It is OK to use the loader in this way?

[newdeal]

I read the manual for the loader on my bx2360. I have a bunch of long mounds of dirt that I want to level out. I was putting the bucket in the dump position, dropping it into the pile and then backing up to pull it off the pile and spread it across the ground to gradually flatten the pile. It says in the manual not to use the bucket in the dump position as a bulldozer, it doesn't say to not use it that way in reverse but I am not sure if I am damaging the hydraulics by doing this and would like to know before I do any more

 

[RPK]

I am definitely not an expert on this but I believe when ever pistons are fully extended they are more easily bent when you wack into something like a rock or a stump in the ground. I was told it is much safer for your loader to have the bucket fully retracted and backblade with the inside bottom edge of the bucket. The pistons on the bucket will be fully closed up and if you hit something it will be much easier on the loader and bucket. I hope this made some sense. Someone can probably explain this better.

 

[beenthere]

With using the bucket curled all the way down to doze in reverse, you are putting compression on the stretched-out (extended) cylinders, and they may bend more easily that way (have less column strength).
I'd suggest reverse is harder on the equipment than forward.

But wouldn't do it unless being very gentle, either direction.

There may be other concerns too.

 

[arrabil]

Its okay since you're using loose material. I wouldn't "dig" like that though. RPK's method is best for anything tougher.

 

[timswi]

I've been doing that for years...In reverse, and going easy shouldn't hurt anything.I pull the dirt down or loosen it up that way, then flatten the bucket and backdrag the dirt...i wouldn't do that going in a forward direction..That can throw unexpected stress on the cylinders.

 

[whistlepig]

I read the manual for the loader on my bx2360. I have a bunch of long mounds of dirt that I want to level out. I was putting the bucket in the dump position, dropping it into the pile and then backing up to pull it off the pile and spread it across the ground to gradually flatten the pile. It says in the manual not to use the bucket in the dump position as a bulldozer, it doesn't say to not use it that way in reverse but I am not sure if I am damaging the hydraulics by doing this and would like to know before I do any more

I think what they are talking about is that when the bucket is in the dump position the piston shafts are fully extended and at their weakest position. I use my bucket in the dump position all the time for bulldozing dirt and gravel. Have to be careful. If you wack a stump or big rock going fast in 4WD you may bend a piston shaft. I don't think it has anything to do with damaging your hydraulics.

 

[savageactor7]

I've scraped down areas like that newdeal. Sometimes when I level dirt/sand/driveway mix I keep the bucket loaded and back blade it that way. Eventually it's time for the hand rake but that method still gets a lot done.

 

[newdeal]

ok well I was probobly being too hard on it then because even though it was dirt sometimes due to the density of the soil the tractor wouldn't pull it because the resistance was so high so I had to raise it up to get it to pull. I am guessing that is stressing the shaft too much probobly. Hopefully nothing bad happened, I guess I will have to find a differant way to do it. In the end there will probobly be an acre or two I need to smooth out that way, we had a geothermal heat system installed and so we have like 1400 feet of trench that is 3 feet wide they backfilled it but the soil didn't settle down that well so now I have to smooth out the mounds, they are wet clay and some are as much as 2.5 feet tall (the trenches were 6 feet deep or more so they moved alot of dirt)

 

[ejnichol]

I back blade with mine all the time. Mine must be shot but still works well.

I guess this is when you have to pony up for more attachments like a box blade or a seperate blade, whatever they are called.

Imagine repairing/replacing a bent piston would be pricey.

 

[beenthere]

newdeal
Go forward and scoop with the bucket to either get a bucket-full, or at least loosen it up. Then drag the loose back with the bottom of the bucket, or drag back with the bucket at half curl.
If you can get on the other side, then scoop forward and dump.

You have the right tool to get that job done without tearing up your machine....I think.