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

[Flywheel]

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...

Like I said...can't think of a reason to remove the whole FEL. Unless you plan to drive the tractor to work or something - you just leave it on and maybe remove the bucket.

To Roys point - if I didn't have an FEL - I would need suitcase weights - and thise would always stay on - when do you not have something hooked up to the back? (I guess that would be another thread).

MFGs never used to have QA FELs - and while it's a nice feature for serviceability - it's overkill - even for a CUT.

 

[jdbower]

MFGs never used to have QA FELs - and while it's a nice feature for serviceability - it's overkill - even for a CUT.

I guess it depends on how you use your tractor - I rack up the most hours using it as an overgrown lawn mower (MMM, not RFM). Even without the bucket, I think the FEL arms would make a significant impact in my maneuverability. Of course, someone with fewer trees and other obstacles would feel this impact less.

If I had a dedicated mower I doubt I'd remove the FEL very often at all. I agree that it's likely more wear and tear on the tractor to have a few hundred pounds of unneeded weight hanging off the front but if I can keep the tractor for 5-10 years without being suckered into upgrading I'll be happy.

 

[john_bud]

jdbower,

You hit on the biggest and most valid reason to pull off the FEL. Using a MMM! You don't need any counter weight with a MMM like you do with a rear mount.

jb

 

[Flywheel]

I guess it depends on how you use your tractor - I rack up the most hours using it as an overgrown lawn mower (MMM, not RFM).

Agreed - that makes sense.

 

[RonR]

Well, if you do keep the FEL on, curl the bucket up so you can see the cutting edge corners.

My shed has two wounds where I assumed I had room while mowing............

If I were mowing more with mine, I'll drop the loader, but I don't use the MMM much, so the FEL stays on.

ron

 

[Kendall69]

I take mine on and off as needed. On when digging, or hoe lifting, OFF when I am grading with the Gannon box, or using the rake, plow, or post hole digger.

The backhoe is a tool just like all the implements, meant to be taken on and off as much as you like.

For me it's only three pins, and disconnecting the pump from the PTO. It's simple enough, but I try and plan ahead so I don't have to do it too many times in a week.

It's more off than on, as I dig much less than I grade, or rake.

 

[Flywheel]

I take mine on and off as needed. On when digging, or hoe lifting, OFF when I am grading with the Gannon box, or using the rake, plow, or post hole digger.

The backhoe is a tool just like all the implements, meant to be taken on and off as much as you like.

For me it's only three pins, and disconnecting the pump from the PTO. It's simple enough, but I try and plan ahead so I don't have to do it too many times in a week.

It's more off than on, as I dig much less than I grade, or rake.

FEL not BH

 

[john_bud]

He might have be confused on FEL vs BH, but the points raised were spot on!

jb

 

[milkman]

Can take mine off or put it on in 2min. or less so it's off when I mow or am not using the FEL. Same with the MMM, if I'm not using it, I take it off and snap on the skidplate.

 

[SCDolphin]

My 4n1 bucket with toothbar is very heavy and I bounce less when pulling a disc or bush hogging with at least the bucket off.