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

[Bubba Tex]

My FEL doesn't have the QA, however the bucket itself comes off by pulling two pins and lowering the thing...about ten seconds. I take it off when I'm mowing for better visibility and manueverability in tight spaces.

 

[thatguy]

My FEL doesn't have the QA, however the bucket itself comes off by pulling two pins and lowering the thing...about ten seconds. I take it off when I'm mowing for better visibility and manueverability in tight spaces.

This is exactly what I do when I am mowing the yard (W/ MMM) - If the extra weight was a real problem I may take the entire thing off..

Brian

 

[RoyJackson]

I normally drop the loader off. For one, that weight can cause premature where in the front axle components (including the wheel bearings). I got this from my dealer as well as more experienced operators on TBN.
At minimum, I'll drop the bucket off.

However, if my loader wasn't easily removed, I'd probably never take it off.

 

[Bob_Young]

On the little B7610, I swap the FEL off every time I mow the yard. It goes back on as soon as mowing is finished (and the mower comes off). So, on that tractor, sometimes as often as once a week. Much easier to handle around trees and obstacles when I don't have to worry about bucket swing.

On the larger L4300, it's never been off; even though it's just as easy to do as the B7610 swap. The L4300 gets the rough work and the FEL is useful on nearly every task. Plus, it makes a great grille guard.
Bob

 

[JerryG]

I normally drop the loader off. For one, that weight can cause premature where in the front axle components (including the wheel bearings). I got this from my dealer as well as more experienced operators on TBN.
At minimum, I'll drop the bucket off.

However, if my loader wasn't easily removed, I'd probably never take it off.

That was much more of a problem when most tractors were two wheel drive and the front ends weren't designed for loaders. It's a lot less of a problem now.
My last two tractors have never had the loader off of them and they more than likely won't unless it has to be removed for repairs.

 

[RoyJackson]

That was much more of a problem when most tractors were two wheel drive and the front ends weren't designed for loaders. It's a lot less of a problem now.
My last two tractors have never had the loader off of them and they more than likely won't unless it has to be removed for repairs.

I've heard of a handful (from my dealer) with failures...but I've got no idea what kind of work the machines were doing.

I must admit, I don't like that front axle pivoting on (basically) one small area though. However, I remove my loader for ease of mowing more so then being concerned about wear.

 

[vallyfarm]

Idealy the loader should be removed whenever i is not being used. Extra weight over the front end will add more wear and stress on a tractor. In reality, most never take the loader off unless they NEED it off. The bigger the tractor, the less problems with leaving the loader on. If you are to get a loader without quick mounting try to find one that has the frame go all the way back and mount on the rear axle. This will eliminate any stress to the center section on the tractor and should prevent any chance of cracking the torque tube. Odds are if you aren't bouncing around through a lot of ditches or rough fields you wil never have any problem with the loader on full time. Mike

 

[john_bud]

Getting the QA mount for the loader to tractor was a good selling point. But in 7 years it has never been off. The other tractor has never had it's loader off (except to rebuild the machine) since 1963.

If you have a modern design front end and not one emulating a design from 1950 (he he he - couldn't resist, Roy) you should have no problems.

jb

 

[Flywheel]

Idealy the loader should be removed whenever i is not being used. Extra weight over the front end will add more wear and stress on a tractor. Mike

I disagree.

That is why they have suitcase weights for the front when you are doing 3pt work. If an FEL is available for your tractor - there is no reason NOT to run around with an empty bucket - heck its rated to work with a full bucket.

A QA bucket is nice to have - rof the reasons mentioned above. Visibility is the big one. I shred a lot and always remove the bucket.

I would not really worry about not being able to wuickly remove the whole FEL from the tractor. the old Massey is permamently attached and it is a pain ONLY when doing mantenance, etc (priming the injectors cause "someone" ran it out of fuel...again.....)

So don't worry about being able to remove it - I can't even think of a reason I would pull the FEL off my 790 (37hp)

 

[RoyJackson]

This is out of the Deere 790 Manual:

Add weight to front end if needed for stability. Heavy pulling and heavy rear mounted implements tend to lift front wheels. Add enough ballast to maintain steering control and prevent tip over. Remove weight when it is no longer needed.

So, there you go...