Front-End Loader walk me thru unhooking a Kub FEL

[RussMan]

OK guys, don't laugh, but I have had my kubota 3030 for about 3 years and have never taken the FEL off. I simply wasn't up to the task of learning how, but I am starting to think it would for certain chores be nice to have it "out of the way". So, is there a link on TBN that walks me through this exercise and also tells me how to hook it back up properly? I would assume I should take it off on a nice level pad of concrete, and there is probably something I should know about reattaching the hydraulic lines so there isn't air in them or whatever, but just need a little guidance from you fellas.

 

[john_bud]

Ok, no laughing.

But serioiusly, I would only follow the directions from the owners manual and then some "tips" from the guys here. You can do harm to the tractor, FEL or your person if you make mistakes.

jb

 

[hazmat]

Well for one you can RTFM (Read the Manual) - it covers how to do it. Here's a brief step by step. It will take you a long time the first couple tries, but gets much easier with some practice.

level hard ground is key - even better is if you can park it up against an immovable object (like the garage footing). note a rise in temp of the loader hydraulic oil will make it difficult to reattach - removing it with cold oil and parking it in the sun all day will create the situation. If (when) it happens you'll need to bleed pressure by cracking the quick connector or tapping it with a hammer - be sure to protect yourself from the fluid - safety glasses & a cardboard or heavy rag in between you & the fluid.

Step 1 - lower parking stands

Step 2 - lower bucket to ground, bottom of bucket level - add a little downforce to relive pressure on the pins

Step 3 - Pull the pins - store them on the loader arms

Step 4 - "lift" the loader off the tractor with the hydraulics - usually takes a combination of curling the bucket and retracting (lowering - but really raising since it isn't attached anymore) the loader arms.

Step5 - shut down the tractor

Step 6 - wiggle the joystick to relieve hydraulic pressure

Step 7 - disconnect hoses

Step 8 - enjoy using the tractor w/o taking out your fence

To reattach, is not exactly reverse of taking it off

Align tractor

5
6
7
4
2
3
1

The trick to reattaching is to get good alignment with the loader when you pull up.

 

[RussMan]

Thanks Hazmat - your instructions seem helpful but they remind me of why I didn't "try this at home" before. So once you have done it a couple of times how long does it take to remove the FEL - are we talking 5 min or 30 or ?

 

[Glowplug]

First time I removed my loader it took about 15 mins. I did have the bucket in a slight dump position by about 10 degrees. Lowered the parking stands; lowered the bucket to the ground. Then after detaching the pins, all I had to do was curl the bucket to level and it lifted right out of its connection. Backed up a few inches. Then unhooked the hydraulics. Then off I went. That's the way Kubota says to do it in my manual for my M7040. I can only assume it would be the same.

I imagine after doing it a few times you would be able to do it in 5 mins. or less.

 

[hazmat]

Thanks Hazmat - your instructions seem helpful but they remind me of why I didn't "try this at home" before. So once you have done it a couple of times how long does it take to remove the FEL - are we talking 5 min or 30 or ?

Less than 5min after some practice probably 3-4.

 

[Bird]

After the first time or two with my B2710, I timed it one day and while taking my time, even had to take long enough for a sip of coffee a couple of times, it took about 3 minutes.

 

[pitt_md]

OK guys, don't laugh, but I have had my kubota 3030 for about 3 years and have never taken the FEL off. I simply wasn't up to the task of learning how, but I am starting to think it would for certain chores be nice to have it "out of the way". So, is there a link on TBN that walks me through this exercise and also tells me how to hook it back up properly? I would assume I should take it off on a nice level pad of concrete, and there is probably something I should know about reattaching the hydraulic lines so there isn't air in them or whatever, but just need a little guidance from you fellas.

RussMan, don't worry you have company....Me. I have had my MX5000 since August of 2006 and the loader has never been off. I have even taken out three wooden fence posts with it trying to mow brush and weeds close to the fence and still have not taken it off. I may try it sometime but not in the near future. I am currently building a house and a barn and a lot of fence line and I just can't be without it right now. Let us know how it went for you.

 

[ampsucker]

i can do my bx in less than 5 mins. as previously posted, easiest if on hard, flat surface. also, don't be afraid to completely lift the front wheels of the tractor off the ground to make it easy to get the holding pins out and don't be afraid to let the stand support the full weight of the loader (not tractor plus loader) and completely lower the bucket to get good clearance. the loader will pull away nicely form the tractor giving good clearance and it is then very easy to pull back up to it for good reattachment.

amp

 

[Bird]

I much preferred mowing (whether brush hog of finish mower) and tilling without the loader, and removing it was so quick and simple there was just no reason not to. Of course mine was inside the shop on a concrete floor. I had a scrap of plywood I put the cutting edge of the bucket on just to be sure I didn't damage the concrete.