FEL and Filled tires

have_blue · Oct 23, 2003

Filled tires are new to me. I used my old TC29 and Woods 1009 FEL for 525 hours with no water. Everything worked great. Because of confusion, my dealer filled the tires on my new tractor against my wishes. Fine, I love the ballast.

 BUT! And it's a big but...

My16LA FEL works very poorly. It digs in despite taking the best of care. It's not me. I never had this problem before. The bigger tractor and loader are less productive than my smaller rig I just traded, even after 10 hours of practice.

A really puzzling thing is the bucket rides about an inch above the ground while fully curled and the arms fully dropped. This can't be right, can it?

Front tires (R4's) are in spec. Rear tires are loaded, and have zero pressure. Seems like they would still need air pressure over the water. They are filled about 70% and have a good air reservoir remaining.

I think my tractor is squatting, causing the bucket to ride high way out there in front. Is this possible? Should I air up the rears to spec? I really need some thoughts on this. When my dealer comes, I need to ask him some intelligent questions for a change.

Many thanks,

S, The Dummy. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

hazmat · Oct 23, 2003

make sure you check the pressure with the valve stem in the 12 O clock position. An air only guage won't read right if it is getting fluid in it. They do make air/fluid gauges (avail at your tractor dealer).

Hope this helps.

markie61 · Oct 23, 2003

( the bucket rides about an inch above the ground while fully curled and the arms fully dropped. This can't be right, can it? )

I don't know the measurement, but if I am on level ground and the bucket is rolled completely back, I can drop the boom and the bucket's back edge won't touch the ground. My filled R4 rears are almost at the absolute lowest recommended tire pressure (tears up grass less when mowing.) I used to have the pressure higher and notice no difference in the bucket height. I have a TC40D with 16LA/QA/HDbucket.
Mark

have_blue · Oct 23, 2003

Yea, I did check with valve stems at 12:00. I checked with 2 different types of air gages, and neither one registered (less than 5 pounds) Thanks Hazmat!

have_blue · Oct 23, 2003

( I don't know the measurement, but if I am on level ground and the bucket is rolled completely back, I can drop the boom and the bucket's back edge won't touch the ground. My filled R4 rears are almost at the absolute lowest recommended tire pressure )

Hey Mark,

That rolled back bucket height may be normal. If so, it certainly takes away one of my favorite functions, which is back grading. It's easier on the FEL than back blading, and more gentle on established grass, too.

So you do run air pressure over water? I will try that, about mid tolerance at first.

Have you experienced any digging in with your LA16? It seems like mine tries to "pole vault" the tractor, even in fluffy plowed dirt.

markie61 · Oct 23, 2003

( So you do run air pressure over water? )

Yes. Once suggestion, though (from Bird). After moving the valve to 12oclock, blow a little air into it first to clear fluid out of the stem and get an accurate air pressure reading. Manual says minimum rear pressure is 12psi and I think I am running about 14psi. Minimum front is 16psi and I think I am running 20psi.

( It seems like mine tries to "pole vault" the tractor )

I have a toothbar and can do some aggressive digging even in packed, damp clay. There is an excellent illustration in the loader owner's manual on how to dig. After using my father-in-law's old Ford 2000 for many years (2 separate joysticks), it took some getting used to, but I am getting better every time I dig. I rely heavily on the level indicator and the float control. I also use wheel weights (EZWeights) and heavy rear ballast (either a mower or a gravel-filled 55 gallon drum).

I start off with the bucket rolled forwards a little and the boom pushed down. Once I begin to move forward and cut, I roll it back to level, adjust the boom height, and power forward. I think of the teeth a "pilot points" like on a boring bit - the bottom of your bucket follows in the direction they are pointed.

( back grading )

With the bucket curled ALL the way back, I can't backgrade either. But rolled forward somewhat ( but not so far that the toothbar touches the ground ) and the boom in the float position, I think it does a good job. Again, I've learned to rely on the level indicator. I once thought about putting a mark on it with a magic marker, but I pretty much know where I am now.

Hope these suggestions help.

Mark

have_blue · Oct 23, 2003

(
I have a toothbar and can do some aggressive digging even in packed, damp clay. )

Hi Mark,

My problem is the FEL is TOO aggressive. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

I plow the dirt about 5-6" deep, nice and fluffy. I try to scoop with my bucket level, and try to gently skim it pretty full. As the bucket fills, it bites in below the fluffy dirt. Even when it barely bites in, it doesn't have the power to break free while on the move, so I must clutch it and lift the bucket. This is very unproductive, and will eventually wear out the FEL and the driver.

Yes, I carefully level the bucket and and even tried it slightly rolled back from level. I have checked my level indicator, and it's correct. Still bites.

You should see my dirt. Looks like it was chewed by an inexperienced excevator operator. My old tractor and FEL scooped smooth and level as could be, and fast. Never had to stop and break out.

I'm going to air my rear tires and reduce the air in the fronts just a bit. The fronts are 45 PSI max, and they have 40 PSI in them right now.

I gotta get this thing scooping right. The rains will soon set in, and it's all over with until spring.

Thanks again Mark. Your info is very much appreciated.

CTyler · Oct 23, 2003

Since you could do ok with your old FEL I'm not sure what to tell ya. Maybe there is a little more flex in this loader, hoses etc..

Maybe this loader just has a feel your not used to...yet? Dunno. I go by feel and visual right behind the bucket to see how low I'm scaping through the fluff. For example I'll rip up a bunch of dirt with the BB. Then go back with the FEL scooping, with the BB droped again, looking to see if I'm scraping the hard dirt or leaving some grain. I usually float the bucket and level. Then raise it a hair and curl the bucket a little if needed. If the heel starts to drag a little then raise the bucket and curl back down again level.

When dropping the BB again to get double duty FEL/BB work it makes everything a bit harder though. Also speed makes a big difference slower is easier to get those adjustments right before it digs.

Now I'm probably telling you everything you know already. With a new loader and feel maybe its back to basics for a bit.
Hope this helps.

CTyler · Oct 23, 2003

( the bucket rides about an inch above the ground while fully curled and the arms fully dropped. This can't be right, can it? )

Ok....I missed this tid bit the first time through.

If you can't drop the bucket all the way then its gonna dig. The bucket will have to be pointing down sice it won't drop all the way. This will make it dig and good luck stopping it. You'll have speed bumps everywhere.

have_blue · Oct 23, 2003

( You'll have speed bumps everywhere. )

Those speed bumps are killing me. I made more in 12 hours than 525 hours with my old one.

I could set and forget my old one on level ground. Bucket would fill nicely.

On bumpy ground, I used to go by feel. Worked great.

This one is different. Won't even scoop fluffy level dirt.

Going by feel does little good either. That's because when the bucket starts filling or digs even a little, I must clutch it in order to raise the bucket.

Maybe run in a lower gear and higher engine RPM, and the hydraulics will be strong enough to lift the bucket without clutching.

Another thing. I can't see what's going on way up front. I can't stand up to peek because the joystick is way down low.

Maybe I can trade up to a more heavy duty loader. I bet I'll take a beating on that...

Thanks CTyler!