Removing a Subframe from a FEL. Issues?

[kbforester]

I have a 2014 Kioti NX4510. The FEL is attached to a Subframe. It's a wicked strong loader, generally I assume it's a good idea to leave on the subframe. The problem is, I'm getting ready to use it for some rugged woods work (skidding), and the subframe eats up a lot of clearance. On the left side in particular. I've gotten it stuck on a stump fairly often. Obviously I could remove the frame and the loader, but then I would lose the use of the FEL mounted Log grapple. I also know a FEL is also handy if you get stuck.

- is the subframe primarily used to spread the horizontal load/stress from pushing?

- would I stress anything out by lifting logs with the log grapple without the sub frame components bolted on? (Vertical loads)

Can post pictures if needed. Thanks!

 

[Tinhack]

Typically, the subframe is there so you don't break the tractor in half when you lift something. But it's your tractor.

 

[npalen]

Yes, pictures would be good. I'm curious how the loader can be used without the subframe in place as the loader usually mounts to the subframe.

 

[old and tired]

If I were to be skidding, I would want the subframe on PLUS some skid plates attached to them. I don't know your model tractor but there's lots of hose and filters that don't have any protection from sticks and branches.

 

[jfsawatzky]

Do you have a backhoe for your tractor? If so, I’d assume the subframe was an integral component to spread out the forces and prevent you from splitting the tractor in two.
Otherwise I am having problems understanding what subframe you want to remove. I do not know your tractor model.
Pictures would help.

 

[kbforester]

Typically, the subframe is there so you don't break the tractor in half when you lift something. But it's your tractor.

This gets to the heart of what I'm asking. If that's the case, it might answer my question

 

[kbforester]

Yes, pictures would be good. I'm curious how the loader can be used without the subframe in place as the loader usually mounts to the subframe.

Picture attached. The subframe is in parts. The magor attachment point is bolted to the area next to the engine, but then a long horizontal piece is bolted to that piece, and goes to the back axle. I'm wondering if I take off just the horizontal piece

 

[kbforester]

If I were to be skidding, I would want the subframe on PLUS some skid plates attached to them. I don't know your model tractor but there's lots of hose and filters that don't have any protection from sticks and branches.

If the frame weren't there, I could do one large skid plate. But I can't argue that having the frame plus multiple plates might be stronger.

 

[kbforester]

Do you have a backhoe for your tractor? If so, I’d assume the subframe was an integral component to spread out the forces and prevent you from splitting the tractor in two.
Otherwise I am having problems understanding what subframe you want to remove. I do not know your tractor model.
Pictures would help.

Sorry for that. You are completely right, other tractors I've worked on it's basically all one piece. This is multiple.

No backhoe

 

[kbforester]

Here is a decent shot. The vertical part that goes up out the top of the photo attaches to the loader arms. The horizontal goes to the back axle. Note the bolts

 

[old and tired]

I would learn to live with it... test it out and see how much it gets in the way (or if it saves your under belly). Why remove it until you know it's a problem!

 

[ptsg]

I don't want to sound rude but if you're getting hung up on that sub-frame, then you're driving over stuff you shouldn't. Just because it's a tractor, doesn't mean it can drive over everything. Do so, will often result on expensive repairs, like broken filter housings, expensive oil spilled everywhere, damaged fuel tanks, etc. The list goes on and on.

Just a couple weeks ago, I had a brain fart and backed over a pile of loose dirt I was moving that was clearly still too tall and managed to pull, twist and bend the steel suction line that lives under the tractor. Luckily it didn't pull the rubber hoses and dumped all the fluid on the ground, but was a way too close call.

Also, the engineers put that sub frame there for a reason.

 

[kbforester]

I don't want to sound rude but if you're getting hung up on that sub-frame, then you're driving over stuff you shouldn't. Just because it's a tractor, doesn't mean it can drive over everything. Do so, will often result on expensive repairs, like broken filter housings, expensive oil spilled everywhere, damaged fuel tanks, etc. The list goes on and on.

Just a couple weeks ago, I had a brain fart and backed over a pile of loose dirt I was moving that was clearly still too tall and managed to pull, twist and bend the steel suction line that lives under the tractor. Luckily it didn't pull the rubber hoses and dumped all the fluid on the ground, but was a way too close call.

Also, the engineers put that sub frame there for a reason.

Just because it's not what I wanted to hear doesn't mean it's rude, or wrong!

 

[ptsg]

Just because it's not what I wanted to hear doesn't mean it's rude, or wrong!

I agree but I didn't want that post to come out the wrong way by any means.

 

[Tinhack]

Here is a decent shot. The vertical part that goes up out the top of the photo attaches to the loader arms. The horizontal goes to the back axle. Note the bolts

Here's what can happen, even with a subframe if the tractor is stressed beyond design. Note his subframe sitting on the ground in the first picture. These pictures were from a post earlier this year. Apparently, this owner was logging too. I call it a Dead Kioti.

 

[AndyMA]

Looks like a good reason to leave it on

 

[Jims1025R]

I support the thought that if the sub frame is in the way of ground features, you're driving your tractor over ground for which it is not intended. If you're tip toe delicate doing this, just to get from A to B that's one thing a little not ideal. If you're skidding out logs while traversing such ground, that's a lot not ideal. Perhaps keep the tractor where it's intended to be, and winch the logs out.

 

[kbforester]

Here's what can happen, even with a subframe if the tractor is stressed beyond design. Note his subframe sitting on the ground in the first picture. These pictures were from a post earlier this year. Apparently, this owner was logging too. I call it a Dead Kioti.

View attachment 760770


View attachment 760772

I think I saw this for sale on Facebook or craigslist! I think they got it put back together... I think I'm convinced.

 

[Tony H]

Typically, the subframe is there so you don't break the tractor in half when you lift something. But it's your tractor.

He asked a question for an answer and education. No need to be so Snarky.

 

[ning]

Just a couple weeks ago, I had a brain fart and backed over a pile of loose dirt I was moving that was clearly still too tall and managed to pull, twist and bend the steel suction line that lives under the tractor. Luckily it didn't pull the rubber hoses and dumped all the fluid on the ground, but was a way too close call.

I did that the first time I tried put my backhoe on. Got antsy and didn't realize one of the flip-up hooks at the end of the subframe was sticking up high and dumped idk how much oil on the ground (and proceeded to overfill the oil because I couldn't see it in the sight glass... now I'm using JD dye)