Loader New Operators, lets grease our Front End Loaders!

[k0ua]

k0ua - Really a timely thread for me! I was worrying about grease just the other day.



My question is: For a simple pin joint such as on a FEL or MMM wheel axle, should I pump until new grease comes out of ONE (either) end of the joint, or out of BOTH ends? I don't believe any of the pin joints on my FEL readily give up grease at both ends. Consequently, I worry that my greasing effort may be in vain. Is there a trick to get grease out of both ends of the joint?

Some say to have the loader on the ground to relax any tension in the pins, you might try that, but usually I just pump until I see clean grease and assume it will spread as I use the loader. Most people say it is better to overgrease than undergrease, You might use the loader a bit and do it again to make sure it is spreading. Wont hurt.
There are actual mechanics and heavy machine operators on this forum whose credentials are much better than mine, my purpose was to get a discussion started to help new folks a bit.:thumbsup:

James K0UA

 

[Bigfoot62]

:thumbsup: Good post. It's a shame to say, but it's not only noobs that fail to grease equipment.

I do want to add my :2cents: worth to some of your thoughts.

. . .Let me start by giving you my credentials, this will be the easy part, I have none. I am a Sales Engineer for a Telecom company, and have spent about 40 years doing technical electronic work. . .


Step 1, read the manual that came with you loader


. . . and a little 3 oz mini piston type handheld. I use the mini pistol handheld more than the others.


. . . I have never ever broken a zerk, yet they sell grease zerks in bulk. . .

That would absolutely qualify you as an expert on tractors, probaly politics too. :laughing:

Manual, what manual? Real men don't need no stinkin' instructions!

You just don't use as much grease as I do. I buy the big tubes by the case.
Here's the grease gun that I use, the pistol grip at the top of the page: JohnDeere Grease Guns and Accessories JohnDeere.com
And, yes, you can use a JD grease gun on other brands of equipment. Actually, I bought my first JD pistol grip grease gun before I owned a JD tractor. It was probably 25 years ago. I'm not sure who makes these for JD, but it's the best gun I've ever used.

Again, you don't use as much grease as I do. It will happen. Also, if you operate dirt equipment, run a plow with coulters, or even use your FEL a bunch in the dirt, you will have to change a zerk every now and then. Also, you can just break them off while you're using them. (back into a tree, scrape against a fence post, etc) They're cheap and I buy them in the assortment pack, both SAE and Metric.

 

[k0ua]

I used to use 10 times or more grease than I do now, When I used to mow at least every 2 weeks, I bought the 14 oz tubes by the case. Greased every time I went out. But I dont have that kind of property now, I kinda miss it.
It was pretty while I had it. I have driven by there again, it doesn't look like when I left it.


James K0UA

 

[sweep]

I used to use 10 times or more grease than I do now, When I used to mow at least every 2 weeks, I bought the 14 oz tubes by the case. Greased every time I went out. But I dont have that kind of property now,

I grease mine every 8 hours of operation per Brush Hog recomendations. I keep a log book in the garage and watch the hour meter.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Thanks for the reminder, I noticed my new (a year now) loader squeeking the other day, guess I better check the grease.

 

[SSdoxie]

Regarding taking load of the loader pins and accessing the bucket & QA pins; I dump the bucket over so cutting edge is vertical then lower it to ground and put lift arm in float position. That way all my zerks are easily reached without moving the loader.

I also grease the tie rods, front axle pivot and hydrostatic pedal linkages at the same time. 1 or 2 pumps for those with boots on them, so to put some grease in without blowing out the boot.

 

[dls21962]

I also appreciate the reminder. I was working with the loader Saturday and was noticing some squeaks. My tractor has 27 hours on it. After seeing this thread, I checked the loader manual and then picked up a tube of grease on the way home from work today. Just finished. Hopefully the squeaks will be gone now.

 

[k0ua]

Just think of all the happy loaders now that will finally get some grease

hey ssdoxi thanks for the tip:thumbsup:

James K0UA

 

[idaho2]

While greasing your front end loaders check the shoulder bolts that are used on the QA mechanism. One wiggled out and is lost somewhere on the 80 acres. Replacement is now secured with blue Loctite per KMW factory. Just another item to look at while greasing the FEL.

idaho2

 

[pat32rf]

After about 4300hrs I've figured out that some of my pins need more grease than others. Normally the pins closest to thge bucket move thru a greater arc so need more than the pins on the mounting posts.
I also find that if I study just where the zerk is located, I can tell if the weight of the bucket/arms is putting pressure on the spot that I am trying to inject grease, in which case I rotate the bucket/raise lower the arms/ or just lower everything to the ground and push down. This will give a bit more space for the grease to flow.
I have also removed many of my pins over the years and us4ed a small grinder to create grease grouves in them. (especially on my hoe)