Practice Removing Your FEL

[montyhp]

The whole point of "it's not a race" is to ensure (or help ensure) removing and re-installing tthe loader is done safely.
Some guys are more mechanically inclined then others and will pick it up pretty quickly. Others, not so quickly. I'd guess quite a few residential TBNers never operated a wrench...then they bought a tractor. Those gents and ladies are the folks I'm writing to...
First time I dropped the loader, I'd guess it took about 15-20 minutes. I'm mechanically inclined, but I'm one of those methodical guys who takes his time. You know....read a step, perform the step....read a step, perform the step...
Now, after dozens of removals and re-installations, I'm quicker. My only issue now is a bad hand (result of a stroke) that just isn't strong enough to work those QD fittings quickly. Dropping the loader (including on and off the tractor) takes 3-5 minutes (estimated...never timed it). For me, installing takes longer...mostly due to that bad hand. Sucks...but a bad hand is better then being dead, right?

Point well taken and I don't take safety lightly. This is my first tractor, but I have a lot of experience with heavy equipment (military and volunteer fire department). My point is that removing the FEL was MUCH easier and quicker than I thought it would be. The mahindra set up is really simple. Even if I stopped and analyzed every step (which I did in a dry run before I actually took the loader off) it is a 5-7 minute job, tops. It is easy enough that I will pop it off to mow, then pop it back on to do any other tasks that require it.

I am sorry to hear about your bad hand. I came out of the military with two bad, painful knees and a shoulder that doesn't have full range of motion, but I still feel blessed every day that I can walk and get up and down off a tractor.

Montyhp

Montyhp

 

[IslandTractor]

I do a lot of bush hogging (with flail) and mowing of an old New England farm (rocks) so I leave my FEL on with either a 4n1 bucket or grapple. I rarely mow more than an acre without needing to use the bucket/grapple to deal with some sort of obstruction that would otherwise stop my mowing. I've moved branches, cut firewood, rocks, old farm equipment, a gas pump, old tires, and also used it to push over or dig under bushes as I go. I've also used it to get myself unstuck (mud in early May).

I agree that it might add some weight up high and that the bucket can interfere with forward vision to a degree but I honestly wouldn't mow what I mow without the FEL. I would sing a different tune if I were mowing a lawn or a well maintained field

 

[warhammer]

Recommended!
I did not remove my FEL for the first 225 hours of usage on my Kioti and managed to bump things with depressing frequency. I finally took it off when I had a hydraulic leak and I really needed to get some field work done.
Now I run without it whenever possible. The tractor is much nicer to do Ag type tasks without it. It only takes 5-10 minutes to get it off or on.

Warhammer

The last couple days have seen too many reports of close calls when mowing or operating in tough conditions (hills, wet, etc) while still having the front end loader in place.

While the loader can be dropped as a safety brake, it is also likely that the FEL contributed to some degree to lack of balance in the first place. In many instances, it would be preferred not to have the FEL on. Many new owners, being excited to have a new FEL and not being comfortable or knowledgeable in how to remove it, just leave it on and/or have never taken it off.

Most modern tractors feature a FEL that is reasonably quick and easy to remove. Mastering the removing and installing of a FEL is needed skill. While it may seem funny to say, I watched the youtube videos over and over until I was comfortable doing it. It was worth practicing.

Highly encourage the new owners posting here at TBN to practice the skill. There are lots of knowledgeable and patient teachers here who will be glad to add some pointers, tractor model specific, as well. As Sarge used to say on Hill Street Blues, "Hey, Hey!! Let's be careful out there!"

 

[MtnViewRanch]

My 7520 almost feels like a sports car with the loader off. :laughing: I pretty much do all my field work with the loader off. Mostly disking, some mowing.

 

[buck12]

I do a lot of bush hogging (with flail) and mowing of an old New England farm (rocks) so I leave my FEL on with either a 4n1 bucket or grapple. I rarely mow more than an acre without needing to use the bucket/grapple to deal with some sort of obstruction that would otherwise stop my mowing. I've moved branches, cut firewood, rocks, old farm equipment, a gas pump, old tires, and also used it to push over or dig under bushes as I go. I've also used it to get myself unstuck (mud in early May).

I agree that it might add some weight up high and that the bucket can interfere with forward vision to a degree but I honestly wouldn't mow what I mow without the FEL. I would sing a different tune if I were mowing a lawn or a well maintained field

I am with you my loader is always on. The biggest use of the tractor is bush hogging and it seems like there is always a new tree that has fallen and needs to pushed aside. Besides where would the chainsaw ride with no loader? And yes I have forgotten the saw was in the bucket and dumped it.

 

[bp fick]

I might not want to remove the FEL very often if it were not for garden work. Now when I say garden, I mean big garden. I plow, drag, cultivate, etc

Add to the issue that once plants are put in, deer fencing must go up. This constriction means to do anything in the gardens, i must remove the FEL, no choice. This was a skill I had to master.

I temporarily used a RFM, and with our trees and out buildings, I found the FEL absolutely in the way and obstructing. If I get a new RFM, I will not mow with it on.

Like Roy, I have been mechanical to the max all my life, but I just want to study, master it, and I took my time. Just my nature. Now, I'd guess, I can install in 2 minutes, remove in 4. That's fast enough for me. No, it isn't a race.

 

[missourithunder]

bp,
I'm biting at the chomp to chime in but give me a sec. You are the one person that may convince me to remove my loader and I'll explain but wait till I finish reply on another thread

MT

 

[Big Wave D]

There are times I wish my '91 L35 would fall into this category of quick removal, but alas it does not. So, I just keep the bucket low to the ground and go.

I don't have hills to contend with, so that's a big help somewhat in itself.

It seems to me, that as I look at my FEL, it would take a considerable bit of time to undo both the arms and cylinders to remove it as a unit. Plus, I'd need to build some kind of stand or station to ease the dock and undocking procedure. With no built in supports, she'd just flop over all turtle like.

My FEL is pre QA, so I don't even have the luxury/option of dropping the bucket, if I wanted to get rid of that weight and turning obstacle.

One just learns to live with it. I usually mow with the bucket vertical. Frees up a little more turning radius that way.

To all who have "Fast Removal", enjoy! :thumbsup:

 

[pitt_md]

Guilty as charged

never had it off, for fear of not getting it back on (little level ground which I beleive makes putting the bucket back on easier)

If i had mastered this skill, fair to say , I would not have taken out one of my fence braces last week when mowing a paddock

Been there done the exact same thing. Wife got a good laugh out of it. I have taken out a couple of fence posts and hit other things but I still have not had the FEL off. I have been meaning to do it but never had enough time to study how it goes on and off.

 

[TripleR]

There are times I wish my '91 L35 would fall into this category of quick removal, but alas it does not. So, I just keep the bucket low to the ground and go.

I don't have hills to contend with, so that's a big help somewhat in itself.

It seems to me, that as I look at my FEL, it would take a considerable bit of time to undo both the arms and cylinders to remove it as a unit. Plus, I'd need to build some kind of stand or station to ease the dock and undocking procedure. With no built in supports, she'd just flop over all turtle like.

My FEL is pre QA, so I don't even have the luxury/option of dropping the bucket, if I wanted to get rid of that weight and turning obstacle.

One just learns to live with it. I usually mow with the bucket vertical. Frees up a little more turning radius that way.

To all who have "Fast Removal", enjoy! :thumbsup:

Know exactly what you mean. I have a couple that take two grown men and a trained monkey to remove, so they stay on.

 

[dodge man]

I've turned plenty of wrenches in my day, and I will admit it was a struggle to take my FEL off and on the first time. I installed mine the first time, and didn't get the bottom pins set in the bracket correctly, the whole thing was a mess until if figured out what was wrong. By the third or fourth time, I had it down to less than 5 minutes.

I can't imgaine finish mowing with the FEL on, too much weight and too top heavy. I have brush hogged with the FEL on, and it seems natural for that.

 

[riptides]

I took my FEL off once off the B. I forgot where I put it, so now it stays on full-time.
I do all field work, and with the ground hog holes, it is great if you see them first before you fall into them. I usually dig, and back spread, accordingly.

 

[impdaddy]

Know exactly what you mean. I have a couple that take two grown men and a trained monkey to remove, so they stay on.

Where did you find the trained monkey. All the monkeys I have seen seem to be trying to do something with a football.

Seriously though. I have never even considered operating with the FEL removed until this and the accompanying thread. My Mowing consists of bush hog and the FEL stays as low as possible. I know better than lifting it high as I have seen done before. Maybe now I have to figure out the FEL.:thumbsup:

 

[TripleR]

Where did you find the trained monkey. All the monkeys I have seen seem to be trying to do something with a football.

Seriously though. I have never even considered operating with the FEL removed until this and the accompanying thread. My Mowing consists of bush hog and the FEL stays as low as possible. I know better than lifting it high as I have seen done before. Maybe now I have to figure out the FEL.:thumbsup:

Actually a football will ruin a perfectly good monkey and you will need to start from scratch so to speak. I found mine working in the service department at a John Deere Dealership:laughing::laughing::laughing:

Before anyone gets upset, you can substitute any brand and I own a Kubota, John Deere, Ford and Massey Ferguson too, just kidding.

 

[Big Wave D]

TripleR,

Thanks for the laugh concerning all that needs to come to bear to remove some of your FEL's.

I have a friend who has a Ford 4000 with a loader on it. He can't even replace the battery without completely removing his FEL or tearing all the hood sheet metal off. I'm not sure which is worse and more time consuming. Anyways, he's made himself a designated spot with a 4"x4" truss works with come alongs to aid in its removal. Even so, it's a half day job. :confused2:

My how things have changed, and for the better, at least concerning this small aspect of life.:laughing:

 

[TripleR]

TripleR,

Thanks for the laugh concerning all that needs to come to bear to remove some of your FEL's.

I have a friend who has a Ford 4000 with a loader on it. He can't even replace the battery without completely removing his FEL or tearing all the hood sheet metal off. I'm not sure which is worse and more time consuming. Anyways, he's made himself a designated spot with a 4"x4" truss works with come alongs to aid in its removal. Even so, it's a half day job. :confused2:

My how things have changed, and for the better, at least concerning this small aspect of life.:laughing:

The last time we removed the FEL on our Massey Ferguson, we used the FEL on our Case CX80. I won't even talk about the FEL on our Case as it has actually fallen off a couple of times, talk about a job; needed two monkeys on that one.

 

[TGF]

what about just taking the bucket off? I haven't taken my FEL off but then again I use it more than my 3 points, that may change as I just got a rotary cutter.

 

[TripleR]

what about just taking the bucket off? I haven't taken my FEL off but then again I use it more than my 3 points, that may change as I just got a rotary cutter.

Please don't rely solely on my post in deciding, but going across grades, a bucket held low to the ground may mitigate the effect of the arms which are much higher. I am still in the decision phase on my L5030.

 

[RoyJackson]

what about just taking the bucket off? I haven't taken my FEL off but then again I use it more than my 3 points, that may change as I just got a rotary cutter.

I value TripleR's opinions and posts...and he does have a very good point about a low 250-300 lb bucket mitigating the weight of the loader frame. However, that 250-300 lb bucket does act as a "pendulum" when mowing. In my case, mowing (especially on slopes) is more comfortable without the bucket (even better without the loader).
Best suggestion is give removing the bucket a try...see how it works for you. See how removing the entire loader works for you...might make it much more stable (especially on a slope).
As far as using a brush cutter...if the grasses/brush are low (12-20 inches) and you know the property, try it without the loader...but you'll want some kind of front ballast if you intend to raise the cutter. If the brush is high, or you're not familar with the field, that bucket works nicely to knock down the brush and expose any hidden objects (like an engine block).

 

[TripleR]

I value TripleR's opinions and posts...and he does have a very good point about a low 250-300 lb bucket mitigating the weight of the loader frame. However, that 250-300 lb bucket does act as a "pendulum" when mowing. In my case, mowing (especially on slopes) is more comfortable without the bucket (even better without the loader). Best suggestion is give removing the bucket a try...see how it works for you. See how removing the entire loader works for you...might make it much more stable (especially on a slope).

Very good advice and I am in the process of doing this on my L5030. I have done it on my BX2660, MF375 and Case CX80. I "usually" remove the loader on my BX and leave them on my MF and Case. I am inclined to believe my L5030 will do better without FEL and with suitcase weights.

As far as using a brush cutter...if the grasses/brush are low (12-20 inches) and you know the property, try it without the loader...but you'll want some kind of front ballast if you intend to raise the cutter. If the brush is high, or you're not familiar with the field, that bucket works nicely to knock down the brush and expose any hidden objects (like an engine block).

Good idea, but I am just too lazy and I my trained monkey ran off.

I have been clearing very heavy brush/saplings/blackberry briers and using the bucket to knock the stuff down before cutting them and it is saving the paint, glass and hoses on my tractor.