OK, my 2320 is here - I need some help!

[jcv]

First off, what a nice machine! This is my 1st tractor (I'm not counting the little Ford I had years ago... it wasn't good for much ) and it seems really nice and very heavy-duty for my purposes.

My front-mount snowblower isn't in yet so I'll be moving snow with the FEL fror now (200cx w/61" bucket). I need to plow all around the back of my house over the lawn and there's a good 8-10" of snow there now. Well, I just can't seem to do it. I've been at it for the last hour and have acomplished nothing. Either I immediately dig badly into the lawn or I leave all the snow where it is. I guess I just don't know how to do this and I really need some advice.

Also, can someone tell me how to hook my 3pt hitch (I have I-match) to my mower deck to move it around? Noone at the dealership knows how.

Thanks in advance and please be easy on me... I'm very new to this.

Jay

 

[prosperity]

About moving snow with your loader -

First question is: Do you have the bucket level indicator (optional $30)?

If you do, then get your bucket absolutely level first (bottom of bucket and cutting edge). When moving snow in a lawn area, you will want it level, or the cutting edge just a tad above level (1/4" - 1/2"). Then go slowly and watch if you are picking up snow or sod, and adjust the angle of your bucket accordingly.

Take your time - it's takes some practice to get it just right, and different conditions will require slightly different angles.

 

[JSR LLS]

I have only moved snow with my blower, so forgive MY lack experience. But, would it work better if you used the float position (forward on the joystick until it clicks into position) on the FEL? This is what I use when snowblowing. Sorry if I'm way off on this, hopefully others will chime in. Good Luck!

 

[tomd999]

Hay Jay,

Sweet, you got it. Congrats. We need to see some pictures!

Your snow problem....OK, the top of the bucket is parallel to the bottom, if you keep it level the bottom will slide along the ground and let the snow in and not too much grass with it. The optional level indicator I think Korey said they put on all the loaders, it's the bent rod on the right of the loader arm as you look at it from the seat, When the bend in the rod is in the center of the loop, the bucket is level.

To hook your drive over deck to the Imatch, the deck should have 4 long pins on the front tabs as shown in the Deere operational video for the 2x20's here: Deere & Company Media Player
The segment showing the deck lifted by the imatch is about 3/4 of the way through.

If you want, shoot me a PM, I have some free time tomorrow afternoon, I can breeze on by and give U a hand.

Tom

 

[ChuckinNH]

If you don't have the buckel level indicator, perhaps knowing that the top of the bucket on John Deere's is parallel with the bottom. For me, that works better than the indicator since I can keep focused at what I'm doing.
Perhaps this photo will help with the deck if the video is a bit fast.......

 

[JB4310]

Jay,
Like JSR said, you have to use float, it's a necessity along with the level bucket, I was really frustrated when I first used mine but after a few tries it's a breeze, the bucket indicator does help so you don't have to look down at the bucket all the time.
If you don't know about how to use the float position don't feel bad there have been long mind boggling discussions about this very simple procedure, some folks really struggled with it, The easiest way to do it is start with the bucket off the ground about a foot or two maybe higher when you try it the first time, just push the joy stick full forward, then apply more force forward till you feel a pop, engaging detente, this will allow the bucket to drop till it hits the ground just by gravity and the weight of the bucket, no hydro pressure, this way as you drive the bucket will freely move up and down (float) over the uneven terrain and help prevent digging in, you still have to have the right bucket attitude or relationship between the bottom of the bucket and the ground, once you get to the end of the push run pull back on the stick and it will pop out. The reason for doing it with the bucket off the ground more for first timers is you might hesitate while pushing the stick forward, if the bucket is on the ground you'll be lifting the front of the tractor and either get spooked and stop or when you do finally push it to float the front of the tractor comes slamming down cause now it's floating.
The float is the easy part, getting the knack of dialing in that bucket angle takes a little more practice, to little angle and the bucket will ride up on top of the snow, but that's a better way to get started, then start angling down as your going to scrap clean, to much angle and you dig in if your on soft ground or gravel, if your on pavement it's not as much of a problem.
BTW this is all assuming you do have the float position, my 300 cx has it so I think yours should to.
Good luck, keep trying.

 

[jcv]

Thank you all very much for taking the time to help me out! I really appreciate it. It's funny, the dealer was no help to me at all... I'm really glad I found this forum.

My FEL does have the level indicator (so that's what that is!) and I now know how to use the float. I just went out and did my drive way and it went pretty well. I'm not going to do around back today - it's pretty warm and the ground is soft - but I'll get back there soon to see if I can NOT trash the lawn I don't need to get around back right away so I have some time.

Hooking the MMM to the i-match makes perfect sense now. We were almost going to try it that way but it looked like the deck would hinge on that top pin. Now I see how the bottom pin binds it and keeps it from dropping. Awesome!

Thanks again
Jay

BTW - pics coming soon!

 

[bxowner]

I don't mean to state something that may be obvious to you... but my bucket level indicator was not properly adjusted when I took delivery, so I wouldn't assume the bucket's actually level when the bent portion sits in the hole. There's a single bolt that you can loosen to adjust the metal rod up or down - set the bucket down on level ground and double check.

 

[tomd999]

Hay Jay,

Glad to hear your all set.

Ya, The guys at the dealer aren't up on the smaller equipment, they are used to the big hundred plus horsepower stuff. (Mainly hay equipment from the impression I get) Don't get bummed about them not knowing, I get a lot of blank stares when I ask about the small stuff, they will still do whatever it takes to make U happy.

You got the filled ballast box right? If you have a hill on your property, don't be surprised if it gradually lifts the front wheels just a little as you go uphill when the loader is in float as you scrape. Mine does it all the time, I just ease up on the hydro and they drop back down.

OK man, have a good one, I'll stop by for that beverage soon.

Tom

 

[RalphVa]

If your level indicator is a rod in tube thing like is on my 410 loader, it helps to just cut the rod off level with the top of the tube when the bucket is dead level. I even painted the end of the rod white. Guess yellow would be better to match the JD color scheme. It would work, too. You can use the right/left on the joy stick with the FEL in float to adjust the level. Best to get it level before dropping it. However, it sometimes gets out of level on the way down.

Float's easy once you get the hang of it. We all got through the business of not hitting it and having the front wheels leave the ground until we learn the technique.

My dealer was useless on this stuff, too. He also didn't tell me how to work the glow plugs by turning the key all the way to "start" while leaving the range selector in gear for 1 to 2(in summer) to 3 to 4 seconds (in winter) before moving selector to "N" to start the engine. Hopefully the 2320 owner's manuals have this in them. Not the case with the 4010 owner's manual. Maybe the 2320s actually come with a glow plug light?

Ralph