Propping up loader

[John Fitzgerald]

I want to prop the loader up about 6 ft high to give more room for my mower to exit the shed. Would it hurt the hydraulics to prop up the loader with a 4x4 or 4x6 timber under the downturned bucket?

This would be only during the mowing season, when I leave the RC on the tractor due to its being so hard to remove and install on the 3PH, and its fairly frequent use.

The shed is a remodel of an old shed that was there before I even thought of getting the tractor. The tractor and RC combo is so long I have limited room by the door to get out. There's not enough room to maneuver the tractor to one side, so it's parked backed into the center, with the riding mowers on each side.

Shed is 24' long, 22 ft wide. 8 ft W x 7 ft H overhead door in the center. It isn't tall enough for a 10 ft wide door, due to roof pitch.

 

[oldnslo]

What you propose will not hurt the hydraulic components.
Another option is to make a stop goes over the extended rods on the lift cylinders. This eliminates the support post and any concerns about it tipping.

A piece of channel iron works well. Care must be taken to not scratch the cylinder rod though. A piece of thin plywood or plastic glued on works well as rod protection. Does not help smashed toes though when you drop the piece of channel iron ...

 

[John Fitzgerald]

Thanks for the reply. I will fasten a flat board to the bottom of the post to help prevent tipping. Rather not risk cylinder damage. The housing ends don't look like they are made for that kind of pressure.

 

[oosik]

What oldnslo says - ++ I put a 4x4 under the bucket when I work on the tractor - up front.

 

[ruffdog]

When I would park my Boomer in the shed with the loader on, I used a 4x4 to put under the lowest part (rear) of the bucket. It was on a concrete floor and it never moved on me. My welder and other junk was under the bucket and I was limited on the room. I never had a problem.

 

[Tx Jim]

You could zip tie a couple of pieces of 2'' angle iron long enough to support boom at desired height to boom cylinder rods

 

[Fallon]

Google Image Result for http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/face/images/4ia36d.jpg shows a cylinder lockout. Common or mandatory on industrial machines. Lift up the loader, put the pipe or whatever between the cylinder & eye, strap it in place & let the loader down. More work than just putting a piece of lumber under the bucket, but you don't effectively have a post to work around under the loader either. I hear some people use hose clamps & sch80 PVC. Personally i'd use angle iron & a ratchet strap. Safer & faster.

 

[CincyFlyer]

Thanks for the reply. I will fasten a flat board to the bottom of the post to help prevent tipping. Rather not risk cylinder damage. The housing ends don't look like they are made for that kind of pressure.

The housing ends can likely handle 3000 PSI hydraulic pressure.

 

[RickB]

Angle iron and a couple quick wraps of electrical tape. Once the loader is supported by the angle, it isn’t going anywhere till you start the tractor and raise the loader.

 

[majorwager]

Agree w/ posted sentiments. My IH does not have a QA loader, but does have QA for attachments, loader remains in elevated position all winter in the shop freeing up additional space. With no attachment connected bare loader stored in this position since new shop constructed in '97.

Has presented NO negative impact.