Cannot Attach FEL on DK40

[drjay9051]

Took off the FEL on my DK40 to get into some tight spaces. Parked loader on bucket and legs per manual.

Today i have spent over an hour in utter frustration.

I'm not sure if I somehow shifted the legs or bucket but I have driven the tractor to a point where the holes almost line up, attached the hydraulic lines and tried to manipulate the bucket to set the pins.

On one side the outer hole lines up but not the inner side regardless of how much I play with the joystick.

On the opposite side I'm off by a good 1/4 inch.

So what is the trick to attaching the FEL?

I was thinking of detaching the hydraulic lines, moving tractor out of barn and maybe tilting the FEL to a different position but it is pretty heavy.

This should be so simple but I have managed to gum this up big time.

Funny that I can repair some complex issues but cannot attach my FEL !!!

Any suggestions??

 

[SSdoxie]

Rear wheels are not setting on the same level/parallel plane as the loader. Drive the lower side rear wheel up on blocks to equal it with other side.

 

[drjay9051]

Rear wheels are not setting on the same level/parallel plane as the loader. Drive the lower side rear wheel up on blocks to equal it with other side.

Appreciate the reply.

The barn is on a flat 4 in concrete floor . Never had an issue with level but I suppose I can give it a try.

Other option is to place jack below chassis and level it.

I would think install wold be simple reverse of removal??

 

[747driver]

I feel your frustration as I struggled somewhat the first time I removed my FEL. The key to me is getting the tractor and the loader all on the same level plane. If one is off then everything else will be. Get the tractor in as far as you can. Then shim the bucket up or down with wood blocks underneath the bucket to match the tractor frame. Having a long pry bar aides in the placement, Good Luck !

 

[cphilip]

Yep... sometimes a pry bar is the only answer to this. Some days all goes easy some it don't.

 

[markwmo]

I remove the FEL on my DK40SE at least once per season so I can use it for haying. As others have mentioned being level is very critical. Once I get the hole partially lined up I can usually use a large punch or rod to get it aligned enough to drive the pin in.

 

[Coyote machine]

FWIW, it might be easier to first remove the bucket and then the FEL. This way if you have to wrestle with the loader it weighs less and is more easily maneuverable. Also suggest greasing the area where the pins go in completely and very thoroughly because getting grease where it needs to be in that area is difficult when the FEL is on the tractor.
In the meantime make sure everything is level and parallel. The tractor brackets need to be dead on straight to the holes the pins go through too.

If you have something you could tie the loader arms to above the loader to better position it when you pull the tractor up to the loader that might help to get everything aligned. Make sure whatever you use overhead is strong enough to use a hoist like set-up above the arms!

Good luck, post back results and suggestions for how you managed the outcome for the next guy.

 

[grsthegreat]

i guess i dont understand what your asking. post some pics. ive removed mine a dozen times and it always just hooks right back up

 

[marchanna]

If it is a vertical misalignment, you could just let a little air out of the tires on the side that is too high. That’s a little simpler than jacking it up.

 

[MMalabama]

Im guessing that the bottom of your loader bucket may be bent slightly from usage, and that it throwing off the "levelness" that you thought you had.

 

[ovrszd]

Not a Kioti guy so what do I know....

I think your tractor is crooked in relationship to the FEL. Maybe the rear of tractor needs moved to the right a couple inches, maybe to the left. When I drive into my FEL I pay very close attention that both sides contact the tractor at the same time.

I don't think your problem is sideways tilt since you are working on a flat floor.

As someone else mentioned, until you get proficient it takes quite a bit of joystick movement to get the results you want. None of the movements will make logical sense. But obviously you haven't moved it the right way yet.

Keep at it. Only way you will learn is to overcome this problem.

 

[Kioti Paul]

In 10 years of ownership, I've only had my loader off one time, and it went right back on with no problem. As I was reading these posts, I was really counting my blessings, then I read GRSTHEGREAT comments, and I think maybe the DK45 (with a FEL451) has a different mounting arrangement than the DK40?

My loader sets in a sort of cradle mount on the tractor, and the pin just locks it in place, very similarly to the way the bucket mounts. As I recall, I could lift the loader completely off the ground without the pins in at all, which automatically eliminates any difference in tractor / loader "tilt", as well as a fair amount of mis-alignment. I suppose if I ever 'twist' my loader, the cradle mount may not help!

Obviously I am not familiar with your particular loader/tractor arrangement, but it does sound like problems I have when hooking up heavy implements to the three point hitch.

If you have the outer holes aligned on one side, could you 'start' a pin on that side? I know the pin won't go all the way through, but maybe it will 'hold' that side in alignment while you manipulate the joystick to force the other side into alignment so that you can then pin that side; then lift the loader just clear of the ground, and (maybe) you will be able to 'tap' the 1st pin completely through???

Just my 2 cents... good luck!

 

[Coyote machine]

There's no difference between the DK-40 and 45 except 5 HP. The loader frame 451 and supports are the same on my DK-40 as on your 45.

Hello OP- what's happening?

 

[kjudd]

I started putting my Bucket down on a 4x6 and my leaving feet on 2x6 pieces when I take my FEL off. Mine sits on the lawn so no flat place to take it off and it had snowed after I took my bucket off. This way I can take a bar and some wood pieces and level the FEL back to the tractor. Works great for me.

 

[drjay9051]

I'm back. Been out of town.

Tried again today. Just cannot get vert. alignment right. Similar on both sides.

I took away the legs and am using just bucket to see if that helps.

At this point I am able to get a couple of metal rods into the holes so at least I can lift bucket clear of ground to play with it.

I'm not sure if II am better off having bottom of bucket on ground or open end of bucket on the ground as i try this.

Here is a pic of where i am at presently. As you can see not there yet. I tried to jack up the chassis to align but did not help.

Interesting thought on removing bucket. What is consensus on this approach.

I may go my dealer with my tail between legs and get his advice.

Never had an issue with my CK25 !!

 

[k0ua]

Not a Kioti guy so what do I know....

I think your tractor is crooked in relationship to the FEL. Maybe the rear of tractor needs moved to the right a couple inches, maybe to the left. When I drive into my FEL I pay very close attention that both sides contact the tractor at the same time.

I don't think your problem is sideways tilt since you are working on a flat floor.

As someone else mentioned, until you get proficient it takes quite a bit of joystick movement to get the results you want. None of the movements will make logical sense. But obviously you haven't moved it the right way yet.

Keep at it. Only way you will learn is to overcome this problem.

I vote for this. the movements are counter intuitive.. keep at it. It will come. Use a big rod or screwdriver to line up holes if need be. I Would not remove the bucket. Don't do that. you need the bucket on for stability.

 

[LouNY]

I would hazard a guess that if you can get the legs back down and the bucket on, when lined up like that curling the bucket lip down should rock the frame on the legs and lower the rear frame and help to line it up.
Good luck

 

[DK35vince]

The bucket needs to be left on. I use the bucket to raise/lower/maneuver the loader arms into place.
I also leave the tractor in neutral with the brake off so the loader arms can move the tractor forward or back slightly and fall into place in the mount to install the pin.
I remove the loader on my DK 35 often. So I get lots of practice. Usually only takes a few minutes to install my loader.

 

[drjay9051]

Appreciate the replies.

Back at it tomorrow.

 

[grsthegreat]

The bucket needs to be left on. I use the bucket to raise/lower/maneuver the loader arms into place.
I also leave the tractor in neutral with the brake off so the loader arms can move the tractor forward or back slightly and fall into place in the mount to install the pin.
I remove the loader on my DK 35 often. So I get lots of practice. Usually only takes a few minutes to install my loader.

this is exactly as i do it. i use the 2 legs it was supplied with. i reattach all 4 hoses then use the 2 levers to jiggle the loader inplace. it only takes me 2-3 minutes. maybe have someone else try to push pins while you jigle loader bucket and lift