OK to lift tractor with bucket?

[tybee]

I've got a B7100HST with the FEL. I also have a 60 mid mount mower that I need to remove from time to time. I need to be able to get the front wheels off the ground about a foot to roll the mower out and back in. Is it OK to use the FEL and an overhead chain to lift the front end? I'm thinking about a chain hung from a sufficiently strong tree limb, attached to a hook on the top of the bucket and using the bucket to pick up the front end of the tractor. Will this work and if so is it safe for me and the tractor?

 

[MarkV]

It is pretty common to lift the tractor with the loader if the loader is strong enough to do it. The danger would be if you had a hydraulic failure while under it. Your chain idea would be a good safety factor if you cannot use jack stands.

MarkV

 

[beenthere]

I'd worry most about the tree limb.
(and not getting under anything while the tractor is lifted)

 

[CurlyDave]

If you can roll the mower in and out from the side, I would just build a small dirt pile, drive up to it and lower the bucket until the tractor is up far enough.

No chain, no tree.

 

[RickB]

If you can roll the mower in and out from the side, I would just build a small dirt pile, drive up to it and lower the bucket until the tractor is up far enough.

No chain, no tree.

Or roll the bucket out sufficiently to get enough lift on the front axle.

No chain, no tree, no pile of dirt.

 

[TripleR]

We lift our tractors with the FEL all the time to remove deck, fix tire etc.; no problems. Of course when appropriate we use stands.

 

[rdsaustintx]

Welcome to TBN. :tractor:

Of course you can lift the tractor with your FEL, but don't climb under it.

TOTALLY lost us on the chain and tree part. Did you go to Texas A&M? Just a hunch. :confused3:

 

[tybee]

Thanks guys for all the really good suggestions. I had an owners manual ordered for this mower deck and it just arrived today. It's amazing what kind of info you can find in these. According to the manual you just drive over the deck to get it in and out. I would have been afraid to try it but that's what it says to do in the manual so I'll give a try.

 

[tybee]

I tried it. It worked. It didn't even leave tread marks on the deck.

 

[BizDoc]

I would not climb under any unit that relied on the hydrolics. I've had 2 different hydrolic line breaks in the past 3 months. that would be disasterous if you're under the unit.