Unnecessary Wear and Tear?

[mburke121]

I was discing a newly ripped field with my 4720 last weekend. The bucket was off of the loader. The field was pretty rough, since I ripped up some very thick clover, and it was clumped up in the field. I was discing at between 4 and 5.2mph. The loader was rattling around quite a bit (both side to side and up and down jarring).

I left the loader on during ripping for front ballast. Should I have taken it off for discing? As my new FEL was rattling around, I wondered if it was really made for that kind of motion/abuse?

I may have already answered my own question, but all feedback is welcomed.....

 

[RoyJackson]

Unless you need the front weight, I'd drop the loader off. In your tractor's manual, I think you'll see a page or two discussing ballasting. You'll also see a statement to the effect to remove the ballast when not necessary.

No use putting more strain on the front axle.

 

[mustangsallysdad]

Unless you need the front weight, I'd drop the loader off. In your tractor's manual, I think you'll see a page or two discussing ballasting. You'll also see a statement to the effect to remove the ballast when not necessary.

No use putting more strain on the front axle.

Hey Roy! A little off topic, but...that hat of yours...well, uh...oh never mind.

 

[Thomas]

Good advice given from RJ about front axle.

After completing such project you may want to do check,nuts/bolts,under the hood..things have way of loosening.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

The loader was rattling around quite a bit (both side to side and up and down jarring).

I left the loader on during ripping for front ballast. Should I have taken it off for discing? As my new FEL was rattling around, I wondered if it was really made for that kind of motion/abuse?

I may have already answered my own question, but all feedback is welcomed.....

I've got a couple of points to mention...

-Your loader shouldnt be "rattling around quite a bit"...my 300cx did after about 40 hours of use, dealer came to pick it up worked on it and ever since its been tight....
-Bouncing around empty is nothing compared to having a bucket full of dirt and driving around or ramming into piles of dirt, I wouldnt worry at all...both the loader & axle are designed to be used. I've never taken my FEL off, at most just leave the bucket off.
-When doing field chores with real farm tractors, we need to load up the front racks with weights... Suitcase weights or FEL, weight is weight... I wouldnt run out and buy suitcase weights when I already paid for the loader
-RoyJ is right, check your manual and other resources for proper ballasting. A properly ballasted tractor works 3x better/harder then a improperly ballasted machine.

 

[RoyJackson]

Hey Roy! A little off topic, but...that hat of yours...well, uh...oh never mind.

Yeah, I know you want one...but they only made one...and it's mine!

 

[beenthere]

mburke
If your body can take it, the Deere can take it. Nuf said..

Look into adjusting the FEL so it is a snug fit. Pretty easy to do..follow the installation/setup instructions.

 

[jimgerken]

BEENTHERE said it well. Adjustment of these quick-tach loaders is occasionally needed to keep them tight. Its a really easy process, and takes just a couple wrenches and five minutes. Makes a big difference. If you use it for 30-40 hours, it will certainly be time to tighten it up again. If done properly, it still quick-attaches on and off just fine.

 

[brin]

Yeah, I know you want one...but they only made one...and it's mine!

Hey Roy ..Just out of curiosity - Do you have a straw hat with a Budweiser can on it like in the John Candy movie - " Family Vacation " ?:laughing:

 

[ctlguy]

Like the other posters mentioned use the book to adjust the loader. If not done I have seen where not adjusted every once in a while and then continued use you will get to buy one or both masts as they will wear out before the mounts do.