Digging with a FEL and hand clutch?

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   I recently bought a D17 III gas, and rebuilt the engine, put in new gauges, fixed little things here and there, and built a toothbar for the bucket. 

I'd like to know the proper way to use the FEL to dig.  There are several stumps around my place that need to go.  I also want to dig out a new small (tennis court size) pond, and expand an existing pond.  Finally, I'd like to dig out and move topsoil from a pasture to my rocky yard.  I have a dumptrailer.  

I've used a Kubota FEL with the shift on the fly transmission to dig out topsoil, but it's a little more difficult with the transmission on the Allis.  Either the bucket teeth dig in too fast and the tractor wheels spin in place, or the bucket teeth don't dig in enough and the bucket just slides over the ground.  How do I use the hand clutch in conjunction with digging?

	This site is not affiliated with AGCO Inc., Duluth GA., Allis-Chalmers Co., Milwaukee, WI., or any surviving or related corporate entity. All trademarks remain the property of their respective owners. All information presented herein should be considered the result of an un-moderated public forum with no responsibility for its accuracy or usability assumed by the users and sponsors of this site or any corporate entity.
	The Forum	Parts and Services	Unofficial Allis Store	Tractor Shows	Serial Numbers	History

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
paulinkansas Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Bronze Level Joined: 30 Nov 2009 Location: Kansas Points: 45	Post Options Post Reply Quote paulinkansas Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Digging with a FEL and hand clutch? Posted: 22 Jun 2010 at 10:55am
	I recently bought a D17 III gas, and rebuilt the engine, put in new gauges, fixed little things here and there, and built a toothbar for the bucket. I'd like to know the proper way to use the FEL to dig. There are several stumps around my place that need to go. I also want to dig out a new small (tennis court size) pond, and expand an existing pond. Finally, I'd like to dig out and move topsoil from a pasture to my rocky yard. I have a dumptrailer. I've used a Kubota FEL with the shift on the fly transmission to dig out topsoil, but it's a little more difficult with the transmission on the Allis. Either the bucket teeth dig in too fast and the tractor wheels spin in place, or the bucket teeth don't dig in enough and the bucket just slides over the ground. How do I use the hand clutch in conjunction with digging?

Sponsored Links

Eldon (WA) Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Joined: 11 Sep 2009 Location: Spokane, WA Points: 7765	Post Options Post Reply Quote Eldon (WA) Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 Jun 2010 at 11:15am
	Go rent a bobcat and save the wear and tear on your tractor....farm loaders (and tractors) really aren't made to dig like a backhoe or skidloader....that is why you see them all welded up, arms sprung and buckets trashed...
	ALLIS EXPRESS! This year:

RMD Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Silver Level Joined: 07 Oct 2009 Location: Connecticut Points: 300	Post Options Post Reply Quote RMD Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 Jun 2010 at 11:18am
	First off, a farm tractor with a FEL is not an earthmover. It doesn't have the traction to do real digginig. Digging out a pond with a tractor/FEL will be a long, slow process. A skid-steer can do limited excavation/grading, for any srious earthmoving you need a tracked bulldozer or loader or an excavator (backhoe). I find the best way to work FELs for grading and stumps, etc. is to primarially use the bucket tilt to engage the gound/object. For "digging" move foward with the bucket tilted slightly below horizontal to "shave" off some dirt. If trying to dig a small stump, work into it while tilting the bucket up and down to work the stump loose. Working the hand clutch at the same time as the loader hydraulics can be a challenge if they are both on the right side of the tractor.

irlbeck A-C'S Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Joined: 28 Sep 2009 Location: Crestview FL. Points: 689	Post Options Post Reply Quote irlbeck A-C'S Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 Jun 2010 at 11:35am
	I believe the hand clutch you are referring to is actually the power director lever. Push foward for higher gear and pull back for lower gear. What gear (1,2 3,5 4,6 7,8) is determined by the gear shift. Is the front end loader fully hydraulic or does it have a trip bucket? Just my opinion but the stumps depending on size could be tough to deal with.Might be able to dig around them them pull them with a chain. A backhoe would really be helpful. I mostly use the lower gears. Although not as efficient as newer transmissions today slow and steady will still get the job done. The main thing is to be careful,bad things can happen to the operator or the tractor. Edited by irlbeck A-C'S - 22 Jun 2010 at 11:41am

Charlie175 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Joined: 11 Sep 2009 Location: Shenandoah, VA Points: 6368	Post Options Post Reply Quote Charlie175 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 Jun 2010 at 11:56am
	grow 2 more arms IIRC the PD and hydraulic levers are on the same side on the D-17
	Charlie '48 B, '51 CA, '56 WD45 '61 D17, '63 D12, '65 D10 , '68 One-Ninety XTD

BobHnwO Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Joined: 16 Sep 2009 Location: Jenera Ohio Points: 693	Post Options Post Reply Quote BobHnwO Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 Jun 2010 at 12:15pm
	I built a 5' bucket and put hydraulics on an old WD45 I used to have and filled in around the house when I built in 1996,moved over 100 ton of dirt,dug out where my pond was gonna be,worked pretty good.
	Why do today what you can put off til tomorrow.