Position of bucket when parked?

[jwease]

I have my tractor outside. What is the proper position of the bucket? I currently have the bucket fully retracted. My thought is that the cylinders are then fully retracted therefore protected from the elements and possible rusting. I was told that I should have the bucket extended at least enough to prevent water from accumulating in it. I'm also wondering if its common for the paint to peel off of the inside of the bucket? In large flakes sometimes.

 

[JoelD]

Yes paint will peel.

Yes you should have your cyls. retracted to protect them from damage.

Ideally you'd have a tarp or something on the machine so that it does not sit totally exposed to the elements.

I'd not let the bucket sit with water in it if it was me.

I'd either tarp or start regularly and dump out water.

Joel

 

[Thomas]

I like bucket flat when park inside,outside tip just enough for water to run out..I agree about the tarp or any cover.

 

[HeavyHitch]

I have all kinds of different equipment and don't worry about the cylinder rods being exposed UNLESS they sit longer than 30 days. Most equipment is made to handle the extremes of the outdoors, but if it's not being used on a regular basis, the rods can rust because the thin layer of oil will break down over time from not being used and then you will have seal leaks. I park my machine inside over the winter and leave the rods exposed and have never had a problem.

 

[Gittyup]

When I take my backhoe off and store it under a leanto, I spray any exposed cylinder rods with fluid film. FF stays in place for a long long time. But, it's not cheap. So, I only use it for "storage", when I know the equipment isn't going to be used for long periods of time.

 

[jwease]

Thank you for the responses. I should add that my tractor is only outside temporarily. Its normally kept inside when not being used.

 

[ToadHill]

If you don't plan to carry liquid in the bucket, you could drill a couple of 1/2" holes in the curved portion that sits on the ground when it is retracted. That's what I did and If I do carry any liquid ( I think I did It once) I just plugged the holes with some plumbers puddy.

 

[VictorW]

I do what the others do and leave the bucket curled in resting on a 4x4 to keep it off the ground. The one thing I was told is after turning the engine off was to push the control through all the positions to release any pressure in the lines. You'll hear a little pressure release and the bucket will only move a tiny amount.

 

[LBrown59]

I keep mine inside so it don't matter.

 

[LBrown59]

Thank you for the responses. I should add that my tractor is only outside temporarily. Its normally kept inside when not being used.

No problem if inside.