How to avoid this painful mistake when removing your bucket.

[@earlyriser8998]

never even thought of this. I rarely use float when I park. Just set the bucket down when I turn the tractor off.

[@markcole6475]

I usually leave the bucket about a foot off the ground and then release the levers! Doesn’t take anymore doing it that way vs setting the bucket on the ground first! I just get back on the tractor and finish lower the loader off the bucket then move on to whatever attachment I’m putting back on.

[@mikes2020]

This right here will prevent that every time. ^^^^^^^

[@briangc1972]

I do it that way because I always thought that was the right way to do it. I've never tried to release the SSQA with the implement on the ground.

[@andybonneau9209]

I love the float feature, but I never leave it in that position.

[@JimsEquipmentShed]

Yea, me neither.

[@mikesorg6746]

Same

[@thegreatnorthwoodswithbb2863]

Why would you

[@davidolchewsky5365]

Safety training I've add at work was around keeping your self, and parts of the body, out of the line of potential energy. So that IF something were to happen (fail, etc), you would not be injured. Accidents are in fact preventable, and yeah I was against this for many early years of my career, BUT they really are. Even doing a simply self 'pre-job' brief ... what I'm doing, what could happen, etc. I just don't want anyone else to be injured and why I share this. People tend to think 'Ah, that stuff isn't gonna happen to me' ... and then it does. So, Please be aware of your surroundings and know to be out of the line of 'energy' as it can hurt or even take a life. Thanks for sharing Neil!

[@sameaston1301]

Did that exact thing. #1 I own a BX so the loader is lighter and #2 I was wearing steel toe boots so I didn't get injured BUT... I was stuck with my right foot under the loader and could not reach the controls. Luckily I had my cell phone to call my wife to free my foot. No serious injury... except my pride.

[@chetsicinski9787]

You folks up there that have a Messik’s in you range should be using them. Looks like they care about more than the sale. Wish we had one here!

[@mrpips000]

Interesting. I don't put mine in float, I have the implement curled back so it stays attached, then i use the loader to put in on the ground.

[@wildbill23c]

That's what I do. I found with my bucket and pallet forks, if the bucket/forks are curled slightly backwards, its easier to release the locking pins with the levers...then I simply curl the bucket or forks back down flat, and lower them to the ground and lower/curl the loader SSQA out of the attachment...it works great and no chance of setting the loader or attachment on your foot, which is not the proper storage position for either in case anyone was needing clarification...the attachments need to be stored on the ground not your body LOL.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks for the great tip, Neal! That’s a scenario I had never thought of! I recently added a linear actuator to my SSQA so I can lock and release it from my tractor seat. Very convenient and safe for the feet. I posted a couple of videos on the project for anyone interested. Thanks for all you do for the tractor community!

[@bhoss7133]

Could you post a link or a video title please?! I'd love to do the same.

[@chadz2143]

I was thinking of adding 3rd function with diverter to add hydralic quick attach. It works great on payloader and skidsteers @ work

[@cdayejr]

Hard lesson to learn, but you only do it once. Thanks for posting so we can learn from others.

[@jimmcknight3021]

Another reason I am glad that I have the hydraulic SSQA on my Grand L.

[@ni1469]

I’ve never had any attachment on the ground when releasing the latches on a skid loader or tractor it’s at the least tilted back with the pressure off. Between being a potential safety hazard, wearing out the pin guides prematurely, and making it harder to pull out I’ve just never attempted unhooking on the ground

[@mttrapper]

Good heads up! I too put my loader in float when parked for the night. I was always told it takes the pressure off the cylinder seals thus extending their life. I was also taught to stand in the bucket or on top of the pallet forks to pull the quick coupler levers. Your feet can't get injured that way.

[@shaneallison3370]

Simple but absolutely happens. Hope the guys foot is ok. Thanks for sharing Neil 👍

[@TheTradosaurus]

I've never ever thought of using the float position when lowering my bucket before getting off. I always turn the tractor off when parked and the bucket in the raised position and then lower the bucket to the ground which relieves the pressure on the cylinders.

[@larrymoore6640]

We all forget the little things and it good that we get reminded or even educated about them.

[@Hammy16]

I stand in front of the implement and reach over the top to unlatch the ssqa levers. I also generally will unlatch the coupler, then set the bucket or forks down where I'm going to leave them and curl the loader out from the coupling.

[@donaldstrishock3923]

This exact "accedent" happened me! Thought l was "Joe-Pro" when it came to SAFETY Practice's. Just "luckily" my foot with WORK-BOOTS & STEEL TOE's & Very soft ground the "incident" was very minor but " lite-me-up " scary. From now on l walk around from both sides ( no longer close to loader assembly) stay clear of ALL IMBENDING DANGER. Thank you Mr.Neal for this valuable lesson for us ALL. This "minor" proceedure was not listed in All 3 of my Operator's Manuals. Live & learn !!!

[@bearkatljl]

I tilted my bucket forward so I could have easier access to the handles on the quick attach, it worked great the handles were very easy to access, unfortunatley when I released the pins on from the bucket it twisted and fell off the FEL and onto my foot. Lesson learned though.

[@Blast357]

always stand in the bucket for the unlocking and the locking... i also like to leave the bucket up in the air couple inches from the ground... i hop in the bucket and unlock... but yeah i can understand maybe that guy wanted to park the tractor... changed his mind and then wanted to switch bucket... so yeah, always stay in the bucket like you did :) great video for new owner!

[@gjm5591]

Good point, I had placed my tractor loader inadvertently in the float position & shut my tractor off. Then been sidetracked come back & dropped my bucket forgetting that I placed my loader in the float position. That was a close call.

[@bladewiper]

What I want to know about, is that gray/red International in the background.

[@bradjenkins932]

Same here... It looks like a demonstrator or a 50000 tractor.

[@DJC995]

Having never used a skid steer coupler but on the euro 8 & MX quick hitch I Find you need the loader lifted to take the weight off the bucket to release the pins hopefully this video stop some one getting hurt thanks again

[@wildbill23c]

The SSQA is easier to engage and release if you curl the bucket back or pallet forks for example it does take the pressure off those pins making pulling the levers much easier, it also helps keep from bending or breaking the ends of the pins off when putting those attachments back on too.

[@jeffstrains4014]

Thankfully it was not larger then it was! I have noticed the front end on large tractors raise 3/4 of an inch when the loader sits down

[@justindavis1546]

I've been taught to stay away from anything that can potently move. I park, shut tractor off, run all controls through all cycles until everything stops moving, place controls in neutral position, and call it a day.

[@jollyg83]

I did the same thing when I first got my B2650. Forgot it was in float when I opened the coupler levers. I was able to wiggle my boot out from under it with no major damage to my foot. Lesson was learned at a relatively cheap price thankfully.

[@charlesperry1051]

As a new tractor owner (2 weeks) I really appreciated this video! That is a mistake I do not want to make.

[@mgeren]

Also good to always wear boots with some kind of safety toe when working with machinery. Only took me one bruised foot to figure that one out!

[@northeasterndirtandpropert7974]

Also being careful around the unlatching of implements on the 3P.T.H.Always a risk of dropping attachments OR the attachments in the lowest float position on the rear of the tractor.

[@williamfenner9915]

I hope that whoever it happened to is going to be alright. Important safety video.

[@johnambro7181]

And always wear safety boots- no exceptions! Have operated a lot of machines and the old steel toe has come in handy, but then I come from the construction industry so it's pounded in to wear the right gear! Good point to share Neil.

[@jerva245]

I did this exact thing in July of this year . I was tired and in a hurry, too. Nothing broken, but bruising that took two months to go away

[@chucks4328]

I think the most important take away from this video is the International tractor in the background. Looks nice.

[@justadbeer]

I never thought of that. But I always leave my bucket up a foot or so anyways when pulling the levers so I don't have to bend over so far.

[@jjfore0921]

This just happened to me about two weeks ago! Heed the warning. It happens to the best of us!

[@bgslade1]

I just had the very same thing happen to me, sort of! I was dropping my bucket onto a skid, I must have pushed down a little too hard , when I got out to pull the releases, The frame dropped onto my foot, pinning my foot under it. Fortunately I was wearing safety boots, I was able to pull my foot out of the boot, hop to the cab and raise the loader and hop back to my boot. I was not hurt at all but really learned a lesson that day...Always wear safety boots

[@watershedoverlook]

Ouch!!! That's a great tip Neil, never thought about that before. Thanks.

[@kylerayk]

This can happen if you exert even the slightest amount of down pressure with the loader when parking and disconnecting an attachment and NOT in float.

[@deanstrickland6993]

An Oscar nomination I see in the future! 😁. As always, wise, wise counsel which I truly appreciate. Thank you!

[@kandylandfarms9898]

I also like the global connection on my JD it is off to the side and only need one hand to unlatch

[@Lee-At-Green-Pheonix-Rc]

Warning this morning didn't know u was a poet Neil as always bit of common sense and awareness goes along way with equipment and need to be treated with respect

[@qcan8468]

One advantage for the JDQA.

[@boomerau]

steel cap shoes help! I have also dropped a backhoe on my foot and steel caped joggers (amazing what you can find) saved the day

[@BG-vq9fd]

Ouch, good to know I park my bucket on top of 4 or 5 pallets so I can park my pallet forks in the bottom pallet. I keep the tractor attached to one or other and always relieve pressure after machine is off.

[@KubotaBXathome]

I always float, then take out of float when I uncouple just to keep from skidding down the bucket, but this is a great safety tip!

[@dennisryan7487]

Good Video Neil! Keep them coming !

[@BattlestarCanada]

Steel toe boots and slowing down to think. Been there done that. Ouch!

[@JCWren]

I was disconnecting a rototiller and set it on my toe. Luckily it didn't trap my foot, as no one else was around to raise it back up.

[@timgilchrist3065]

A friend of mine broke his foot when the bucket was tilted a little forward and when he pulled the levers, the bucket came off and dropped about 6 inches with the edge on his instep.

[@TheSnakeman3]

Thanks Neil. I won’t know that I would ever do that, but I for sure won’t now.

[@theodoreshasta7846]

Well done! A true public service video.

[@davemiller3027]

Thanks for the safety brief. I di the same thing and now will change how I Un hook.

[@stephenpaul394]

Nice video, you could make a list of does and don’t for new tractor owners

[@wildbill23c]

Don't buy a tractor Don't buy implements/attachments you wallet will thank you LOL. Oh and never...never tell your friends/family you own a tractor...its like buying a pickup, everyone will want you and expect you to do stuff for them and never pay you for it. Don't leave your tractor in neutral without the parking brake set, the loader and/or implements/attachments are not brakes Don't get off the tractor with the PTO engaged (many tractors now will shut themselves off) Don't get around the PTO while its engaged (some tractors you can run the PTO while not in the operator seat following certain steps to allow the tractor to operate this way) Don't lower an attachment/implement onto something you don't want damaged Don't let inexperienced people use your tractor and/or attachments/implements If you are new to tractors, you don't know enough to properly guide and educate a new user Don't allow passengers Don't make fast/abrupt direction changes (turning, forward/reverse) it can cause loss of control/rollover possiblities Do keep your tractor, attachments and implements properly greased/lubricated Do check your tractor's fluid levels every time you go to use it Do keep your tractor properly ballasted at all times when doing loader work Do keep your tractor's fuel supply properly treated for cold weather and to prevent algae growth Do follow the regular maintenance intervals (oil/filter changes, lubrication/greasing, air/fuel filter replacements, etc.) Do keep your wheel speed as slow as possible for the task at hand Do keep your loader bucket as low as possible when transporting the tractor with a load in the bucket

[@jamesharless5357]

Very good tip Neil, thanks!👍🏻👍🏻

[@JohnDoe-ww2zf]

While the saftey reminder is nice a training video how to properly switch would be better. I was always taught to get off the tractor with the bucket in the air a foot or so slightly rolled back release the pins the get back on the tractor set the bucket down and back away. Go pick up the other piece of equipment pick it up roll back the get off the tractor and repin. It eliminates the very scenario you describes and makes releasing and repinning easier because they pins have no pressure on then.

[@tangoseal1]

I take my bucket off with the machine turned on, a 4060, I just unhook the latches with the bucket about 6 inches above its storage spot (a pallet). It doesn't collapse down. It just sits there, then I just lower the loader and the bucket pops off and I am no where near the thing.

[@andydsimmons]

Great tip Neil. 👍

[@josephdennison7077]

Great safety tip!

[@lcee6592]

Awesome safety tip! 👍

[@randomstuffwithjoe]

Oh man. This happened to me a few months ago on my bx1880. I was super lucky as it dropped on the toe area of my boot and I was able to curl my toes back inside the boot.. so it basically crushed my boot but not my toes. But I found myself stuck with nobody around to help.. so I had to stretch my arms as far as possible and was able to reach the controls (just barely) to raise the loader back up. I won't make that mistake ever again. lol

[@martyb3783]

Great information. I will watch for that. Thanks!

[@MattTCfarm]

I never release the lock pins unless the bucket is lifted slightly and tilted back to release and force against the pins. I have never before today seen this possible accident situation. I am dumbfounded by this because all i can imagine is problems with removing a bucket of forks this way. The bucket should be loose and hanging on the attachment bracket when it is lowered to the ground or lifted off the ground for connecting to the loader. The pins need to be free of sideload to lock properly. Am I missing something?

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Sorry about that guy's foot - but the video was a great reminder! And I loved the bald wig.

[@HebronGrandpa]

Very good. Thank goodness my skid steer operated disconnect from the cab.

[@jerryjohnson1463]

Thanks for the heads up. Great tip.

[@toddrabideau5576]

Never have done this, probably because my “habit” is to always unlatch slightly off ground and curled up. Just what I do🤷‍♂️. However, I did just dump my first bucket of firewood into the trailer, bucket and all, just yesterday. Never said I was perfect😊

[@PeaceIntheValley]

done that too!

[@Shookmeister]

Great tip! Thanks Neal.

[@douglasboyle6544]

OUCH! Hope it was ONLY a bruised foot, could be a lot worse! Great tip.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Great tip! Ouch!

[@genewilliams7497]

OMG REALLY……. These are the same people that should be required to take an operators test before being allow to operate a tractor…. 😂😂😂😂. Who in their right mind would disconnect an attachment with the loader in float!! In any position…. CRAZY DAZE…..

[@alittleofthisandalittleofthat]

Unrelated but why does Kubota have so many open station tractors with the loader control up on the loader. “I hate it… won’t have it”. I have a JD 1025. Like to upgrade soon and looking on the Kubota website the only two what would interest me would be the LX 3310 and the Grand L60 series for a compact tractor. If I’m right not much to choose from on less one was to go to a cab.

[@MessicksEquip]

The value models place it out in front, deluxe ones by your hip. It's all positioning.

[@gkmiller24]

Good pointer. What's the story on that 1066 in the background? Is it for sale?

[@kagnewmp12]

Love your stuff. I ended up getting my home fuel oil tank filled with 275 gallons of fuel oil and my furnace took a permanent trip to the junk yard. I have heard but I'm not quite sure that I can burn that fuel oil in my 2020 BX 1880. I have been using strictly off road Diesel in my BX. Is this true or should I just try and sell it to someone that needs the fuel oil.

[@MessicksEquip]

Can't say 100% for sure, but usually it's not an issue

[@rickdavid1795]

Thanks for the heads up

[@somethingabouttractors241]

Thank you for the good tip

[@kandylandfarms9898]

Stand in the bucket and also don't put your foot under anything you are hooking or unhooking, like trailers or 3pt implements also.

[@PeaceIntheValley]

Is this tendency to want to put the tractor in float mode because the handle sticks across the entry/exit? If so, then it might be time for Kubota to change the design. I've never had the idea to put the tractor in float mode before switching attachments. Mine is also next to the seat instead. I always remove when it's higher up so I don't have to bend over.

[@MessicksEquip]

It's speed. It's a really fast way to drop it.

[@wildbill23c]

No, you can get off the tractor on the other side from the loader stick, which is what you should be doing anyways, unless you lock the loader stick, and even then its best to always enter and exit the tractor opposite the side of the loader stick, you are less apt to bump it or try to use it as a handle. Same goes for entering and exiting the tractor if it has a mid mount mower deck, best to do so from the opposite side of the discharge chute.

[@wildbill23c]

@@MessicksEquip Really? I can't see any difference in speed between float and just lowering the loader normally on my BX2680....the only time there's a difference is if you have a load in the bucket, then it drops really quick in the float position, otherwise it seems about the same.

[@bryanmccallum4614]

Always Wear safety toe-boots or steel toe boots when working around any type of machine!

[@Bierstadt54]

I use float to rest the bucket, but don't leave it on and I would not take the bucket off with the tractor turned off anyway.

[@jackylsmith8138]

I see no reason to put it in float. Undo the pins hop on tractor lower loader move backwards. All done. Plus I do not stand on the side to undo pins. I usually stand in the bucket who like it is flat on the ground.

[@ajthedjrocks]

I usually stand in the bucket or on the forks and never ever leave float on

[@miano07]

Thamks for the heads up and warning

[@jessefields9535]

Why would anyone do that?

[@thebradleysoncatbirdhill6849]

Excellent safety tip! Not so sure if your performance was Oscar worthy though, lol.🤣

[@Ron-ds2ob]

I usually stand in the bucket to open the lock arms. It's safe in there

[@briangc1972]

As slow as it dropped, it is hard to believe the guy got his foot pinched.

[@stephenlehr6020]

Interesting, good tip though. I haven't used float when parking the tractor before, but this is certainly a good reason not to. Think you may have needed a mullet and a beer to set on the hood.....🤣

[@eosjoe565]

That makes no sense. Why lower the loader boom with the float function? That can cause the arms to drop rapidly and the bucket to slam down on the floor. I believe the manual even warns against doing that. Just push the SCV joystick forward and it will lower nice and gently, even with the engine off.

[@johndoe-so1ig]

Let's just say I've learned to stand in bucket when I release pins. Limping for a week teaches you fast

[@wolfpack4128]

I always disconnect it with it up in the air because I hate bending over. 😂 Then I just push it off and grab the next one.

[@squarebale1]

Been there…did that!

[@gordonborsboom7460]

You missed an opportunity to demonstrate how to do this safely. How about releasing the bucket levers before the bucket is on the ground. Lower it to a foot or so above ground, with the bucket level to the ground. The levers are then more easily reached from this position when pulling them up to be disengaged. The bucket will stay in place without the latch pins in their notches, as long as it is not tilted down That way you are in the operators seat out of harms way when the attachment is removed and ready to transition to the next attachment

[@mikel9567]

I never leave my tractor in float. It's bad practice to do it.

[@bioniclife]

Ouch!

[@ChuckP25.]

Hey Neil - get some real boots. ha ha. Happy holidays.

[@JimsEquipmentShed]

My wife did one better, somehow (Not even going to speculate how) she got her finger in the hole where the loader stabilizing leg get gets pinned up. So when she swung the leg down, the hole, became a cigar cutter. Thankfully, as she ws doing everything pretty slowly, the finger didn't come off, but it was close.

[@MessicksEquip]

cringe!

[@ronevans852]

Yep, there’s a lot of idiots out there that doesn’t watch what they’re doing and they just screw up.

[@SlackerU]

Lucky salesman, my roommate allowed a simple pallet-jack roll over his foot & it removed all the flesh from the bone like a glove. Being too confident has consequences.

[@ernestdarnell7473]

parking is NOT what the float funcktion is for

[@Morpheen999]

This^^^^

[@JimPriest]

My feet thank you.

[@daved7024]

A little common sense goes a long long way 😀