LA524 FEL bucket level indicator rod

[SPYDERLK]

I'll give the minority opinion. Those level rods are just one more thing to break. I like the flat welded tab on the top of the bucket that parallels the bottom. Pretty much can't be broke and you can see it pretty easy. Spend time to learn the look of level -- not money on a fragile doodad.



Wait a moment while I step back and slip on the asbestos suit....

:thumbsup: Yup. ... The look of level always works. The rod only works at one arm angle. ... and for me they usually dont even survive the 1st use.
larry

 

[JB4310]

I'll give the minority opinion. Those level rods are just one more thing to break. I like the flat welded tab on the top of the bucket that parallels the bottom. Pretty much can't be broke and you can see it pretty easy. Spend time to learn the look of level -- not money on a fragile doodad.



Wait a moment while I step back and slip on the asbestos suit....

Don't worry there will be no flaming from me :laughing: but I definitely don't agree with you. The refined JD version is tucked out of the way and is more natural to hit level as the rod changes direction as it reaches the bend. Not sure how you would break it without risking breaking other components, if you were in heavy brush lets say.

If I did break it I would replace it asap as I would not be without it, makes me more productive. Read reply below.

With that said, when I'm repeating bucket functions I'm always leveling the bucket while returning to the material I'm loading. When I sit the bucket down to reload it's already level. Can't do that using your method.

Exactly, when doing snow removal, it gets pretty repetitive. As soon as I've dumped a load I level the bucket, lower it a little and drop it in float. all while on the move as soon as the bucket hits the ground I'm already making another pass.

Bucket level indicator and float are both necessities for efficient snow removal work using loader.

The indicator is not always the end all solution, you still need to be able to feel the edge and adjust on the go sometimes, especially on uneven terrain and dirt work.

JB.

 

[Ford tractor]

I agree with "most" of what you said if you are the only operator of your tractor FEL. I built my indicator to assist anyone else that gets on my tractor and struggles trying to level the bucket.

With that said, when I'm repeating bucket functions I'm always leveling the bucket while returning to the material I'm loading. When I sit the bucket down to reload it's already level. Can't do that using your method.

Lastly, a level indicator is only a fragile doodad if you build it that way.

I see your points. However, The only persons using one of my tractors will be a trusted experienced operator. Or my kid. He is learning to "see" level no matter where the bucket is loading from. Below ground level, waist high or head high.

If you actually practiced and learned the correct "look of level", the method is used quickly and easily. I will dump the bucket and while backing it around and heading to the spoils pile leveling the bucket with just use of peripheral vision. I don't think (speculation here) that I could do that at the same speed and concentrate on the location of a rod. I monitor load/dump cycle times and even 5-10 seconds a cycle will make a big productivity difference over a 10 hour day.

Yeah, I see your point, but a mechanical device is going to be less robust than a welded flat piece of steel. I've dropped rocks, branches, brush and all manner of objects onto the loader arms over the years. Not sure how a rod would hold up to a large diameter rock rolling onto it. The hood, hydraulic hard lines and loader cross bar were not pleased!

Being an official card carrying member of the Old Farts and Curmudgeons Club it strikes me that leveling rods are like automatic transmissions. If you learn on one it's difficult to change to a manual. But like I said, just the minority view.

 

[Chilly807]

I've toyed with the idea of building one, and I may do it in the future. For now I'm just using the level tab on the bucket. I made another one of those for my snow screen last winter, now I can see it while I'm moving snow. The original was behind the screen and hard to see.

Sean