Anyone recognize this part?

IslandTractor · Jul 21, 2008

This "came off" my DK40se/KL401. Any guesses?

Anyone else had this experience?

Answer: load level indicator. Not tough enough to survive backing it into a big tree branch. Tried to straighten it but the very tip ended up jammed in in the tube and the thing turned into a pretzle so I removed it. Now I have to decide whether it is worth replacing. I never really used it much.

JoelD · Jul 21, 2008

No fun, didn't get the chance to guess.

I use mine all the time, particularly when loading bucket and I don't want to dig into underlying soil.

Also use frequently when loaded bucket on pavement.

Joel

daveyb45 · Jul 22, 2008

Neccesary NO. Nice to have YES. Sometimes you just cant see the bucket.

Gittyup · Jul 22, 2008

I use mine all the time. You might not use it now, but you might want it later on. Maybe put it back on once you finish working in all that brush.

IslandTractor · Jul 22, 2008

Gittyup said:
I use mine all the time. You might not use it now, but you might want it later on. Maybe put it back on once you finish working in all that brush.

I really don't do much bucket work these days at all. We have no pavement on the island but I may replace it someday down the road.

RedRocker · Jul 25, 2008

How do you back something in to a tree that's on the front of the tractor?

IslandTractor · Jul 25, 2008

RedRocker said:
How do you back something in to a tree that's on the front of the tractor?

1) Drive under tree, 2) scoop load of debris, 3) raise bucket, 4) back out (while looking backwards), 5) snag level indicator, which is now the highest point on the FEL, on large overhanging branch. Taa Daa. It's not that hard. With a little practice you could probably do it too.

The described method only damaged the indicator by breaking off the top portion of the retainer tube and bending the rod. I pulled off the damaged retainer tube and straightened the rod except for a one inch segment at the very tip that I could not bend back (without removing the whole thing from the tractor that is). It seemed OK as a temp fix until on another occasion I did a full dump which allowed the bent tip to enter the lower portion of the retainer tube. I did not notice it but it jammed there so that when I curled the bucket it pretzeled the remainder of the indicator shaft. At that point it was hopelessly damaged so I took it off.

BJN644 · Jul 26, 2008

Mine looked similar to that the very first time I used my tractor. Apparently there was a few defective outer tubes out there, I was playing with my brand spanking new tractor and bent the inner rod like a pretzel by working the bucket. My dealer promptly installed a complete new assembly.The new ones aren't painted orange on the outer tube.