21
Westendorf Manufacturing Co., Inc.
WESTENDORFMFG RR315270
MAX Loaders
SECTION 4: OPERATION
Backgrade with Self-Leveling
BACKGRADING -
When back-grading with a mechanical
self-leveling loader, be sure and keep the bucket angle
at 40° or LESS. If you go beyond the 40° you may dam-
age the loader’s self-leveling linkage from the excessive
pressure being applied against them.
Backgrade with heel of bucket only, or use optional
BACKDRAG BLADE. Place control lever in float position
so bucket follows the contour of the surface.
The mechanical self-leveling loader utilizes a system of
linkages and hinge plates that keeps the bucket in the
position you set it during operation.
You will not have to keep adjust-
ing the bucket when raising
or lowering the
loader arms.
CHECK FOR CLEARANCE -
Protect your cab during the
first time mounting of your self-leveling loader or add-on
self-leveling kit. Raise the loader slowly, as you do this,
check for clearance.
You should maintain
1-1/2” or more clear-
ance between the
rear linkage arms
and the cab when
the loader is fully
raised.
Mechanical Self-Leveling
NEVER ALLOW THIS POSITION
The self-leveling linkage will
maintain the bucket position
you set it in before you begin
raising the loader.
DO NOT
DUMP BUCKET
FULLY AND RAISE THE
LOADER. The linkage
must
move forward to function. If
the bucket is set in the fully
dumped position, the linkage
will not have room to adjust
when the loader is raised.
A built-in hydraulic relief valve on loader will relieve some
stress if the loader accidentally gets into this position.
It is not recommended to operate in this position as it
will cause damage to the self-leveling if not avoided. A
high pitched squeal is an indication that the relief valve
is bypassing and you should STOP and adjust bucket
away from the Arm Stop to prevent damage.
40°
90°
DANGER
ZONE
LOADER
DAMAGE.
To prevent loader damage:
• DO NOT fully dump the bucket and raise loader with
mechanical self-leveling loader.
• STOP if loader is squealing, adjust bucket angle away
from arm stop to avoid serious damage to loader self-
leveling linkage, loader and/or tractor.
LOADER DAMAGE.
NOTICE
INCORRECT
Bucket Cylinder
Arm
Stop
LOADER
DAMAGE.
To prevent loader damage:
• Backgrade with “heel” of bucket only, or use optional
BACKDRAG BLADE.
• Place control lever in float position to reduce down
pressure allowing bucket to follow or float along the
contour of the ground.
LOADER DAMAGE.
NOTICE
Mounting & Dismounting
DISMOUNTING A SELF-LEVELING LOADER:
When the lift cylinders are extended, allowing the front
wrap to lower to the ground, the self-leveling linkage will
reposition the bucket (trying to keep it level). To compen-
sate for this movement, set the bucket in the load carrying
position or fully rolled back when dismounting loader.
Once front wrap fully extends to ground, the bucket will be
slightly tipped forward allowing moisture to run out.
DO NOT
curl the bucket into the fully dump position and try
to dismount, this will cause the relief valve to bypass and
may cause damage to the loader or tractor.
CORRECT
INCORRECT
LOAD
CARRYING
POSITION
