Front-End Loader When do you need to remove your FEL?

[Bill Barrett]

I just put one on a L3130 that I have 150 hours on.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=106097
I was shocked how it change the tractor, I went from a sports car to a bulldozer, as I said in the thread posted, I'm sure glad I got a removable one!
It's one of those things, what ever you get use to you don't notice, after having the tractor for a year without it I'm glad I can drop it off.

 

[BizDoc]

I understand what you are saying about taking the arms off for mowing and have had a misjudged loader bump when mowing, but the bucket has also saved me while mowing. I have some slopes to mow and there have been times I needed to lower the bucket to the ground to steady the tractor. Now, one could argue that I shouldn't have been mowing any place where that was necessary, but i can't control the terrain, and the grass won't stop growing. The bucket does take alot of bouncing when mowing my 5 acre field, but when on the slopes, probably another 1.5 acre I find my bucket a necessity for balance. Never had it off in 4 years. I use it too much, and not for big things, more of a wheel barrow on steroids. I think each terrain situation causes different strategies.

 

[Cottonhawk]

I do the same... lowering the fel while mowing on steep slope.
A quick hitch can save you a lot of trouble. I take my fel off to put on my forklift.

 

[jbrumberg]

I keep my FEL on as I am usually multitasking the tractor. I have ~7A's+ of sloped field that I need to rotary cut- the FEL helps add to stability and balance the rig out while mowing. It is very effective at knocking down the vegetation and finding "new" obstructions as I mow slow with the FEL relatively low to the ground. My field is open so manuverability is not a problem and the NH TC design gives better visibility than some of the other tractor models/brands. Jay

 

[clenhart]

I take mine off when mowing (RFM) and plowing and discing mine and my fathers gardens otherwise it is on. After taking it on and off a few times, I can do it quicker and easier than changing the rear attachments, and the advantage of maneuverability and increased visibility is worth the effort.