Dirt Moving Back dragging dirt with FEL

[downsizingnow48]

Back dragging with the bucket pointed down isnt a big deal. But the general rule I think is dont angle it down more than 45 degrees. This limits the chances of catching something, and minimizes the amount of rod sticking out of the cylinder and lowers the chances of bending it.

You DONT want to dump the bucket all the way, and then do what you did. Good way to pop hydraulic hoses or bend cylinders.

But I gotta ask, why not push the dirt back into the holes instead of dragging?? The tractor pushes way better than it pulls.

Well I have been known to do things wrong, maybe aggressive backdragging is one of them. I wouldn't do it in hard or rocky ground where it feels and sounds bad. But an example would be clearing weeds and brush up close to a building. Pulling the blade backward at the vertical or slight angle one way or the other scrapes the stuff off while not disturbing the soil. And you can work within a few inches of the building. Going forward to do the same work does not work as well, at least for me, at removing the weeds and leaving the dirt. Also going forward on rubber tires the machine will move side to side too much for safely working right up to the building. It is easier with the blade on the ground going backward. There are other examples. I think small backhoes get used for lots of things to avoid hand labor or where a more specialized piece of equipment might be better. But, I do take that point about how some practices might abuse the equipment.

 

[k0ua]

I think the key here is you have to use "common sense" to not abuse your machinery, yet the machinery is made to use. You as the operator will have to make that determination as to what is abuse and what is use. If you have limited experience and wind up breaking your machinery, then you will hopefully learn from that and do better next time. When things look and sound "rough" then back off and try doing the job some other more sensible way.

James K0UA

 

[LD1]

I don't agree, the tractor is a much better pulling machine than a pushing. That said I back drag with my tractor all the time. If it can't handle it I'll get one that will.

Wrong. In the context of this thread, pulling in reverse with the FEL down is worse than forward with the FEL down.

We aint talking about pushing with the front vs pulling from the rear here.

 

[BethelHntr]

I'm guilty your honor.

 

[CanuckPT]

As always - the TBN Brethren has graciously pooled their many years of experience, opinions and insight to help out a relative newbie! I truly appreciate all of the posts so far but the more responses the better!

 

[Egbert]

Anyone ever force the lower bucket locking pins to pop loose while back dragging? Seems to me to be a lot of stress on something that is designed for the opposite direction.

 

[k0ua]

Anyone ever force the lower bucket locking pins to pop loose while back dragging? Seems to me to be a lot of stress on something that is designed for the opposite direction.

I have thought of that. But it is never happened. So far!

James K0UA

 

[sd455dan]

No hasn't happened yet,

What I think maybe mis described is that a relief valve will open once the FEL controls are left in their at rest positions.

Unless I am mistaken the relief only relieves pressure in relation to the pump and cylinders while using the controls are in use NOT the line or cylinder pressure once the FEL controls are in their at rest positions... I could be wrong
Maybe JJ or someone else can shed some light on this aspect??

 

[downsizingnow48]

B21 has through-pins on bucket. Looked at quick attach adapters. Seemed to me they might not be compatible with backdragging, so never got one.

 

[hawkeye08]

Just remember that most of us do not have the TLB (tractor/loader/backhoe) that is designed for this (like a commercial backhoe with loader) that is built to take a beating everyday. I have used my CUT (compact utility tractor) back dragging with FEL (front end loader) but take it slow and am careful. I don't like to do it because I love my tractor and don't want (can't afford) an expensive repair bill.

Make sure bolts are torqued properly and inspect for cracks if you are doing this to reduce risk. With the stresses, anything not up to snuff will be a weak point for sure..

 

[arlen4720]

No hasn't happened yet,

What I think maybe mis described is that a relief valve will open once the FEL controls are left in their at rest positions.

Unless I am mistaken the relief only relieves pressure in relation to the pump and cylinders while using the controls are in use NOT the line or cylinder pressure once the FEL controls are in their at rest positions... I could be wrong
Maybe JJ or someone else can shed some light on this aspect??

That is right...the relief is between the pump and the SCV's. There is nothing to relieve pressure once the spools are centered. Furthermore, there are usually load checks built into the SCV's also that would prevent relieving back into the pressure port....no matter what position the SCV's are in.

 

[Rockgod]

Back drag all the time. Rough it out often with the front end light. Uncurl the bucket slightly pulling back until it's fairly smooth. Then, to pack it down I'll curl the bucket all the way with slight/medium down force going forward. Works very well, never had a problem.

 

[AchingBack]

My owner's manual warns not to back drag with the bucket curled forward at an angle greater than 15 degrees. If the cylinders are fully extended, and too much down pressure applied; you are tempting fate. Eventually you can bend or break a rod. If your tractor is under warranty, sorry, it won't be covered.

 

[HillStreet]

I regularly push to backfill and do general grading but find it necessary to back drag due to space limitations, such as working at a tree line.