Practice Removing Your FEL

[bp fick]

The last couple days have seen too many reports of close calls when mowing or operating in tough conditions (hills, wet, etc) while still having the front end loader in place.

While the loader can be dropped as a safety brake, it is also likely that the FEL contributed to some degree to lack of balance in the first place. In many instances, it would be preferred not to have the FEL on. Many new owners, being excited to have a new FEL and not being comfortable or knowledgeable in how to remove it, just leave it on and/or have never taken it off.

Most modern tractors feature a FEL that is reasonably quick and easy to remove. Mastering the removing and installing of a FEL is needed skill. While it may seem funny to say, I watched the youtube videos over and over until I was comfortable doing it. It was worth practicing.

Highly encourage the new owners posting here at TBN to practice the skill. There are lots of knowledgeable and patient teachers here who will be glad to add some pointers, tractor model specific, as well. As Sarge used to say on Hill Street Blues, "Hey, Hey!! Let's be careful out there!"

 

[Runner]

I've removed mine a number of times, but still keep the instruction book on the steering wheel while I'm doing it, just in case of a brain fa%t. So far, no major errors...

 

[RoyJackson]

Yep, the weight of the FEL can contribute to that unsteady feeling when mowing. At minimum, I drop the bucket off. That's pretty quick (pull two lynch pins, then use the dump circuit as you lower the FEL arms).

Most important thing when removing the loader (and re-installing it) is to take your time. It's not a race to see how fast you can do it. Just go step by step in the manual.
You'll get faster the more often you do it, but if it takes 20 minutes or more the first time or three...well, that's fine.

 

[flyingcow]

just took mine off to bush hog. Big difference in front end weight. Seems to be more stable. All around easier to handle.

 

[fredhargis]

I would agree with your observation about new owners not taking it off due to lack of experience. As a new owner, I mowed the first time with the FEL on (because I had to mow the same day the tractor arrived) but quickly realized that wasn't very practical. I took it off, only then realizing it was quite easy....and reinstalling it was a snap. So now it stays off unless needed.

 

[montyhp]

Mahindra fel is 2minutes off and 1minute on. Just remember to cap the hydraulic lines.

Montyhp

 

[jb62901]

Sometimes mine will be on and off in a week depends on the task at hand. I have it down to a 2-3 min turn around now. Always done in the garage on the flat (that helps a ton. John

 

[TripleR]

Good advice well worth considering.

 

[RoyJackson]

Mahindra fel is 2minutes off and 1minute on. Just remember to cap the hydraulic lines.

Montyhp

Two minutes during your first time?

Like I wrote...it's not a race...

 

[Dave5264]

Guilty as charged

never had it off, for fear of not getting it back on (little level ground which I beleive makes putting the bucket back on easier)

If i had mastered this skill, fair to say , I would not have taken out one of my fence braces last week when mowing a paddock

 

[riptides]

Two minutes during your first time?

Like I wrote...it's not a race...

Sure...why not? Maybe lots of time on other equipment led to the two-minute drill.

Now, do it in the dark, on a gravel surface, with mosquitos buzzing and someone yelling at you.

 

[johnamon]

Maybe this should be in the 'embarrassing things I have done' section. :ashamed:

The first time I took of my front end loader, FEL, I did not release the hydraulic pressure in the line. I was able to get it off without knowing there was a problem. However, when I tried to hook the hydraulic lines the pressure prevented me from being able to fully insert the connector. I ended up with some paper towels, a plastic faced hammer, and a couple hits to vent some of the oil. It only took a tablespoon or two and I was good to go.

Now I always remember to put the bucket in float and move the control side to side to eliminate all the pressure. I have not had a problem since.

John

 

[Eric_Phillips]

I wanted to take my loader off last year. No directions but it was very straight forward until I got to the hydraulic quick connects. They must be some cheap brand because the locking ring was rusted closed. I couldn't get them loose. So until I feel the need to get new connectors and replace the old ones the loader stays on.

 

[montyhp]

Two minutes during your first time?

Like I wrote...it's not a race...

OK, I read the instructions, then the timer started, but yes, just put the bucket near the ground, put in the stand, pull the two pins, tweak each set of cylinders a time or two and it pops off. Literally 2 mintues.

Montyhp

 

[Ridgewalker]

Yep, the weight of the FEL can contribute to that unsteady feeling when mowing. At minimum, I drop the bucket off. That's pretty quick (pull two lynch pins, then use the dump circuit as you lower the FEL arms).

Does it really make that much of a difference? I spent all day brush hogging yesterday with my bucket on. Other than watching my turns I didn't have any issues.

Now you guys have me wondering what it would feel like to hog without the bucket. I guess I am finally going to have to learn how to take it off.:ashamed:

 

[TripleR]

Does it really make that much of a difference? I spent all day brush hogging yesterday with my bucket on. Other than watching my turns I didn't have any issues.

Now you guys have me wondering what it would feel like to hog without the bucket. I guess I am finally going to have to learn how to take it off.:ashamed:

Probably going to depend on the size of your tractor. I really can't tell a noticeable difference with my Case, so it stays on; hasn't been off in years. I sure won't hurt to try.

 

[RoyJackson]

Does it really make that much of a difference? I spent all day brush hogging yesterday with my bucket on. Other than watching my turns I didn't have any issues.

Now you guys have me wondering what it would feel like to hog without the bucket. I guess I am finally going to have to learn how to take it off.:ashamed:

How much of a dfference will depend upon your property (sloped, level, etc.).
Level? Probably not much of a difference except dropping the bucket takes some of the load off your front axle.
Sloped? You might feel a pretty dramatic difference. I did...

 

[RoyJackson]

OK, I read the instructions, then the timer started, but yes, just put the bucket near the ground, put in the stand, pull the two pins, tweak each set of cylinders a time or two and it pops off. Literally 2 mintues.

Montyhp

The whole point of "it's not a race" is to ensure (or help ensure) removing and re-installing tthe loader is done safely.
Some guys are more mechanically inclined then others and will pick it up pretty quickly. Others, not so quickly. I'd guess quite a few residential TBNers never operated a wrench...then they bought a tractor. Those gents and ladies are the folks I'm writing to...
First time I dropped the loader, I'd guess it took about 15-20 minutes. I'm mechanically inclined, but I'm one of those methodical guys who takes his time. You know....read a step, perform the step....read a step, perform the step...
Now, after dozens of removals and re-installations, I'm quicker. My only issue now is a bad hand (result of a stroke) that just isn't strong enough to work those QD fittings quickly. Dropping the loader (including on and off the tractor) takes 3-5 minutes (estimated...never timed it). For me, installing takes longer...mostly due to that bad hand. Sucks...but a bad hand is better then being dead, right?

 

[TripleR]

The whole point of "it's not a race" is to ensure (or help ensure) removing and re-installing tthe loader is done safely.
Some guys are more mechanically inclined then others and will pick it up pretty quickly. Others, not so quickly. I'd guess quite a few residential TBNers never operated a wrench...then they bought a tractor. Those gents and ladies are the folks I'm writing to...
First time I dropped the loader, I'd guess it took about 15-20 minutes. I'm mechanically inclined, but I'm one of those methodical guys who takes his time. You know....read a step, perform the step....read a step, perform the step...
Now, after dozens of removals and re-installations, I'm quicker. My only issue now is a bad hand (result of a stroke) that just isn't strong enough to work those QD fittings quickly. Dropping the loader (including on and off the tractor) takes 3-5 minutes (estimated...never timed it). For me, installing takes longer...mostly due to that bad hand. Sucks...but a bad hand is better then being dead, right?

I can sure identify with that as I have little use of my left hand/side and my wife helps me with a lot of this stuff as I get older. Funny how she can do the QD, but air chucks mystify her and I have to do them.

 

[Dead Horse]

The only time I mow with the FEL on is in real steep conditions where I actually want weight on the nose........ that is maybe 5% of the time and my farm has very few flat places.