Rob, retired and ready

[realrual]

OK, I admit my experience with the front end loader is pretty much using it for a wheelbarrow. I want to learn to dig. What are some tips to keep in mind before I begin to practice?

 

[Muhammad]

Welcome to TBN.

 

[Bird]

OK, I admit my experience with the front end loader is pretty much using it for a wheelbarrow. I want to learn to dig. What are some tips to keep in mind before I begin to practice?

First tip . . a toothbar makes a tremendous difference so you can dig better.
Second . . . move forward slowly so you don't spin a wheel and dig a hole by trying to push too hard.
Third . . . slowly rolling the bucket back at the same time as you move forward helps.

That's from my experience, but we have a lot of members who know more than I so maybe they'll give you some more and/or better tips.

And welcome to Tractorbynet.

 

[RoyJackson]

Bird pretty much hit the main points...

I'll add a few:
Rear ballast (on the 3PH) is essential. I prefer a ballast box, but anything with enough weight will work.
A Loader is a loader...not a digger. Loader isn't the best tool if you want to dig a pond (although some TBNers have done so).
Keep your load low, your ROPS up (if it's a folder) and your seatbelt fastened.

Loader work requires practice...like any skill. Don't expect to be an expert the first day. Be patient and methodical and you'll do fine.

Welcome to TBN!!

 

[txdon]

Always keep the bucket moving slowly upward, if you don't you could break a steel hydraulic line like I did. When using it as a dozer tremendous pressure builds up in the hydraulic lines and damages your tractor. The pressure relief valve only works when the valve is operating. Use 4wd and when you start spinning raise the loader as you are tilting the bucket.

After you have a full load and are turning on any type of incline (or big dirt clod) KEEP THE BUCKET LOW and have you hand on the joystick ready to lower the bucket to the ground when the rear tires come off the ground. This is the time you are vulnerable for a rollover.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...079-steal-line-rupture-565672-ruptureline.jpg

 

[Transit]

Always keep the bucket moving slowly upward, if you don't you could break a steel hydraulic line like I did. When using it as a dozer tremendous pressure builds up in the hydraulic lines. The pressure relief valve only works when the valve is operating. Use 4wd and when you start spinning raise the loader as you are tilting the bucket.

After you have a full load and are turning on any type of incline (or big dirt clod) KEEP THE BUCKET LOW and have you hand on the joystick ready to lower the bucket to the ground when the rear tires come off the ground. This is the time you are vulnerable for a rollover.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...079-steal-line-rupture-565672-ruptureline.jpg

NEVER in your wildest dream use the FEL as a dozer, you will bend the push rods to the bucket = $$$$.

Install a bucket level indicator to control the bucket angle of the cut.

 

[JD5210]

All great advice, just a couple things to add. Know what you are digging into a good size root can stop you in your tracks. Is the ground wet or dry? When wet it will come out in big pieces, a good size piece can put out and might cause the loader to pop up some. Some of the reasons for going slow and wearing the seat belt.

This should be an easy one, but for the a spot to be level, the tractor needs to be on level ground to start with.