Self Leveling FEL

[xxxsandman]

Why doesn't most compact tractors have a self leveling FEL? I have a Montana 4540 and it doesn't have a self leveling bucket, so as I lift something (or lower it) I have to make constant adjustments to the bucket to keep it level. This is especially noticeable when using my pallet forks or lifting a full scoop of material with the bucket high.

I drove a New Holland TC65 the other day, man what a treat. The FEL was self leveling and it was nice. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

James

 

[beenthere]

Why not buy the NH65 and get the self leveling FEL? Sounds like a good solution. Maybe I am missing something. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[frank_f15]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Maybe I am missing something.
)</font>
DON'T WORRY so am I? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[xxxsandman]

Well not to bust your bubble, but the New Holland compact series doesn't have self-leveling buckets either. I just mentioned the TC65 UTILITY SIZE tractor as it did have one.

Now back to my original question. Is there a reason why most COMPACT tractors don't have self leveling loaders? There must be, I just don't know why they wouldn't.....

 

[ZJ_HR]

1. - PRICE
2. - Heavier loader - less lifting capability (according gentle front ends on CUT-s)

 

[xxxsandman]

Yes, both valid points.

It seems to add self leveling, there isn't that much more. Just 2 additional tubing on the back half of the loader arms and a "cam" that the dump cylinder and those tubes connect to. While this would certainly add 100lbs or more to the loader empty weight, the weight would be on the back half of the loader. So you wouldn't think it would effect lift capacity much, but it would add that weight to the front axles.

I certainly wouldn't want to reduce my FEL lift capacity any, so given the option to loose a couple hundred pounds or more of lift capacity or having self leveling bucket, I would have to think that over a little.

There would certainly be some extra cost, but not that much really. A little extra iron and welding, but not much. 2 square or rectangle tubes a few feet long and a larger "cam" plate on the front cylinder connection. And some engineering to make it work right.

I would guess that reducing the lift capacity on their spec sheet would be the biggest reason they don't have the self leveling buckets, as they don't seem to care how much CUT's cost now days, they are ALL expensive, what's a few hundred more?? /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[beenthere]

I think (in fact was told by Deere engineer when I had a chance to ask) that both are factors against adding the self-levelling bucket to the CUT's (theirs anyway). Too much additional weight, and it would raise the cost, both of which they probably care a great deal about given the competition these days.

On another note, the CUT market is fantastic. Seems as fast as they can produce them, we buy them up. So, they are expensive because of the demand. And they are a 'must have' in my book. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

But as long as the bucket control lever tilts the bucket at the same time I raise or lower it, I am okay the way it is. With practice, and the bucket level indicator, I have improved that skill over 'time'. In fact, it is kinda neat to know that I can do it, at this old age. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Sounds like you may have a good design there, and are thinking of re-modeling your FEL. Hope you give it a try.

 

[PineRidge]

We tried to get the self leveling option on the TC-40D when we purchased it.

We do a lot of pallet work and it would have come in real handy.

Unfortunately New Holland in its infinite wisdom didn't make it available on our rig either. pity.... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[xxxsandman]

It seems that a few of the newer compact FEL use the new curved boom design "New Holland, JD, probably others". They say you have better visablity and it looks better. I don't see how they could ever come up with a self-leveling bucket design on these "curved" type FEL or at least not the traditional way in which it is normally accomplished with an extra set of tubes and a "cam" bracket that everything attaches to at the front cylinders. That may be another factor in why some of the COMPACTS don't have self-leveling buckets.

My Montana 4540 has a traditional style loader, but still no Self-Leveling option. I wouldn't want to give up ANY lift capacity, so maybe I'm better off without that option anyway.

 

[burnetma]

I recently received my JD 5420 with a mechanical self-leveling loader. The MSL option has its advantages, but also some drawbacks. Namely the dump angle near the ground is very poor. So if you commonly use your bucket to back drag material you will be very disappointed.

I originally wanted the standard loader, but when another customer wanted to trade his MSL for a non-MSL, I jumped on his original unit to save some money.