John Deere 2030 front loader and Bush hog?

[SouthpawJim]

I have a john deere 2030 with a front loader. This is the first spring I have been without my IH, that I used for Bush hogging.

Should the front loader be removed to Bush hog (maybe a half hour or 45 min worth.) just wondered how hard it would be on the tractor to keep the front loader lifted, while bush hogging. It is a pull behind bush hog, by the way. Thoughts?

Jim

 

[jd110]

Assuming the front axle components(tie rods, spindles, wheel bearings...) are in good condition AND properly maintained and lubricated, the extra weight of an empty loader won't cause any appreciable wear and tear on the tractor. A bigger consideration is stability. If you are mowing on any steep hills, I would want the loader off to lower center of gravity and improve stability. If you leave loader on, be sure to keep bucket as close to the ground as possible. Another option would be to remove the bucket to get rid of a couple hundred pounds and improve visibility.

 

[SouthpawJim]

I don't know why I didn't think of just removing the bucket.

That would be easier.

Won't be on any steep Hills. I do notice over time the front loader starts dropping so I will keep having to lift it back up.

Thanks for the input.

 

[Tx Jim]

I agree to keep boom low. It continually amazes me the operators that drive around with the boom/bucket raised nearly to the maximum so they can see under boom. I understand raising bucket on 1st round to avoid hitting fences but after that my FEL boom is low as possible without contacting ground. Also with quick attach attachments(bucket/bale spear/forks) why plow or mow with any attachments on boom? The extra weight hanging out front just makes tractor ride rougher.

 

[DKCDKC]

I had a 2030 for ten years and bush hogged regularly without even thinking of removing the bucket. In rough areas it was useful to detect stumps or stuff I shouldn't run over. It was a big wide FEL too and - kept low- seemed to help stability on my hills. I really don't see any point to removing it.

 

[Zebrafive]

I remove mine, JD245, since it is made to be quickly removed. I do it for better manuverablity, but I mow much longer than 45 minutes to an hour. More like all day. Might not be worth it in your case.