader bucket edge is a close to tractor as possible (obtuse angle)) and lift off front wheels (only just), I could take nice thin shaves off the ground while reversing the tractor. Almost a bit surgical like. The result was a very impressive flat surface almost ready for laying concrete... but the big question is..... Is this all to much for the loader bucket, hydraulics and assembly? Wot doya all think?

 

[Egon]

I back back blade with the loader all the time. Different angles will give different results.

 

[nails_n_glue]

I back back blade with the loader all the time. Different angles will give different results.

Do you use float like the manual suggests or do you ride backwards on the bucket to grade?

 

[BamaRob]

This has been discussed at length here before. With the bucket angled as you describe, back-scraping with it is (potentially) putting a LOT of stress on the curl cylinders. If you were to hit an immovable object (top edge of a big root or rock) while doing this, you could certainly do some expensive damage. I'm pretty sure you're correct that JD would frown upon this practice.

But hey, it's your loader and (potentially) your money to spend on repair, so if you're getting the results you want and are comfortable with the risk of damage to your equipment, more power to ya.

Later,

BR

 

[unreconstructed]

I backdrag all the time also, but its just to smooth out the loose stuff. Have not used the angle you describe with the wheels off the ground however. Dont think I would want to chance it on immovable objects.

 

[Z-Michigan]

I do this somewhat often with loose dirt and composted manure. I usually use float setting; if I don't use float, I definitely don't have the front wheels off the ground, and I'm very careful about not hitting anything that will give much resistance. If there's any chance of hitting something that won't budge, do yourself a favor and either use float or use a 3ph implement for the task.

 

[Simpleman922]

I also have been using my 2210 FEL to grade, however I use the float mode most of the time, it works great!!

 

[flyngti]

I think being careful is the rule of thumb here. I've graded by backblading in non-float position and it's fine. Just don't get greedy and take too much of a bite at once.

 

[gunmaker]

Do it with the toothbar on, it really breaks the soil up fast!

 

[JerryG]

It will bend your bucket cylinders. Most manufactures have something in their owners manuals about back dragging like that. Look at this thread.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/99183-neat-trick-using-loader-box.html