Catman8
Gold Member
When you have a FEL on your tractor is there any advantages or disadvantages when using 3pt implements. When should you remove your FEL, and when should you leave it on.
FEL when using 3pt implements
- Thread starter Catman8
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k0ua
Epic Contributor
Many people remove the FEL when mowing as it makes the tractor more maneuverable around trees and fences or buildings. Some do leave it on when bush hogging in an unfamiliar overgrown field with the bucket down low and travel slow so that the bucket will "find" the old tires, batteries and metal junk instead of the cutters blades. One other advantage of removing the loader in less than dry conditions is it will lighten the pressure on the front tires and when making turns they are less likely to cause ruts.
Having a heavy implement on the 3pt is an advantage when doing loader work as you need some sort of rear ballast anytime you use the loader for multiple reasons. One is to keep the rear tires on the ground to help prevent rollovers, and the other is to "unload" the front axle of excess weight when doing loader work as it can cause more wear on the weaker front axle over time.
Thomas
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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.
CobyRupert
Super Member
All of the above
and vise-versa:
"Having a FEL on is an advantage when doing heavy implement work as you need some sort of front ballast for multiple reasons."
Having the FEL on is good ballast when mowing with my rotary cutter on our hilly property, but it really gets in the way when working close to trees and other obstacles. So I take it off and add some suitcase weights to help the balance.
I leave it on when using the rear blade, either to use it for touch-ups or to carry hand hand tools for the same purpose. I also leave it on when using the leaf vac to carry my backpack blower and to hold the pickup hose when moving from place to place.
I leave it on when using the rear blade, either to use it for touch-ups or to carry hand hand tools for the same purpose. I also leave it on when using the leaf vac to carry my backpack blower and to hold the pickup hose when moving from place to place.
George2615
Super Member
I've never had a reason to remove the loader from any tractor I've owned in the past 20 years. Only reason I can see if for mowing with a mid mount mower. All my mowers have been 3pt.
ovrszd
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Mowing is the only task I remove the FEL for. "Mowing" as in Brush Cutting with a 10ft cutter. If just quick use of the BB or other attachment, I leave it on.
I hate Brush Cutting with the FEL on. Really gets in the way. Changes the dynamics/balance of the tractor. As Terry explained, I too use suitcase weights on the front of the tractor for weight.
Here's a couple comparable pics. Notice how much more compact the tractor is without the FEL.
I hate Brush Cutting with the FEL on. Really gets in the way. Changes the dynamics/balance of the tractor. As Terry explained, I too use suitcase weights on the front of the tractor for weight.
Here's a couple comparable pics. Notice how much more compact the tractor is without the FEL.
sea2summit
Super Member
MAN IN BLACK
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For myself, it's on all the time...I just drop the bucket when not needed, beeing a SSQA, it's easy and fast.
motownbrowne
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I mostly do that as well. I do however remove the whole thing in the springtime for making raised beds in our veggie fields. The weight of the loader, even without the bucket, combined with the narrow and aggressive ag tires up front makes a mess of the grassy areas on the edge of the field. It looks much better if i take the loader off.
If I had a slab to leave it on, I'd take it off more often. For mowing, tilling, etc it's much nicer to have it off. Less stress on the front axle, more nimble machine, better power to weight ratio. The tractor feels like a sports car without the loader on.
DK35vince
Super Member
For finish mowing, brush mowing the field, tilling I take I take my loader off.
More maneuverable and personally I think it rides better while mowing with the loader off.
More maneuverable and personally I think it rides better while mowing with the loader off.
Having a slab is a big advantage. When my barn had a gravel floor I often found it difficult to reconnect the hoses because the loader had shifted after it was off and put pressure on one of the cylinders. I've not had that problem since I poured a slab floor.
Luke'sScreenName
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Man that is a nice looking tractor!
So you get better ballast with the FEL over the suitcase weights. It must be a big difference or you would just use the suitcase weights.
My JD weighs 1,973 lbs, My 3pt lifting capacity is 1,314 lbs and I am going to try to use my flail mower that weighs 860 lbs, I have a flat field with no trees, so using such a heavy implement with a small tractor do you think I should leave the FEL on for ballast or take it off.
motownbrowne
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That's a pretty hefty mower for a tractor that size. I think you're definitely going to want some weight up front. Ideally you'd try it with the loader and then try it with suitcase weights and see which you like better. Since, however, you have flat land with no obstacles and suitcase weights are stupid-expensive you might just stick with the loader.
Fallon
Super Member
In the 3 years I owned my L3200 I never took off the loader. It was a nice quick attach allegedly that could be mounted or dismounted in 5ish minutes. I could just never be bothered.
I did a lot of mowing & a fair bit of lighter brush cutting. I'd use the bucket to make sure noting would stick up enough to catch my undercarriage.
Mowing grass I'd often dump the bucket for less weight & clearance. You do have to raise & lower the loader a fair bit for clearance when mowing near fence or obstacles. It was never a problem for me though. The bucket makes a decent sun visor on occasion too.
I expect my new L4060 will likely see minimal if any loader removal.
I did a lot of mowing & a fair bit of lighter brush cutting. I'd use the bucket to make sure noting would stick up enough to catch my undercarriage.
Mowing grass I'd often dump the bucket for less weight & clearance. You do have to raise & lower the loader a fair bit for clearance when mowing near fence or obstacles. It was never a problem for me though. The bucket makes a decent sun visor on occasion too.
I expect my new L4060 will likely see minimal if any loader removal.
