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n88wrl
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 48 Clover, SC
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2004-08-23          94192

I actually did a search this time...

I've been playing with the Kubota LA513 loader on my L3130 and it is painfully obvious to me that proper loader operation is a learned skill. I've just been playing around in an unobtrusive part of my property trying to get the hang of moving stuff around, light digging, etc. Can anyone recommend resources for learning proper loader techniques? I've got a note into my local technical college which offers 'heavy equipment training'. That might be overkill - any books/videos to recommend?

Thanks!

-Brian


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hardwood
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 3583 iowa
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2004-08-23          94194

Brian' First read you owners manual cover to cover and DO follow the safety guides in the book. Please fasten your seatbelt if your tractor has a ROPS bar. In the real world experience is by far your best teacher, go at it slow and be patient you'll catch on quicker than you think. Best of luck. Frank ....

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bmlekki
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 185 Upstate, NY
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2004-08-23          94200

Make sure you use ballast of some kind, weather it’s the ballast weight box or simply an implement. Counter weight will keep you from doing a noise dive! ....

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oneace
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 1490 south central pa
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2004-08-23          94225

Your best teacher is going to be your ops manual and your self. It is not too difficult but like every thing else practice makes perfect. Sounds to me that you are going about it the right way. It will not take too long and you will have the hang of it. I do not think you will need to go to a training course but if you feel it will help you than go for it. Good luck. ....

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TomG
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 5406 Upper Ottawa Valley
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2004-08-24          94280

Go easy when digging. Loaders aren't a poor man's dozer. Hit something with the bucket angled fully down and it's easy to break things. In float the bucket can dig in and jackknife the loader frame. Potential there for breaking things as well. ....

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n88wrl
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 48 Clover, SC
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2004-08-24          94289

I really appreciate everyone's input. According to neighbors, my pasture used to be fairly dense woods cleared twenty or thirty years ago. The good timber was hauled off or sold, and the rest was either piled in the far-back or buried in various spots. Now I've got 'sink holes' and other undulations. Also lots of buried stumps. This is making bush hogging challenging, so I thought I'd try to even some of it out. I picked an inconspicuous place to practice and made quite a mess. I guess I just need to keep at it!

Thanks everyone!

-Brian ....

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shortmagnum
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 848 Wisconsin
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2004-08-24          94290

n88, The job you've picked for your first loader work sounds like it would be very difficult for even an experienced operator (and might be more suited for a dozer).

Isn't there a nice loose pile of dirt around that you can move to get your confidence up? :-)
Dave ....

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n88wrl
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 48 Clover, SC
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2004-08-24          94291

:)

I do have compost piles to move, I guess I'll start there. I even wondered if a box scraper was a better choice for the job. Realistically, I could use a ton of new topsoil in several places.

Thanks for the tip!

-Brian ....

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Iowafun
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 955 Central Iowa
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2004-08-24          94309

I got my first tractor with an FEL 2 years ago. I started by scooping up dirt from the garden plot. It had been turned over by a neighbor with a plow so it was reasonably easy to play and scoop. I then practiced placement by making a flower bed. You can also practice using snow. But that may not work for you considering it was 75 degrees in Charleston when I moved from SC in December of '97. ....

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TomG
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 5406 Upper Ottawa Valley
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2004-08-25          94397

I do use my scraper for shallow excavations and for turning compost. I also spread the last load of gravel almost entirely with the scraper (I do have a hydraulic top-link). The loader gets used as well but the scraper does most of the work. I go back and forth between them. Most people develop their own style and ways of doing things after some practice and you'll likely have yours as well. However, scrapers may take longer to get the hang of than loaders. Almost everybody mucks up a few practice areas. ....

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