Front-End Loader Worst things to do to a FEL

[SPYDERLK]

Although you can get wonderful traction from the front wheels when lifting with the FEL, many of our tractors do not have indestructible drive trains. I particular, many 4wd front ends are not designed to handle all of the tractor's horsepower in low gear i.e. something will break before you snub the engine. Here are some front end failures that are loader related. In general lifting and pushing or pulling with 4wd engaged can put tremendus stress on the loader and tractor.

Yes, I was concerned about this with my 7520 and asked a Mahindra tech rep. He said they had heard of no failures wth my model. Im nearing 1000 hrs with loaded AGs, and have done a lot of full force loader work with no indication of a problem. Needless to say Im happy that this one is robust enuf to take it.
larry

 

[magicheater]

Some people also use the bucket as a ram, and don't realize that mechanical forces can act like a pump and generate pressure.

This has happened to me. I blew a hose but did not hurt the loader.

 

[Mace Canute]

Put the bucket down on the highway.

No clue where that pic came from or if it is legit.

Happened here in Saskatchewan a few years back.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Happened here in Saskatchewan a few years back.

How many somersaults?

 

[Gale Hawkins]

When i was a kid, I first realized that what I always thought of as a dozer was really a tracked tractor with a blade on the front. It was seeing the old JD advertisements for that tracked tractor they sold in the 40's and 50's. Things like that make you start thinking about where things come from and why. I think most factory tractor FEL's were made for construction and utility use before this home CUT market took off. Those would need to be tough. Backhoe or not, they were meant to be diggers.

There are days I am glad we went with a backhoe instead of buying a FEL for the tractor. The heavy FEL and axle and only 2WD still can be put under a lot of pressure before the wheels get light and spin. If pushing into unknown brush I have learned to keep the bucket up a bit on the first push in then back up and take a look.:thumbsup:

 

[Mace Canute]

How many somersaults?

No somersaults...just one big HOP!

 

[mojoinco]

Don't use it as a dowsing rod. Stops you from accumulating more seat time as you find and fix the 'source of water'.

Yes, tongue in cheek.

And hand on wrench/hacksaw/threader!

 

[IndyIan]

This has happened to me. I blew a hose but did not hurt the loader.

What does that sound and look like? Popping a 2600+ psi hoses seems like it could be dangerous if its one near you.

I was doing my first loader work yesterday and decided to keep it in 2wd and slow to keep my rookie mistakes from damaging anything. I have to say I do like the HST for this as its so easy to ease into a pile without any momentum. I have the back tires loaded but I can see how a boxblade will help counter balance the tractor, and let the tractor work a bit harder in 2wd.

 

[LD1]

What does that sound and look like? Popping a 2600+ psi hoses seems like it could be dangerous if its one near you.

It sounds like a balloon popping followed by a shower of oil

 

[fishpick]

...wax it. Just don't wax your loader (or tractor for that matter, if you have time to wax it... You are not working hard enough)