Top 10 things NOT to do with a new loader!

[andrewj]

Hi guys - new loader operator here- someone gave me good advice about filling up the tires so I didn't break bead with a full bucket load..then I got to thinking there must be TONS of other little "don'ts" that I am unaware of!

I know to keep the bucket low when traveling and to stay on flat level ground....

what else?

 

[jimmyj]

Don't drop it quickly and then "catch it" by stopping the decline. Steady up and steady down.

Don't hit the side of your truck with the edge of the bucket - speaking from experience

 

[Travelover]

Don't let it "float" to the ground when you are moving at speed, especially if the bucket is tipped down.

And don't lift something parked on an incline (side to side).

 

[dodge man]

Yeah, don't forget that loader and bucket stick way out there. It's really easy to be looking backwards when backing out of the garage, turn the steering wheel, forget the bucket is out there a ways, and clip the edge of your garage door. Don't ask me how I know

 

[NSBound]

Yeah, don't forget that loader and bucket stick way out there. It's really easy to be looking backwards when backing out of the garage, turn the steering wheel, forget the bucket is out there a ways, and clip the edge of your garage door. Don't ask me how I know

Boy, it looks like I'm not alone in this one! Garage door repair required this summer.

 

[Bill Hoffman]

Garage door? What garage door? I didn't see a garage door.

**** door. It's always in the way.

Bill

 

[dodge man]

I thought of another one, don't forget what your hand is doing on the joystick. I have been looking backwards backing up, look back forwards, and the bucket will be way up in the air. I will have had my hand on the joystick raising the loader arms way up in the air, when I didn't really want to.

 

[Tig]

How about these;
Don't lift it higher than you have to. Tipping danger
Don't take your eyes off the bucket when your hand is on the joystick. Lap full of dirt danger or worse.
Shiney things act like huge magnets, don't get as close as you think you can. Stuff happens.

 

[brin]

Balance your load - don't have the load all on one side of the bucket and don't stress just one corner of the cutting edge of the bucket when trying to lift or pry something..that is how you can warp your loader arms or cylinders. Takes a lot of practice in all ways so go slow until you get the experience and then always remember ..There are old FEL operators and there are Bold FEL operators but there are NO OLD & BOLD FEL OPERATORS !!

 

[eepete]

If you've got a big load in the bucket, and you're going down a hill, be sure you're in 4 wheel drive 'cause those rear tires won't have much to brake with.

Pete

 

[TripleR]

When hauling rock or any other loose material, I will raise the FEL and use the roll/curl a couple of times to "flip" materials to the back of the bucket and to knock material loose that would drop off during transport.

When lifting to extension, if you don't have self leveling bucket, watch the angle of your bucket as you may need to roll to keep the load off your hood.

This may just be me, but when you don't need it, take it off, but of course this will depend on how hard/easy this is to do as I keep mine on my Case as it is a bear to remove, but routinely remove others.

 

[Heywood Jannockitov]

Don't carry toolboxes, shovels, cordless drills, whatever in the bucket and forget about them, then think, "OH, I'll just grab a scoop of manure for the vegetable garden! OOPS, forgot that stuff was in there!

Also, if you have a quick attach bucket, make sure you lock the pins. A couple of times, I was just moving the bucket out of the way with the loader, again, get sidetracked and decide to scoop something while I got the bucket on. Then I dump the load and dump the bucket off too. You hope nobody is looking.

I try not to turn sharp with a load in the bucket, or turn the steering wheel when the tractor isn't moving (not an issue if you don't have power steering) . I broke a front spindle that way when the inside front tire dropped in a rut.

You shouldn't run at a dirt or gravel pile fast in order to drive the bucket in for a full scoop. Although I've been guilty of doing this too.

 

[MarkV]

As was said, don't try to lift or pry from one side of the bucket only. It could put too much stress on one side that can twist a loader frame. One of the dealers that participates on the forum mentioned it was one of the first things they look at on a trade in. The same applies if you add chain hooks to the loader. Heavy lifts from one loader arm only are not the way to go.

Counter weight is also an important point. Loaded tires are good yet I also think a rear weight is called for to help balance the load. If you fill your bucket with a heavy material you are adding that much weight to the front axle. A counter weight of size helps transfer some of that weight to the rear axle.

MarkV

 

[pat32rf]

If you have a load in the bucket and the tractor is in motion, your hand should STAY on the joystick. When things start to pucker quickly drop the whole bucket, with the load in it.
When pulling out a stuck vehicle be really careful if you are tempted to back up, pulling and lifting with the bucket at the same time....Its hard to balance on the front axle when the rears are in the air, and it was just an ATV that was stuck...

 

[DGS]

As was said, don't try to lift or pry from one side of the bucket only. It could put too much stress on one side that can twist a loader frame. One of the dealers that participates on the forum mentioned it was one of the first things they look at on a trade in. The same applies if you add chain hooks to the loader. Heavy lifts from one loader arm only are not the way to go.

Counter weight is also an important point. Loaded tires are good yet I also think a rear weight is called for to help balance the load. If you fill your bucket with a heavy material you are adding that much weight to the front axle. A counter weight of size helps transfer some of that weight to the rear axle.

MarkV

All of the answers posted so far apply but that counterwieght is a must have if you are doing a lot of FEL work. I have the Kubota counterweight and there is a difference with it on as opposed to being off. It lets the tractor work in a balanced way in my opinion.
Regards
DGS

 

[MossRoad]

If you have a tooth bar you can make a nice series of evenly spaced air hose pass through ports in the siding of your garage.

 

[Iowachild]

Don't hit the side of your truck with the edge of the bucket - speaking from experience

Does this apply to trailer fenders also?

 

[1stkubota]

Also, This one is a no brainer, but I have been to a rescue involving someone that was trying to lift something heavy with the loader, while he was off of his tractor, and the tractor flipped over on him. Stay in that seat!!!!!! SAFE TRACTORING

 

[duckhunt]

Does this apply to trailer fenders also?

LOL! I hung my friends trailer fender so hard it bent the fender into the tire. Worse part.. I had a small audience. Miracle it didnt pop the tire.

Always allow an extra foot or two more than you think you need. Especially in high gear.

 

[Travelover]

Also, beware of lifting logs in the bucket. They can roll over the hood and eventually over you.

Similarly, don't try to push over trees or break limbs with the bucket. You are winding up a huge spring and when it lets loose, it can hurt you badly.