Loader Latch Necessary?

arrabil · Aug 13, 2008

Howdy. Turns out my 4200 with 420 loader didn't come with the loader latch. I recognize JD put it there for a reason but I've been digging with the loader and haven't had any problems with it appearing like it will fall off. Do I really need to spend $50 in parts to put it back? Anyone actually have their loader come off with out pushing the mast handle forward manually? Thanks!

kennyd · Aug 14, 2008

Tough call...JD put it there as a safety to ensure the front plate cannot be unlatched. It do use mine but have often considered removing it

arrabil · Aug 14, 2008

Why have you considered removing it?

jsboening · Aug 14, 2008

I had a 4100 with the 410 loader for about 8 yrs. I only used the safety latch for approx the first 10 hours then I took it off and never used it again. That tractor probably had about 500hrs of loader work on it when I traded it in. I never had a problem with it coming off on it's own with the latch removed. When the dealer came to get it I handed it to him and he was surprised I even saved it. I think it's a case of JD covering its own butt.

kennyd · Aug 14, 2008

arrabil said:
Why have you considered removing it?

1. I always forget to swing it up and out of the way when I go to remove the loader-requires an extra trip off the tractor.
2. When it's pinned in the unlached postion, it rubs the front grill, and it rattles a lot.
3. Just not sure of the "requirement", like jsboening just said...

I think it's a case of JD covering its own butt.

dieselram · Aug 14, 2008

Mine is gone too and I was wondering the same thing, mine has not popped off yet either.

jdbower · Aug 14, 2008

kennyd said:
1. I always forget to swing it up and out of the way when I go to remove the loader-requires an extra trip off the tractor.
2. When it's pinned in the unlached postion, it rubs the front grill, and it rattles a lot.

I was wondering why this was even a question, luckily they fixed these issues with the 200CX (and, I presume, the rest of the newer generation of loaders). You flip the locks up from your seat and there's no rattling or rubbing when the loader's not installed.

msengstock · Aug 14, 2008

I'm with you, perhaps I don't understand the situation, but I wouldn't operate my loader on my x728 without the latch in place - I'm sure it's a different mechanical setup but sounds like taking an unnecessary chance ... sure it's fine all the time, but it's that one time when it's not there and all **** breaks loose - that's when you wished it were there. Just sayin' - better safe than sorry.