Top 10 things NOT to do with a new loader!

[mburke121]

This is one of the best threads ever. Informative and hilarious! Thanks guys!

 

[75H2]

IF your loader doesn't have the self leveling bucket DON'T forget to account for the increased angle of the bucket once the loader is raised. If this were to happen "PERHAPS" part of your load will fall out backwards all over your formerly shiny & dent free hood. IF this were ever to happen it would only occur the one time your wife happened to be watching what you were doing. This of course never happened to me, it was my "friend" who made the mistake

 

[hillman21]

to follow Rusty don't lift snow with your fel too close to a picket fence especially if the guy who sold you the tractor sees you do it My repair work in the spring

 

[bucmeister]

Don't try to push dead poplar trees over. The tractor and loader can do it ok, but the top half of the tree often falls backwards (got a dent to prove it)

Those broke off tree tops and or limbs are called "widow makers" because the dented hood can be the better outcome vs what can and has on way to many occasions happened.

As others have said, be especially careful lifting stuff high that can roll off the back of the bucket. A large round bale or a log will get to you before you have time to save your bacon.

If you have a heavy load and have to drive down an incline consider turning around and backing down the hill if there is any question at all about enough rear mounted counter weight. A load that feels and handles fine on level ground may provide for a very exciting (brown stain) ride going down much of an incline at all.

As an addition to the above, be careful lifting on loads when you are already in a nose down position, especially if you have 4 wheel drive and the front is engaged. You can pick the load up and as you let off the clutch the rear end goes up rather than the front tires turning. First day I had mine, before loading the tires I had to try the loader on a dirt pile that was just a bit downhill, put it in reverse, rears spun, not a problem I think to myself just lock in front end, was immediately in a 3 tire stance while my cheeks grabbed at the seat!!

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Garage door? What garage door? I didn't see a garage door.

**** door. It's always in the way.

Bill

Wasn't done with a tractor, but I was awoken one morning by a neighbor that backed his suv out and forgot to open the door.

 

[Coyote machine]

Check out my post about: "FEL pistons housing hits FEL arm(s)" in the hydraulics section, or in the Kioti owning/operating section. Either way it will give numerous details and pics of damage done via using the bucket/fel incorrectly, and the consequent results of improper use.

I try to make sure if I'm away from my house or barn area on the tractor that someone in the house has my other walkie-talkie just in case something goes wrong. This way they can assist me or call for help. If I'm focused on safety I'm more likely to be cautious of what is going on vs. getting complacent/careless. In a worse case scenario, like a flip I might not be able to get away or seek help but I might be able to call for it. That could possibly save my butt someday.

 

[CharlieR]

Don't do what I once did!
I had a Sears GT19.9 with a FEL and used it to take a Chevy 6 cyl engine out of a boat (big, big load).
I was please as all get out when I lifted that engine skyward and out of the boat - BUT - I just had to get off the tractor to admire my work.

I forgot my 200 lbs was needed as ballast to keep the rear tires on the ground!!!
The bucket and engine immediately pounded to the ground, the engine came out of the bucket and the rear end of the tractor came down with an ear shattering BANG!
The engine put a real big dent in my new asphalt driveway.
The engine had a really bashed in oil pan.
The tractor had a big crack in the trans-axle.
I wasn't so proud of myself anymore!
Many small loads are moved more safely than one big one!

 

[BlueGipper]

I could write you a nice pamphlet of what not to do, but I think the main safety tip to keep in mind is to minimize movement with the bucket raised.

Always go from point A to point B with your load as low as possible.

 

[Paul Wise]

Yeah, don't forget that loader and bucket stick way out there. It's really easy to be looking backwards when backing out of the garage, turn the steering wheel, forget the bucket is out there a ways, and clip the edge of your garage door. Don't ask me how I know

Uh, ditto on that one

 

[Paul Wise]

Boy, it looks like I'm not alone in this one! Garage door repair required this summer.

Well, now I don't feel like a complete idiot, just an idiot now