FEL when using 3pt implements

[ovrszd]

Loader stays on the tractor unless doing field work (tillage, haying etc) or a lot of haulage. Visibility so much better with it off.

Still have a "super slow attach" loader, you planned your use of loader around whether it was on the tractor or not. "quick attach" on the newer one can be on and off the tractor everyday and doesn't matter.

Friend of mine is shopping for a loader tractor. I said don't even consider a tractor that requires tools to remove the FEL. Also don't consider an FEL that doesn't have SSQA QA on the bucket. Unless a guy is rich and can buy a tractor for every task these issues are critically important.

 

[kebo]

Mowing real close I like to remove FEL other than that left on,handy if need something move quick or 1/2 load dirt in FEL for ballast.

This!! I used to mow the yard with the FEL on, mostly because I didn't want to fool with taking the loader off. Then one day I decided to take it off before mowing just to see.... man, what a difference it made with more maneuverability and less chance of hitting something So now I remove it everytime before I mow.

 

[ovrszd]

This!! I used to mow the yard with the FEL on, mostly because I didn't want to fool with taking the loader off. Then one day I decided to take it off before mowing just to see.... man, what a difference it made with more maneuverability and less chance of hitting something So now I remove it everytime before I mow.

I think sometimes the apprehension about FEL removal overshadows the benefits.

 

[k0ua]

I think sometimes the apprehension about FEL removal overshadows the benefits.

Well, they are heavy and bulky!:laughing:

But if you remove them on a solid level surface, they ain't no big deal. If the guy delivering the tractor would make the owner remove and put it back on twice, the whole issue would be a non- issue. :laughing:

 

[ovrszd]

Well, they are heavy and bulky!:laughing:

But if you remove them on a solid level surface, they ain't no big deal. If the guy delivering the tractor would make the owner remove and put it back on twice, the whole issue would be a non- issue. :laughing:

I agree. Took me 3 or 4 times to fully understand the requirements.

After 4 years I can remove in 2 minutes or less. If properly removed, can install in 5 minutes or less.

 

[k0ua]

I agree. Took me 3 or 4 times to fully understand the requirements.

After 4 years I can remove in 2 minutes or less. If properly removed, can install in 5 minutes or less.

Yep, that seems about right. The easiest loader I have owned to remove and put back on was a Westendorf TA-25. it had "flipper bars to lock it, and the foot came down hydraulically. You could operate the flipper bars by standing up and leaning over the steering wheel to flip them back and get the foot on the ground and shut of the tractor, equalize the pressure with the FEL valve, and you unhooked 4 QD's, and fire it up and back out. Pretty darn convenient.

 

[CADplans]

My neighbor mowed about 3 acres,,,
after wearing out a GT every 2-4 years (rough, sloping lawn) he purchased a Kubota BX2350 with MMM and loader.

He refused to remove the loader to mow, I even offered to do it for him.
Well, with the loader on,, he needed to keep 4WD engaged.

After 2 seasons, the rear axle started leaking, the dealer fixed it,
after two more mowing seasons, the engaged 4WD shook everything loose,,
LOTS of oil leaking out at the axle, he had a friend fix it.
One more season, it was leaking again.

I am convinced it was due to carrying the loader around, and mowing in 4WD.

My SIL purchased the place after the PO died.
He mows with a JD855 that I gave him,, the exact same lawn.
4WD is never needed, but, he drops the loader, which takes 3 minutes.

Oh, yea, the JD855 mows the lawn in 1/2 the time the Kubota took.
I think carrying the loader really slowed the mowing process.

 

[Stubee]

All I mow (with a bush hog) is very tough stuff in or near the woods so I leave the loader on. I carry my chainsaw in it pretty often + need the loader to push big downed trees outta the way, 'feel' boulders that have heaved, new ant hills (they get big, see pic) or logs bears have dragged outta the bush to tear apart. So it never comes off.

 

[Catman8]

All I mow (with a bush hog) is very tough stuff in or near the woods so I leave the loader on. I carry my chainsaw in it pretty often + need the loader to push big downed trees outta the way, 'feel' boulders that have heaved, new ant hills (they get big, see pic) or logs bears have dragged outta the bush to tear apart. So it never comes off.

View attachment 495874

Is that an Aunt hill or a ant hill. :laughing:

 

[Farmer495]

Friend of mine is shopping for a loader tractor. I said don't even consider a tractor that requires tools to remove the FEL. Also don't consider an FEL that doesn't have SSQA QA on the bucket. Unless a guy is rich and can buy a tractor for every task these issues are critically important.

Yes, takes about 20 minutes and a hoist, blocking, wrenches, rope, chain etc in a building space previously prepared to remove the "super slow attach" and 30 minutes to put it back on. Loader isn't ancient by any means, but wasn't sold as a QA loader.

2 minutes on and off for the LA1153, no tools and can set it off anywhere that is flat and hard.

I skipped SSQA and go right to Euro. Stronger and you don't have to get off the tractor to latch attachments. Pick up and go.