How to Detach the John Deere 400CX Loader

Remove the ballast box, if one has been installed on the rear of the tractor. Start the tractor and maneuver it to the location where you want to store the detached loader. The loader must be stored on a firm, level surface to prevent it from tipping over when detached. Place the tractor in neutral and leave the parking brake disengaged.

Dump the bucket (tilt it forward) about 10 to 20 degrees and lower it to the ground. Continue to retract the lift cylinders (lowering the boom) until the front tractor wheels lift 1 to 2 inches off the ground. Locate the two latches, one on each side of the loader. Depress the leaf spring of each latch inward, then push forward on the latch handle.

Extend the lift cylinders as if you were raising the boom. With the latches open, the boom masts will tilt forward and the parking stand will rotate down to the ground. Roll the bucket back to keep it level as the loader lifts clear of the frame. Continue extending the lift cylinders until the masts lift completely free of the tractor frame and are raised high enough to clear the front tires. Engage the tractor parking brake or put the transmission in "Park." Shut off the engine.

Release the pressure in the hydraulic system by moving the control levers back and forth and side to side several times with the engine off. With the appropriate sized open end wrenches, or a pair of adjustable wrenches, loosen the fittings on all hydraulic hoses between the tractor and the loader and disconnect the hoses. Cover the hose ends with dust caps and drape the hoses over the lift cylinder. Do not let the hoses drag on the ground or get caught in the tractor frame.

Start the tractor engine. Disengage the parking brake and back the tractor slowly away from the loader.