Tractorin' -- Good, Bad, Ugly

[Gary Fowler]

I added hooks to the ouside edges of my loader bucket. I didn't put one in the middle because I have seen buckets buckled from too much stress along that unreinforced edge. I wish I had had the top edge reinforce and then added the third, middle hook (or, maybe, a 2" hitch receiver with hook points?).

I would suggest that you don't put your hooks on the extreme outside edge, instead put them where the cylinders attach to the bucket. This lessens to some extent the side tipping forces and possible torqueing of your FEL frame. You can still bend the frame if picking up a heavy load on just one side of the bucket, but putting the hooks at the centerline of the hydraulic cylinder attachment point lessens this risk.
Also put some reinforcement on the bucket prior to installing the hooks. I used 4x6x1/4" plate welded to the top lip of my bucket then welded the hooks to that plate-guaranteed not to pull loose from the bucket that way nor bend the lip.
IF you insist that you need a center hook (not a good idea) then you need to stiffen up the top of the FEL bucket with a piece of channel stitch welded to the top lip. This can be placed between each of the outer hooks. This will allow you to lift the max your tractor can lift without bending the top lip of your bucket.
I never put a middle hook on mine, instead if I need to lift from the middle, I make a loop with my chain by fastening on each side then connecting the chain hook to a V in the middle. It takes a lot of chain, but all the forces are pulling from each side so the FEL is stable and no danger of buckling the top of the bucket. IF I had to do lots of lifting, I would likely do the reinforcing of the top lip and add a center hook.

 

[Coyote machine]

When working alone, using a walkie-talkie in conjunction with someone monitoring the other unit can be a lifesaver. A cell phone could be useful too if there becomes a need to call for help.
Hydrating in hot weather; carrying anti-hornet spray, and or Benadryl in case of accidentally disturbing ground bees or other hidden stinging insects can be useful.
Don't operate when tired, drunk, or if operating in Colorado, stoned, is wise advice.:laughing:
Do a walk around before using the machine first thing each day. Look for low tire pressure, which can contribute to a tire rolling off a rim while driving, turning, etc.
Be situation-ally aware of your surroundings, the terrain you plan to cover, and go slow to and from wherever you plan to work the tractor.
Chin up, feet down.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Also, get those tires loaded. If you aren't worried about soil compaction as you stated that you wont be in the lawn, loaded tires along with your wheel weights will do wonders for traction, stability and overall handling. Weight is your friend with a tractor.

Also, keep one of your heavier implement on the back when using the FEL to haul heavy materials. A heavy duty bush hog (1000#+in weight) that hangs way back from the tractor gives the best counterweight. A weight box up close to the tractor will need to be about 2 times(or more) the weight to give the same counterweight to the front wheels.

 

[TerryR]

One point I've not seen -- use a cell phone service that provides that coverage of your entire property if you can. Difficult to do here, but some systems provide better coverage in specific areas than others. My theory is that if I survive an accident I want to be able to call for help.

 

[Gary Fowler]

One point I've not seen -- use a cell phone service that provides that coverage of your entire property if you can. Difficult to do here, but some systems provide better coverage in specific areas than others. My theory is that if I survive an accident I want to be able to call for help.

Very good advice. I wish I could remember to take my cell phone with me every time I go to the back side of my property to work especially if using a chain saw cutting down or blocking up a tree.

 

[GrandpaDano999]

Gary, Coyote, Terry -- Wise counsel, each one, thank you. I already use a voice-activated walkie-talkie when I'm using chain saw or sitting "out back" taking photos. Walk-around is good for pilots of aircraft, also good for us.

 

[Avery11]

ROPS up, seatbelt on, 4 wheels on the ground, and people/kids/pets far away. Then play.

Becoming a big fan of this Dude. Love it.

 

[JRobyn]

You have received a bunch of really good tips in this thread, a testament to the many wise and knowledgeable folks on TBN. Hence, my tip; get yourself a large cup of coffee once a day, and spend a few minutes quickly scanning new posts in the Rural Living, Kubota Owning/Operating, Safety, and Owning-Operating sub-forums for threads that pique your interest (EVERYTHING in the Safety sub forum). And others as desired and as time allows.

As a relative newcomer, it would be very valuable and educational to spend an evening or two perusing back a good long ways in especially the Safety forum. There is a vast amount of collective knowledge on here!

 

[massey2615]

Not sure if you will doing your own maintenance but that is key to a tractor.keep air filters clean,oil,fuel,and hydraulic filters changed regular basis.keep an eye on all fluids,leaks and any other connections.grease grease grease.amd if you have a quick attach bucket keep it off when you aren't using the FEL,that's a lot of weight on the front end and can prematurely wear out parts if you ride around with on when you don't need it.

 

[GrandpaDano999]

JRobyn, thanks for the encouragement to continue learning, learning and learning. I'm grateful and plan to do as you suggested. Hopefully as I mature in tractorin' I can also contribute here.