I pretzeled my loader indicator rod

Trikejay · May 30, 2018

I'm doing a little loader work a few days ago. I was dumping a load of sticks and heard a funny clanking noise. The rod had bound up bent and popped out of the guide tube. The end of the tube had a ridge that the rod was catching on. Also there was rust inside the tube and on the rod that was causing more friction. I straightened the rod back out filed the edge of the tube to get rid of the ridge on the guide tube and greased the indicator rod. So no more friction or a ridge to catch on. If you have the indicator I would recommend greasing the rod to keep it from turning into a pretzel like mine did.

oosik · May 30, 2018

When I had the grapple installed the load indicator rod was not long enough to function properly any more. I removed it and the tube and haven't missed them yet.

4570Man · May 30, 2018

I removed the one on my loader. It’s only good for squeaking.

Wagtail · May 30, 2018

The only time I purposely observe my indicator rod is when I'm doing repetitive operations... mostly during haying season (rounds) when I'm fetching and, especially, loading the rounds onto the transport (tilt-bed lorry = 7 rounds).

I suppose that I could take the time to colour coordinate (bands of paint) the rod, but I either keep forgetting to do so or the loading situations varies to such an extent that it's not worth it. A piece of electrical tape will temporarily suffice.

gersus · May 30, 2018

I use mine all the time. I mostly use my tractor for removing brush/small treesground work etc so bucket angle is important and I cant always see.

Trikejay · May 30, 2018

gersus said:
I use mine all the time. I mostly use my tractor for removing brush/small treesground work etc so bucket angle is important and I cant always see.

I rely on the indicator Rod pretty heavily. Keeps me from gouging the ground.

alexsbuddy · Jun 3, 2018

Trikejay said:
I'm doing a little loader work a few days ago. I was dumping a load of sticks and heard a funny clanking noise. The rod had bound up bent and popped out of the guide tube. The end of the tube had a ridge that the rod was catching on. Also there was rust inside the tube and on the rod that was causing more friction. I straightened the rod back out filed the edge of the tube to get rid of the ridge on the guide tube and greased the indicator rod. So no more friction or a ridge to catch on. If you have the indicator I would recommend greasing the rod to keep it from turning into a pretzel like mine did.

Never thought to grease the indicator rod.....thanks for the reminder. I rely on my fairly frequently.