About that Loader....
I have some catching up to do on the forum, as I've been spending nearly all of my free time lately on clearing our lot with the SEE. I have to report that I did come across a useful trick to operating the front bucket. Sorry in advance about the length of this post, but I thought it worth sharing.
A few weeks ago my 4wd went out. The switch resisted all efforts to be turned to the first detent. It isn't totally frozen, but feels like some of the internal rubber seals are now binding. Having some dirt to move and being in a hurry, I gave using the loader a try anyway, but in 2wd. And I was pleasantly surprised that it was waaay better than using 4wd.
The loader does not work optimally with the engine at or near idle RPM. Revving up the motor a bit not only moves everything more quickly, but also gives more power to lift and curl. That much has been obvious to me for a few weeks now. The problem with revving the motor is that the truck wants to drive faster too, slamming into whatever you are attempting to get into the bucket. You can disengage the clutch, but then you aren't pushing the bucket into that pile of dirt. Not so helpful. Slip the clutch? Never! Stall the truck? Sure, a few times.
In 2wd, the rear tires will spin, but not much since you are (hopefully) using I/1 gearing. They don't spin enough to dig a hole to get stuck in, and they act like a slipping clutch (but without the driveline abuse). In 2wd I've found that I have the second or two needed at elevated engine RPM to get a good load of dirt, rocks, roots, or whatever into the bucket.
Obviously your mileage may vary. If your area has sharp rocks, you will shred the rear tires. If you are working in sand, you may sink yourself down to the axle. I am operating in sandy loam with quite a few non-sharp rocks thrown in. So far the Michelins show no sign of wear or damage, and neither the driveline nor the Schmidt FL4 are complaining. Plus the higher engine RPM keep the Schmidt from doing the dreaded fold-under.
No, the SEE will still not "dig" with the front bucket. I have only been using this technique on loose material, but it sure makes the driver's steering-clutch-brakes-throttle-two levers dance more manageable.