OK to max out loader? (ie use it to its MAX capability)

[beppington]

I have seen a video from this forum I believe, a man on a good sized tractor trying to knock a 4' stump over and he would actually start back about 10 feet or so and take a run at it. He did that quite a few times and it finally went over. I just wanted to climb into the u-tube and slap him one.:thumbdown::thumbdown:

Yeeouch, man, that just sounds like broken tractor.

 

[Combustix]

Have had some heavy trunks that have had the back pretty light but no detrimental effects

 

[IndyIan]

I won't admit to running at 110% of capacity, but lifting some heavy items I found that if you curl it up, then lift while curling down you can actually get stuff up that otherwise you wouldn't be able to budge.

That is kind of a neat trick but I think that would be the definition of running your loader to 110% capacity:laughing: It depends on your tractor and the the loader and the hydraulic system. If your pump is getting weak then sure, doing something like this probably isn't going to hurt anything, but on a new tractor, I don't think I'll be trying this unless I have some sort of lifting emergency! Which I don't know what that would be? Maybe putting a perfect log onto a sawmill? Even then parbuckling it up is pretty easy to do even just with the ATV winch, and won't break my tractor...

 

[knightrider955]

Not sure if he was kidding or not but for sure he'll be back to tell us. As far as loader capacities and or three point lifts, follow manufacturers recommendations and you'll be ok. Most of us like to push the limits of all our stuff whether it's a firearm with hand loads or cars we drive close to red line, etc,etc. Just need to take it slow and easy , you'll know in your own mind if your pushing it to far.
DevilDog

No Im not kidding and I'll tell you why. Last summer I was knocking over some dead trees and I did the "nudging it slow" with my bucket. This only caused the tree to sway. Which made it snap off halfway up. Fortunatly it few away from me and my tractor. Ive found that one good ram usually forces the tree right over or at least leans it. Which if it breaks after that, who cares because it leaning or falling away from me. Momentum is key. Just like pulling with chains. I slack the chain as much as I can, I put her in 3 high and let her fly. If I just tugged slowly at it, thats wear on my drivetrain and clutch. With speed, I let the momentum of my heavy tractor do the work, not the tractor. Simple physics.

 

[beppington]

Note to self: Avoid used equipment within the vicinity of Lakeview, MI




:laughing:

 

[RaydaKub]

No Im not kidding and I'll tell you why. Last summer I was knocking over some dead trees and I did the "nudging it slow" with my bucket. This only caused the tree to sway. Which made it snap off halfway up. Fortunatly it few away from me and my tractor. Ive found that one good ram usually forces the tree right over or at least leans it. Which if it breaks after that, who cares because it leaning or falling away from me. Momentum is key. Just like pulling with chains. I slack the chain as much as I can, I put her in 3 high and let her fly. If I just tugged slowly at it, thats wear on my drivetrain and clutch. With speed, I let the momentum of my heavy tractor do the work, not the tractor. Simple physics.

Think about your physics, dude. If the sway of that tree was enough to cause it to snap, don't you think the sudden impact is going to cause an even larger snap to occur and in the opposite direction of the impact? Which means directly backwards and then down in your face. Classic definition of whiplash.

If you don't think the sudden jerk on your tractor isn't harming your clutch and drivetrain, you're smokin' some real good stuff.

Tell you what, get yourself a small car and get it stuck really good in some mud. Hook your chain to the front bumper and pull it out with your method. Wanna place any bets on what that bumper looks like when you're done? The same thing is happening to your tractor, just in small increments.

Momentum is a wonderful thing and it certainly can allow the tractor to do more than it may with just the shear pulling force it can generate. Nobody is arguing that point. But the price you are paying is your safety margin.

Good luck to ya; you're gonna need it. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but your odds are getting better and better.

The fact that you are still alive is nothing short of amazing.

 

[RaydaKub]

Note to self: Avoid used equipment within the vicinity of Lakeview, MI

You took the words right out of my mouth...

 

[Dr_Zinj]

I think I'd want something with a good roll cage, not a ROPS.
There's a good reason why skidders have a wraparound cage.

 

[scrappy isb67]

No Im not kidding and I'll tell you why. Last summer I was knocking over some dead trees and I did the "nudging it slow" with my bucket. This only caused the tree to sway. Which made it snap off halfway up. Fortunatly it few away from me and my tractor. Ive found that one good ram usually forces the tree right over or at least leans it. Which if it breaks after that, who cares because it leaning or falling away from me. Momentum is key. Just like pulling with chains. I slack the chain as much as I can, I put her in 3 high and let her fly. If I just tugged slowly at it, thats wear on my drivetrain and clutch. With speed, I let the momentum of my heavy tractor do the work, not the tractor. Simple physics.

:shocked::thumbdown:

Note to self: Avoid used equipment within the vicinity of Lakeview, M



:laughing:

agreed!

Think about your physics, dude. If the sway of that tree was enough to cause it to snap, don't you think the sudden impact is going to cause an even larger snap to occur and in the opposite direction of the impact? Which means directly backwards and then down in your face. Classic definition of whiplash.

If you don't think the sudden jerk on your tractor isn't harming your clutch and drivetrain, you're smokin' some real good stuff.

Tell you what, get yourself a small car and get it stuck really good in some mud. Hook your chain to the front bumper and pull it out with your method. Wanna place any bets on what that bumper looks like when you're done? The same thing is happening to your tractor, just in small increments.

Momentum is a wonderful thing and it certainly can allow the tractor to do more than it may with just the shear pulling force it can generate. Nobody is arguing that point. But the price you are paying is your safety margin.

Good luck to ya; you're gonna need it. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but your odds are getting better and better.

The fact that you are still alive is nothing short of amazing.

I have seen firsthand what a chain can do when it breaks when jerked on! it is not a pretty sight!

 

[Furu]

I would no more ram a tree with the tractor than I would with my shiny new truck. yuck..

James K0UA

No joke.

I will use my equipment to it's limits and I use it hard, but...... If you treat it like sh** you get the results you deserve. If you take care of your equipment it will take care if you.