Front-End Loader Worst things to do to a FEL

[LD1]

This thread looks like my diary entry for last weekend.



The first thing on my list of "must have's" when I bought my tractor was a cup holder.

Are you aware that it is aginst the law to operate machinery while drinking?

That I why I always make sure I come to a complete stop, turn tractor off, take drink, and then resume my business:laughing::laughing:

 

[johnk]

Also remember if you put something in your bucket like chains, chainsaw etc and forget about them when you start digging into a pile of gravel. I know many people whom have done this...

 

[AchingBack]

Anyone with some wisdom?
ac

Even when using bucket in float mode, I would not back drag with excessive tilt angle. And of course, when in float mode wheels are always on the ground.

It is also more effective to back drag with a load of dirt, or rock in the bucket. That requires the bucket to be curled back so materials don't fall out.

 

[Gizmo2]

Also remember if you put something in your bucket like chains, chainsaw etc and forget about them when you start digging into a pile of gravel. I know many people whom have done this...

Good one While out working years ago I asked one of my girls if she knew where my chainsaw went....she said "dad you buried it". I said oh yeah I knew that.

 

[RobKinNH]

When carrying heavy loads with the loader keep the load as low as possible and keep your hand on the loader controls. If you start to flip on uneven ground you can panic drop the bucket. This usually happens somewhere between the pucker facter and your shorts getting filled!

 

[IslandTractor]

Don't asymmetrically load it either with a chain or by pushing. Don't use it as a bulldozer or to ram things. Don't push tree branches or tree trunks that can act as a huge spring and take your head off. Don't push over trees which can break off high up and crash down on you. Don't use it without adequate rear ballast. Don't transport weight in it when elevated. Don't lift heavy objects when on a surface inclined perpendicular to the tractor. Don't ride people in it.

When used as a portable beer cooler, put the ice in before the beer.

Good advice on use of the FEL though frankly I don't mind digging through ice for my beer.

Also, regarding transporting with weight in the bucket. Surely you are correct it should not be elevated to full height or even above chest level but elevating a few feet off the ground is no problem and safer than "skimming" the ground with a load.

 

[Travelover]

Good advice on use of the FEL though frankly I don't mind digging through ice for my beer.

Not me, I hate cold hands. :laughing:

Also, regarding transporting with weight in the bucket. Surely you are correct it should not be elevated to full height or even above chest level but elevating a few feet off the ground is no problem and safer than "skimming" the ground with a load.

Right. Once I screwed up and accidentally put the loader in the float position while on the move. When it came to the ground I just about went over the steering wheel. :ashamed:

 

[crash325]

As in aviation, "12 hours between the bottle and the throttle."

Sure glad that my beer is in cans. :thumbsup::licking:

 

[bellweather]

After reading some of these Don'ts, I'm wondering if attaching a snow plow to the FEL may risk bending or distorting bucket arms?

 

[IslandTractor]

After reading some of these Don'ts, I'm wondering if attaching a snow plow to the FEL may risk bending or distorting bucket arms?

In theory yes. The long arms of a tractor FEL are far more vulnerable than the short stubby arms of a bulldozer or the spring protected arms of a pickup truck plow. Still there are not too many damage reports which is probably because most snowplowing with CUTs is done on known asphalt surfaces with little risk of a high energy collision with a sewer cover or curb etc. No doubt though, a CUT FEL would be much more easily bent in such an impact.

 

[Beltzington]

Thinking back, most of the times I almost damaged my FEL was when I wasn't using it. Unless you need it at least take the bucket off, it prevents collisions with trees, telephone poles etc... when you are watching what is attached to the back of your tactor. My avatar shows I don't follow my own advice Good Luck!

 

[DK35vince]

In theory yes. The long arms of a tractor FEL are far more vulnerable than the short stubby arms of a bulldozer or the spring protected arms of a pickup truck plow. Still there are not too many damage reports which is probably because most snowplowing with CUTs is done on known asphalt surfaces with little risk of a high energy collision with a sewer cover or curb etc. No doubt though, a CUT FEL would be much more easily bent in such an impact.

That is why I recommend trip springs on the plow.
I've been plowing snow with a 7' snow blade on the loader for years. Never had a problem yet.
I hit stuff all the time. With the trip springs on the plow it just flips down and snaps back before it causes any damage to the loader arms.

 

[grsthegreat]

Ya, my new snow plow has trip springs also. A whole heck of alot of people here have them, and i have not heard of any bent arm problems from anyone. They all love them for 6-8" days (our usual daily snow fall).

 

[hrcarver]

Put the bucket down on the highway.

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

 

[grsthegreat]

Put the bucket down on the highway.

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

NowTHATS a real compact trctor

 

[hrcarver]

I should have known I would find the story here... It seems to be legit.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/massey-ferguson-owning-operating/105698-massey-bucket-drag-ouch.html

 

[MHarryE]

Y'all beat me to the punch. When I saw the post the first things that came to mind were:
- don't forget you were toting your chainsaw, chains, chain binders, etc. in the bucket when you decide to move a pile of dirt from here to there.
- don't road your tractor with your bucket tipped down anything below level - as witnessed by the broken tractor in the previous pics
- don't lift your bucket to the top and put your extension ladder in it to get that last bit of height needed when putting up your Christmas lights.

 

[kubotakid USA]

2 NO NOs when using fel, First,. dont carry the bucket around raised high without using extreem caution, Second,.. Dont ram anything on one side of the bucket, causing twist in the main frame, Or the bucket,. When opperating Heavy Equipment,.Using your head is probably the most important rule you need to abide by, And caution should always be # 1,.. As far as back blading,? Front end loaders were designed to be used at 90 degrees plus, Common sense applies here a well, If you understand the limits of your equipment, and dont ram rod it, you can get alot done without, twisting/bending things :thumbsup: Eric

 

[IslandTractor]

- don't lift your bucket to the top and put your extension ladder in it to get that last bit of height needed when putting up your Christmas lights.

Scrooge!

 

[MHarryE]

Scrooge!

The proper way to do it is to throw a rope over the roof, tie it to the bumper of your wife's car, use the rope to help pull yourself to the peak, and than as you finish with that last light clip have her get in the car and drive off. The video your kids take of this will go viral on Youtube and you will be an instant hit, either from being a star or the impact when you contact the ground.