Is there such thing as a silly question?

[WMK]

Hello all, hope you are well.

New tractor owner here, got our L6060 delivered last week and am just working through getting familiarized with how to operate it as this is my first tractor. I have a few questions that im hoping to get some insight on by those who are more experienced than myself - open to all suggestions.

1. I have a grapple and was wondering if I can use the float function on the loader to follow along the dirt and gather branches, bushes and other debris as I drive behind? The ground is a little bumpy and that's why using float is on my mind (otherwise I would just use it normally). My only concern here is not wanting to add excess wear or stress on the machine as it's still in break-in period.

2. I equipped the tractor with a BH92 backhoe and am wondering if I should be raising the rmps when using the backhoe or not? If so, to what level? Furthermore, should I have my loader bucket planted on the ground or raised up as I don't want to bend the loader if the backhoe puts downpressure causing the loader bucket to push into the ground?

3. Again a backhoe question, I am wondering if im adding excess wear by using it to lift and pull out trees? Essentially I want to know whether it's alright to pull as much as the backhoe will allow or should I be staying under a certain load?

Thankyou for taking the time to read and help answer some of my beginner questions! Any and all insight/help is greatly appreciated! Have a wonderful day

 

[McMXi]

Let me start by saying congratulations! You chose an awesome tractor as your first tractor.

I don't see any problem using the grapple in float mode but you might have to feather the tilt function to prevent the tines from digging into the dirt as you're moving.

Yes, put your loader bucket on the ground when running the backhoe and obviously use the outriggers. Use sufficient rpm to get the job done. rpm is related to oil flow which is related to power. Power is how quickly you can do work. Since you have a DPF system, you're not going to want to run the backhoe at low idle for extended periods.

 

[WMK]

Let me start by saying congratulations! You chose an awesome tractor as your first tractor.

I don't see any problem using the grapple in float mode but you might have to feather the tilt function to prevent the tines from digging into the dirt as you're moving.

Yes, put your loader bucket on the ground when running the backhoe and obviously use the outriggers. Use sufficient rpm to get the job done. rpm is related to oil flow which is related to power. Power is how quickly you can do work. Since you have a DPF system, you're not going to want to run the backhoe at low idle for extended periods.

Thankyou for this! And certainly am elated to be a part of the orange tractor family! She'll be putting in a lot of work as we start developing our land

Great insight about the grapple - I actually didn't know I was allowed to tilt while in float (just thought it would move it out of float if I used the tilt). Will be trying that out today as soon as work lets me out!

As for RPMs - I really appreciate the explanation about oil flow and power. Will try it out at 1500rpms and see if that keeps it happy! For DPF purposes, would you suggest I be higher than 1500? (Keeping in mind I'm limited cause the manual said not to go open throttle until break-in was over). Will be putting the bucket on the ground from now on! Another random question; should I be in neutral for using the backhoe or is leaving it in L or M range fine?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Essentially same info as @McMXi

Floating depends on the type of grapple you have.
If you have a root grapple, nope, not happening.
If you have a rack grapple then yes your good.

Loader on the ground, but not lifting tires off ground.
RPM's at PTO speed unless you need to do some slow close work then limit that to the least amount of time possible.

The BH and the Tractor will be fine working it as designed.
The relief valve on the tractor or the relief valve on the BH will keep you from "overworking" it.

 

[WMK]

Essentially same info as @McMXi

Floating depends on the type of grapple you have.
If you have a root grapple, nope, not happening.
If you have a rack grapple then yes your good.

Loader on the ground, but not lifting tires off ground.
RPM's at PTO speed unless you need to do some slow close work then limit that to the least amount of time possible.

The BH and the Tractor will be fine working it as designed.
The relief valve on the tractor or the relief valve on the BH will keep you from "overworking" it.

Thanks for your response! Again, please pardon my stupidity however, for my own insight I was wondering why it's not advised to do with a root grapple? I have a SGC1060 root grapple. Is it because it may bend or dig into the ground?

Appreciate the insight on the relief valve - glad to know they have that safety in place!

 

[McMXi]

Thanks for your response! Again, please pardon my stupidity however, for my own insight I was wondering why it's not advised to do with a root grapple? I have a SGC1060 root grapple. Is it because it may bend or dig into the ground?

Appreciate the insight on the relief valve - glad to know they have that safety in place!

I have a root rake grapple (EA Wicked 60) and the lower tines are quite short (see photo). I haven't tried to run it over the ground to pick up sticks and such, but if you go slowly I think it could be done. But as @North Idaho Wolfman said, the closer the lower tine length and geometry resembles a bucket the easier it'll be to float the grapple over the ground while still being able to get under sticks and such.

 

[WMK]

I have a root rake grapple (EA Wicked 60) and the lower tines are quite short (see photo). I haven't tried to run it over the ground to pick up sticks and such, but if you go slowly I think it could be done. But as @North Idaho Wolfman said, the closer the lower tine length and geometry resembles a bucket the easier it'll be to float the grapple over the ground while still being able to get under sticks and such.

View attachment 156816

Ahh okay that makes more sense! It was a geometry issue! I think the teeth on mine are a little longer (and flatter) than the ones from your picture so will try it out carefully and see if it's even helpful. Thanks again for all the tips and guidance @McMXi and @North Idaho Wolfman

 

[Russell King]

@WMK
Think about a pole vaulter who uses “pole float“ until at the end of the run when pole digs into the box. All the energy is going into the pole until the vaulter gets lifted off the ground.

Do you want one of those tines to catch in a root and basically stop the tractor’s forward motion? That is why you want to tilt the front up some and let it run a few inches back of the point- so it doesn’t want to dig in.

Good questions though.