Front End Loader Specs

[Hornetsnest]

So I'm shopping for a new tractor, 30 - 50 Hp. I need it to lift logs on to my sawmill, amongst other normal farm tasks. As I'm shopping I see, "Lift capacity max. height at pivot pin: 1890 lbs., and Breakout force at ground line at pivot pin: 2650 lbs." I assume that means you can lift 2650 lbs just off the ground and 1890 lbs to the max height of the front end loader.

Am I correct? Do these weights include the weight of the bucket or is this useful load? (the specs don't specify). My intent is to remove the bucket and just go with a pair of forks, or maybe a grapple.

Thanks in advance for any amplifying information you can provide!
/R
Jim

 

[Stonehaller]

The spec's typically do not include the weight of the bucket or other implement you have on the loader. Spec's for load at the pins are usually the load at maximum height. Most loaders can lift more when lower. Breakout force includes the using both the loader lifting cylinders and the bucket curl cylinders. Break out force is only useful for breaking something loose from the ground. Do not count on the break out force capability for lifting logs onto your saw mill. Sometimes the curl function can help just lift something off a trailer that is heavier than the loader can lift. You could ask the dealer for a loader lift force vs height curve so you can see the loaders capability over the full range. The curves are often published in the manuals. Don't forget about having some counter weight on the back of the tractor if you want to be able use the maximum loader capacity. I have the tires loaded on both my tractors and I still need additional weight on the back to get full capacity.

 

[SSdoxie]

The capacity at pivot point is total weight including bucket. Breakout force is an "indicator" of hydraulic force of cylinders combined with leverage they can apply, taking into consideration location of the loader arm pivots. The capacity at full height uses the previous specs. then factors in the weight/stability of the tractor using manufactures recommended rear ballast weight and load centered in the bucket, and on level ground. Lift height by itself affects capacity at full height, the higher it goes the less stability. Overall weight of tractor plus wheel width and wheel base length are all factors when rating "at full height capacity.

 

[GManBart]

The capacity at pivot point is total weight including bucket.

Unfortunately, many/most brands don't specify this on their info sheets. My LS manual makes a vague reference to a 72" implement used, which I assume is a bucket, but there's still a significant weight difference from the lightest to heaviest 6' buckets out there

 

[case245]

a better point would 800mm front or at the cutting edge of the bucket to lift logs 20' lenths you need a min of a say a Kubota m series 5140 that's a 1153 fel 2900 in change at the pins at 800 front its 1 ton

 

[Hornetsnest]

Thanks for the education, especially the safety aspects of needing extra ballast.

/R
Jim

 

[oosik]

To give you an idea. I have a Kubota M6040. My spec sheets for the loader indicates the following - Lift capacity, at the bucket pivot pin & 60 inches off the ground = 3686lb; Lift capacity, 32 inches forward of the bucket pivot pin & 60 inches off the ground (probably the most representative number of what it will lift with the bucket on) = 2650lb. The spec sheets list many more lift capacities at various locations & bucket heights. There is also a chart showing how much weight is needed on the 3PH to allow safe lifting of various weights all the way to max lift. You definitely need the LOADER spec sheets and do not use break out force. Using breakout force leaves you no leeway on any lift and will undoubtedly result in a breakout. With the spec sheet look at lift capacity at the lift pins when 60 inches (1500mm) off the ground compared to lift capacity 32 inches(800mm) forward of the lift pins and 60 inches off the ground. There is usually around 1000lb difference between the two. Since any log will be tucked in tight in the bucket it would be reasonable to add half the weight (500lb in this case) to the lower number as the absolute max lift capacity. If you will be using the FEL to this capacity added weight (filled rear tires) & (implement on the 3PH) will be critical.

 

[newbury]

If one of the main purposes of your tractor is to lift logs to your sawmill consider:
A 20' white oak average 20" diameter will weigh 2860 lbs at an ASSUmed moisture content of 75%.Timber and Lumber Calculators at WOODWEB

If you drop the bucket and use QA forks you get the log closer to the pins

If you set up your mill so you can use the 3pt to load you will have about double the lift capacity.

My M4700 lifts 1 ton on the FEL and 2 tons on the 3pt.

I just went thru the same process last December - I decided I needed something that would lift a ton on the 3pt to put logs on my Woodmizer LT10. I budgeted 15K.
I got my M4700 for < 12K. Good luck!