Loader question

   / Loader question #1  

pruntyc

Platinum Member
Joined
Nov 4, 2002
Messages
963
Location
MS
Tractor
John Deere 4110 HST
I've read a couple of post over time, that says most people leave their loaders on all the time. Is this true? I was thinking of getting a loader on my next tractor, but thought I probably wouldn't want it on over half the time, like when bush hogging. Maybe I don't really need a loader after all, not sure, just seems like it would be very handy at times, and could do some things that are hard to do without one. So what do you guys do, leave them on, or take them off. Thanks Dick
 
   / Loader question #2  
All the time. I thought I would be taking it off...but other than the normal uses for a FEL, I have it on for anything from crabbing myself out of some pretty muddy and soft Earth to just running it inches off the ground (catching pipe, bricks, rock, barbed wire...etc.) when bush hogging unknown property areas.

Mostly I use it for moving chain, chainsaws, fuel, tools etc. when I'm not using it for it's intended purpose. I will never own another tractor without a FEL (unless I buy one with the intention of adding one immediately).

Regards, Mark
 
   / Loader question #3  
Mine stays on all the time. It can affect maneuverability when brush hogging, but the extra weight up front is useful when you lift the brush hog.
 
   / Loader question #4  
I thought I would take mine off too, that's why I did the hydraulics with quick disconnects. But I use it for so many little things almost every day that I would not want to go to the trouble of putting it back on, so I just leave it on. I bet you would probably find the same thing.
 
   / Loader question #5  
I have had mine off one time, but that was when I split my tractor to put in a new clutch. Other than that time it has stayed on. I can drop the bucket if clearance is tight, but I rarely even do that.
 
   / Loader question #6  
Interesting post.

On my larger utility tractor, I will remove the loader often to mow my orchard. I have some tight turns at the end of the rows and this gives me a little more margin in the corners. If I'm using a tractor with a quick connect bucket, I'll generally just drop the bucket and leave the loader on. On my smaller tractors, I never remove them.
 
   / Loader question #7  
Well, I guess I'm the exception. I normally just put the loader on when I need it. Otherwise it is off. I use the tractor primarily to mow grass with the belly mower. With the loader on, the package is just not nearly as maneuverable. It also puts alot of extra weight on the front tires which mashes the grass down making it harder to mow without leaving strips of unmown grass.

I use the loader mostly for digging or leveling ground, and for loading/unloading mulch for landscaping. This probably happens a couple times a year.
 
   / Loader question #8  
While mine is on vurturally all the time, if I find myself doing something under the hood, I'd prefer to not have the obstrustion of the FEL.

If you do plan on having QD's just make sure they are up and out of the way so as not have then get caught on anything. Also VERY important if you have QD's, make sure there is a flow path for the hi pressure lines when the FEL is disconnected so as not to damage anything on the pump because of blocked flow.
 
   / Loader question #9  
I've never taken mine off in ten years. Doesn't really get in the way for anything else I use the tractor for and just handy for so many things. And I'd just have to find somewhere to put it anyway.
 
   / Loader question #10  
Yep, mine hasn't been off in the four years I've owned it. It is a bit of a PITA at times, but it's so usefull the rest of the time it outweighs the hassle. And where the heck would I put it once it's off?
 

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