Keeping FEL attached or not?

[rmonio]

Since I've always cut my grass with my FEL on (2 years), I've never experienced the differences in cutting and turning functionality that you get when you take the FEL and cut grass with only the mower on (I have a Buehler 72" finish pull-behind). Yesterday after visiting the dealer for some warranty work, he suggested I try it as he said it was a good thing to remove the FEL once in a while to keep the couplings, etc., all in good working order.

I did do that - yesterday - and noticed it made quite a difference in speed/turning/etc.. I guess lack of weight and other things makes a big difference.

Here's my question though - what is the rule of thumb on taking these on/off? I don't mind having it off and then connecting it later when I do need the FEL, but it just feels odd to not have it connected. Also - what about the "On/Off" and it's wearing of things - I noticed that I definately have to relieve pressure in order to reconnect the loader as the fittings are hard to push on otherwise... any comments on best practices there?

Thanks for your help!

-Bob

 

[Bird]

Best practice? I don't know that it makes any difference, but I sure preferred mowing and tilling the garden without the FEL in the way, so I took mine off and put it back frequently. Of course, when I took it off, I left it off until the next time I needed it, and when I put it back on, I left it on until I was ready to mow or till again.

 

[RoyJackson]

For finish mowing work, I dismount the FEL almost all the time. In fact, the FEL is off most the spring, summer and fall unless I have a specific use for it. Since the tractor is used for snow removal in the winter, the loader is installed and stays on.
There have been threads concerning excessive front end wear (on the axle and wheel bearings) if the loader is on constantly. Unless you're using the tractor commercially, I cannot see this happening when considering the relatively low hours we residential user put on the machines.

As far as wear due to removal/installation...just can't see that being a problem either.

So, if your loader work is relatively low, I suggest you leave it off. It sure makes it easier to mow. There is a possibilty you'll need front weights if your RFM is heavy. I've not had that problem, but I don't transport the mower for more then a few dozen yards.

As far as the trouble you had reconnecting the hoses...just make sure you relieve all pressure (jiggle the joy stick) before you disconnect them. If you store the loader outside (in direct sunlight), there may be some expansion of the hydraulic fluid in the loader hoses. If you can't leave the loader in a shaded area or inside a building, put a rag over the MALE end (loader end) and tap the end of the male QD with a hammer or mallet. Some fluid will squirt out (that the purpose of the rag) and that will relieve the pressure build up due to expansion.

 

[rmonio]

Roy / Bird -

Thanks for the excellent feedback. On first glance it's probably 50/50 that I would need to have the loader on a good percentage of the time. In the winter I do move snow with it - unless I've got a dedicated usage for moving dirt, rock, or anything else - then I wouldn't need it on in the summer. Knowing that I can take it off - and using some of the ways of relieving pressure as you described - I think I'll clear an area in my pole barn for temporary storage of it and leave the mower on the rest of the time.

BTW - when using any implement that digs, pulls, or requires front weight - having the FEL on the front (I don't have weights) should be ok, right? That would be my other 50%... I sometimes use my box blade for moving dirt in our garden and stuff.

BTW^2 - it sure is odd driving it around the yard without the FEL - I can actually see the tires! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Thanks again for the feedback!

-Bob

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

I've never had mine off since I got the tractor and doubt it has ever been off since it was installed. I don't look at it as a problem keeping it on. I guess I can see where not having it on might allow me to maneuver a little differently, but I'm pretty much fine with things as they are.

After reading this I'm almost curious enough as to how it would be just looking over my hood and not seeing it out there to make me take it off once. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[RoyJackson]

"BTW - when using any implement that digs, pulls, or requires front weight - having the FEL on the front (I don't have weights) should be ok, right? "

Yep...I don't have front weights either. When I'm using the back blade or rotary cutter, I have the loader installed for a counterbalance. Also, since I don't field mow too often, the loader bucket helps knock the trash down (and finds hidden obstacles before you run over them).

BTW, when you are using the loader for it's intended purpose, up the inflation pressure in your front tires. That helps a lot. Just drop the pressures down after you remove that loader.

 

[beenthere]

I suspect you have also tried mowing with the loader on but the bucket off?

 

[JDgreen227]

I use my 4210/420 FEL for so many purposes it's reached the point where I basically leave the loader on all the time and just remove the bucket for mowing. Originally I thought I would just use the loader once in a while during the summer months but by leaving it mounted I tend to find a lot of jobs to use it for. Sure beats using a wheelbarrow or my yard trailer to haul brush and grass clippings, and just about every time I take a trip to my burn pile with the debris I engage the mower and mow on the way there and back, and I usually pick up a large stone or two to bring to the yard on the return trip.

Isn't this what they call multitasking....? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Bird]

I wouldn't worry about hurting the tractor by leaving the loader on any time. In fact, some tractors, as with the B7100 I had, do not have a quick attach loader and therefore the loader is never removed. I just preferred mowing without the loader for the increased visibility and maneuverability and comfort. My pasture was a bit rough and that loader bouncing up and down on the front of the tractor made for a rougher ride than not having it. When I picked up the mower, whether the finish mower or the brush hog, I could definitely tell the front end was light, but never light enough to be a problem for me.

 

[RoyJackson]

"I suspect you have also tried mowing with the loader on but the bucket off?"

I've seen this and read of it on TBN but I could never understand the thought process behind it (for a quick-attach loader). For folks who have a quick-attach bucket and swap over to forks or another type of bucket...I understand that. But just dropping the bucket off doesn't seem to get one much other then a somewhat shorter rig. As far as weight...there's still most of the FEL attached with all that weight above the axles.
So, other then shortening the overall length of the tractor/loader, what good is just dropping the bucket off a quick attach type FEL?