what does it take to roll a BX 24

FamilyFarm · Mar 15, 2007

I had a near rollover yesterday with the 5030. I've always been careful to have plenty of weight on the rear of the tractor if doing any loader work. I forgot that I only had a plow on the back (been plowing the garden) and needed to move some dirt. I got the bucket full and started to back up with he bucket about 4-5 ft off the grouind. The rear of the tractor started to go up on one side and I thought I was going over a dirt pile that was nearby. I was in 4wd and moving slowly, but didn't stop at first until I realized there was no pile of dirt under my tire - just air! I dropped the bucket and tractor eased on down. I was surprised at how smooth it all was, but needless to say, I will not load the bucket again with so little on the back. I always keep the bucket low when loaded, but this happened partly because I started to back out quickly as soon as the bucket was loaded, so I was still rolling the bucket back and hadn't lowered it before moving. SCARY!!

Terry

Washirving · May 4, 2007

I'm reactivating this thread to ask something.

I need to move a couple tons (at least) of rip-rap to the bank of a very small dam. (pond is only 1/3 of an acre or so) I have a BX2350 w/FEL. I knew I was going to be doing this project so I bought the rear weight holder, and I plan to fill it w/bags of concrete up to the maximum 400 lbs. weight.

Are there special precautions I should be aware of trying to move 4-5" stones with the FEL? Obviously it will get pretty scratched up.

BTW I intend to be incredibly careful on the dam. The first batch will be for the spillway which is the easiest to reach so I'll get my practice there. I will dump and manually push...I won't even try to position the loader over the edge because it would be too dangerous until I have more experience w/it. Then I will move until the pond side, doing the same technique. This is to discourage muskats from digging dens in it in case you are curious, and to generally stabilize it.

Is the BX2350 loader up to the task? My dealer said I'd be fine (of course) and that it could handle anything I could scoop up w/it.

bandit67 · May 4, 2007

Your dealer is correct in that it should handle whatever (small) rock you can scoop up. I've moved many tons of 1.5" decorative granite with my machine and with a BX22.

Just be sure your front tires are aired up at least to the max rating on the tire, but 5 psi over would be better since the fronts are shouldering most of the load. That pressure in the front tires when moving heavy material in the bucket makes a huge difference in stability/safety.

kwolfe · May 4, 2007

400lbs hanging off then end should keep you pretty firmly planted to the ground. I have moved some pretty heavy rocks with my bx1500 FEL. I had the box blade ,with 2 five gallon buckets full of rocks put on top, hanging off the back. I figured around 400lbs. Felt solid.

teachdocs · May 4, 2007

I have moved tons and tons of rocks/dirt/mulch with the loader. You can load it as full as you can still lift and safely navigate with some attention to details. Here is my TOP TEN LIST for your amusement:

Keep it in AWD. If the rear tires get light, you need the front wheels to keep you from sliding around (or down the hill).
Always keep your hand on the FEL joystick and be prepared to drop the load at any notice of problems
Try not to make changes in the FEL or move quickly with the wheels turned much. A heavy load should be done on straight front wheels most of the time.
Always back down a hill in low gear range with a heavy load. Heading down the hill with the FEL first is asking for a dump or skid.
Load the bucket evenly, not too much off to one side to keep the balance even.
You can usually get more work done by taking a sizeable load as compared to a maximum load. You will be able to work quicker and safer, thus moving more product in a shorter amount of time.
Get quite a few practice hours with the FEL before attempting maneuvers around tight places like a dam or pond.
Never attempt any of this when you are tired, grouchy, or under-the-influence.
Have the wife keep a camera handy to send us all the pictures of you ignorning rules 1-8
Just have fun...life is a lot more than just work.

rdsaustintx · May 5, 2007

Scooping rip rap will be difficult, if not impossible.

It it is round stone, maybe. But if real 5" rip rap, it will probably stop your loader cold.

We have been moving a large pile of accumulated rip rap, had to borrow my neighbor's HUGE Ford backhoe w/ thumb. Even that has trouble scooping the stuff up.

Russell in Texas

Washirving · May 7, 2007

teachdocs, great tips, thanks.

I was planning to get the smallest stones that would do the job, more like 3-4" instead of 5". Just big enough that a muskrat can't move them. But I'm worried now about how well it is going to work, since nobody is posting that they've actually had success with a project like this. At the very worse, I can help push the stones in the bucket with a 2X4" or something to move them to the pond.

I think I'm going to go ahead and try it, but I might have a smaller batch delivered at first in case it becomes a hassle. (I live near the quarry so the delivery charge is reasonable. They say I can choose a stone mix from 2 lbs to 2000 lbs!)

Berniep · May 8, 2007

I dont think you will have any problem moving the fist size stones you are talking about. It can be a challenge getting them in an even layer on the dirt,(even the pros do it by hand sometimes) but if you are working for yourself then you get to decide what is good enough.