Loader position when parked

[Opti-Mist]

Take a look to see if the lift cylinders are blocked in the extended position so that the bucket cannot drop. If not, that is a huge safety risk.

 

[gemini5362]

I think they do that just to show that the hydraulics dont bleed off for long periods of time when they are turned off.

when I park mine I tilt the bucket back to get the cylinders all the way inside. Then I turn off the engine and then I drop the bucket all the way down to the ground. I dont worry about water in the bucket as one poster said it is not that hard to spray paint the bucket and a pit in the cylinder can get to be an expensive problem.

 

[roxynoodle]

Now that my tractor is inside I park it in the fully relaxed position. When it was outside though I put the loader in full dump but resting on the ground to prevent rain from filling the bucket.

 

[RalphVa]

I always park mine with it curled slightly down and flat on the cement floor. I can put it in that position even if I happen to forget and shut the engine before lowering it. This is to get any water out that might stand there otherwise.

My cylinder rods have some sort of black coating on them that keeps them from rusting.

Ralph

 

[BXRICK]

I move the bucket to almost on the ground, with the bucket tipped slightly forward. Then, shut off the engine. Then, lower the bucket until it hits the ground.
You don't want the bucket flat on the ground for two reasons:
1. water collects in it
2. The flat bottom can freeze to the ground, which can be a pain.

When parked outside, I usually cover most of the tractor with a tarp.
I park it the same way when in the shed, out of habit.

 

[chrisjbell]

If it is your tractor, release all the pressure on the hydraulics. It is easier on the seals, which are the most damage prone parts of the loader. It is a safety issue as well (as has been mentioned). Not letting water accumulate in the bucket is just fine, but things can be crushed under the bucket if the acutator is pushed accidentally. Propping the bucket with a 4x4 was a good idea, but I'm too lazy to do it every time.

 

[HappyCPE]

Or park it in your heated garage and keep the door locked to keep the Fed-X guy from taking it for a spin when your not home

That's what I do! Wouldn't want the tractor to be ridden hard and put up wet!

 

[Harvster]

Or park it in your heated garage and keep the door locked to keep the Fed-X guy from taking it for a spin when your not home

That's why I insist that my wife wear skimpy lingerie around the house. That way he won't go near my tractor!

 

[Iowa2305]

I am looking at trading my X Series JD for a sub-compact. Since I don't have a lot of room in my garage right now, I was thinking of raising the loader all the way up and block the cylinders with angle iron. Bad idea? I really want move up in size but would this damage the cylinders if I do this. I would make sure that angle iron wouldn't be able to be moved unless by an adult (myself). I look forward to hearing from you all on what you think. My loader would be indoors year around in a heated garage. Thanks from Iowa.

 

[kwolfe]

I park mine inside, so 90% of the time I lay the bucket so that it is flat, turn the engine off and work the stick around a bit to let the pressure out. Last time I left the bucket slighty curled up (2 inches) I busted my toe getting a beer in the garage fridge.

On the weekends, I raise the loader about 2ft and leave the 3 pt raised so that I can push it out of the garage before I start it. Don't want to wake the kids at 5am. Wife would be upset.