Oil change with loader attached?

[Bob_S]

Has anyone figured out if changing the oil / filter on the 4310 can be done while the loader remains attached? Even the side grill cant be easiily remove with the loader in place. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif I think I would be enclined to change the oil more often than the manual recommends if it weren't for the loader complication.

 

[dmp437]

It takes 10 minutes or less to remove the loader (my 430 anyway) so I don't think I would want to try to change the oil with the loader on. I usually mow w/o the loader so it's on and off quite a bit anyway.

 

[WCarlson]

Bob_s,
I changed the oil on my 4200 with the loader attached, once. It was a pain, however, it is possible to get the side panels off. They need to be pushed, pulled and lifted and are even more difficult to get back on. Subsequent oil changes have been without FEL, as DMP437 pointed out, loader removal and reinstallation takes 10 minutes, less time than I spent manipulating the side panels.
Bill

 

[herbenus]

On my 4200 I usually forget to take loader off. After all, it's not in the way when removing drain plug. Then it's "oops" when I try to get to the fill cap and oil filter. It can be done but it's a pain... Do yourself a favor and remove loader. Use the time to remove both grills and do a good inspection of the engine, air filters, battery, etc. Maybe wash engine. I found I could actually wrestle a grill off, but it was almost impossible to put back on.

 

[beenthere]

I remove the loader to change the oil, for the same reasons others have (check and clean around engine, remove oil filter, and ease of removing side panels). I would say that 1 - 2 minutes (max) is the time to remove the loader, and you don't have a cross arm to worry about dropping on your hood (although plastic has some give to it and doesn't dent). /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Bob_S]

Thanks all!. I have only removed the loader twice for the two oil changes I have done so far. I have had much better luck getting the BH off and on than the loader. Perhaps I just need more practice with the loader.

 

[JerryT]

I have a 4400 and the FEL has never been off. I have no trouble removing the side panel or putting it back on. The only hard part is the oil fill tube location and I handle this with a funnel with a long spout. The 4400 may be different (more room) so I don't know if this helps.

 

[centex]

Just remember to cycle the loader control after you stop the engine and before you disconnect the hydraulic couplers. I did not relieve the pressure once and it is impossible to reconnect the hoses with pressure in the cylinders. I had to loosen the fittings on the loader to relieve pressure before I could reconnect the hoses. If you don't do that and get a little practice taking the loader on and off it is a piece of cake to do. I always remove mine when I mow, disk, fertilize, etc. It makes maneuvering around fences, trees, buildings, pens, etc. much easier. I learned this the hard way too after getting tangled up in a fence with the mower and loader bucket. It was impossible to get away from the fence without doing more damage.

 

[rmonio]

I agree with Jerry. I didn't have to remove my FEL when I did the oil change on my 4600. I did remove it, however, when I put the block and hydraulic heaters in last year.

-Bob

 

[jackd]

I'll add my 2 cents...didn't remove the loader on the 4400, 4600, or 4710...one of these days I'll get up the nerve to remove it! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

JackD