Reality check for this newbie. What do I really need? 15 acres, but no livestock.

[kenmbz]

2Labs,
Congrats on the tractor, now you can add it to your profile to replace the none
Having the Shredder and loaded wheels on is how you are not getting tippy right now, so good on that.
Keep the load low and be careful of slopes.
FEL will only pick up as much as the relief valves allow.
Others can give you better advice on load capabilities with your setup, but terrain makes a difference. Smooth and flat is easier.

 

[ericm979]

Due to geometry of the cylinders, the loader can lift the most weight when it's at the bottom of its travel and the least at full height. If you lift more weight than can be lifted to full height but less than the "breakout" weight it can lift at the bottom of the travel, the loader will go up part way and then stall when the required pressure reaches the relief valve pressure. I can hear the flow going past the relief valve, not sure everyone can.

Keep heavy loads as low as possible, for safety. Weight up high can tip a tractor over. And if your tractor's light in the rear, you want to be able to drop the load to the ground quick if things get squirrely. If the rear's off the ground all the weight is on the front axle, which has a pivot in the middle.

 

[ericm979]

Oops, double post

 

[shea1004]

I had a close call this Saturday with the grapple bucket while moving some brush close to a hill. I should have put the ballast box on the 3pt hitch. Lesson learned. Even with the rear tires filled the FEL will get you in trouble quick with a heavy load. Wear your seatbelts but if you don't practice bailing out of the seat and pushing the FEL control in the direction that drops the bucket.

 

[3Ts]

I know of someone who rolled a tractor with nothing in the bucket by working on a hillside and raised it to high. Changed the center of gravity and over it went. (He survived with only a few bumps). Be careful and pay attention to your machine and how it's performing.