Working under the bucket?

[CalG]

I've got a pair of torn and deteriorated tie rod end seals on the Hurlimann that I want to replace before the dirt takes out the ball joints.
It would be much more accessible to work on the tractor with the loader out of the way.

I could disconnect and back out, but it would be fine just to have the lift arms all the way up. The Allied loader has a little placard that describes how dangerous working under the raised bucket can be and how to be sure to install the safety struts between the cylinder head and the rod end.

Of course, those safety struts are not part of the tractor kit when purchased.

It would be easy enough to cut a couple of lengths of bed frame angle iron to replace the missing OEM units, but they wouldn't have the made to fit retainers. (duct tape might be a suitable alternative? ;-)

Last time I needed access to pull the front grill, after crushing it rolling root balls, I propped a 4X4 under the bucket and let off the hydraulics just enough to hold it all in place.

What's your favorite expedient? I haven't seen many loaders with the safety struts attached, Some, but not many. I have seen the placards on several units. At least those that have not set out in the weather too log.

 

[Creamer]

Bed frame angles would work fine but I would hold them on with wire or something a lot stronger than tape. If the scoop wanted to come down it all depends on the geometry how much side force is on the angle iron. Be safe! If it only takes a few minutes it would be quicker to take it off.

 

[skyhook]

Muffler clamps to hold angle.

 

[Lnk]

Don't tempt fate. Take off the loader. Never take a shortcut when it comes to safety. Just my $.02. You wont get a second chance if it goes wrong. The loader coming off probably takes less time than typing your question. Besides, you can grease it easier off.

 

[teg]

...What's your favorite expedient?....

I just raised the loader... and for that I hit my head walking into it. Next time I'll remove it. I've done that enough now that it's only a few minute job.

 

[Deere Dude]

Someone told me to fabricate a couple sleeves that fit over the extended cylinder shafts. I never did it YET, I just took my chances. So far I am 100% successful with my carelessness (Of course I am kidding about that). The sleeve should do the trick though.

I so know a 40 year old gal who raised a skid steer bucket and leaned into the cab. She accidentally hit the drop lever and it crushed her. Devastating. Be careful.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I have to confess that I am guilt of raising the FEL on my tractors in order to open the hood and check oil, clean filter etc without blocking it. Safety demands that it be blocked with something strong enough to hold the weight without bending or bowing. Lots of things might fit that bill depending on the weight of your loader. Something as simple as a couple of 2x4 pieces of lumber wired onto the cylinder(one on top and one on the bottom or one on each side) might be sufficient also. Wood also wouldn't by chance scratch up your cylinder rod.

 

[bcp]

For a homemade cylinder safety strut, I would cut a length of rectangular steel tubing lengthways to make a deep channel that could be strapped to the rod. Then test it before using. Rod end and loader shape may require more than a square end.

Bruce

 

[Soundguy]

i have pulled mine up to my deckover gooseneck and set the bucket on the trailer bed and can then set on the ground and work on the tractors front end pretty easilly.

with bucket down pressure can lift the tractor front and slip jack stands under it if needed.

 

[Looking4new]

i have pulled mine up to my deckover gooseneck and set the bucket on the trailer bed and can then set on the ground and work on the tractors front end pretty easilly.

with bucket down pressure can lift the tractor front and slip jack stands under it if needed.

That is about the smartest way yet.

 

[bigdeano]

Just use the 4 x 4 you used last time. Two things would have to fail for it to come down. Not going to happen.

 

[Soundguy]

That is about the smartest way yet.

the older I get, the more craftier I have become to find ways to not get squished.

 

[Looking4new]

It is called getting smarter.

I can't count the number of times I have been stretched across the frame of a dump truck with the box in the air and not supported. Not no more, uh, uh, aint gonna happen any more.
I caught one of my bosses young sons (19) last fall, in between the tailgate and the box on a dump truck. I was all over him right now and explained that he couldn't move quick enough to fall to the ground in order to avoid the tailgate squishing him against the box and cutting him in two.

 

[Soundguy]

I hear ya on the dump bed up and being on the frame. Last time I did it we had a 4x4 there, but I bet it would have sheared lil a toothpick

 

[Looking4new]

If you put a 4x4 across both frame rails and lower the box onto it, then you will see if it will in fact hold the box up.
Even a 4x4 is better than trying to stop the box falling with your body.

 

[Looking4new]

For the OP and his question, I would take a couple of patio slabs 24" square by 2" thick and put them where one end of two 4x4s' stood on their ends would be on the ground and lower the bucket onto the other ends of the 4x4s. You can still pick up the steer axle in that position to put axle stands under then let off the pressure so the axle sits on the stands and the loader bucket sits on the ends of the 4x4s. A helper would come in handy here.

 

[CalG]

It's probably going to be easier just to pull the tractor up to one of the many trees I've got around the drive with the bucket high.
Then chock the rear wheels so the tractor can't slip away.

But I prefer to work on the concrete pad I've got out front of the shop ;-) No need for patio blocks.......

 

[LD1]

Angle iron and hose clamps do the trick for me

 

[2458n]

If you put a 4x4 across both frame rails and lower the box onto it, then you will see if it will in fact hold the box up.
Even a 4x4 is better than trying to stop the box falling with your body.

I did the same with a railroad tie. Bed came about half way down crushing the Ford's frame rail. Very expensive mistake.

 

[kevin37b]

Or a piece of pipe slit in half with a butt welded on each end . That 4x4 is fine until you rock things around a bit and it has bled off . Then you might have a problem .