Should I trade up to larger L?

[Samandothers]

OK bigger is better right? However does it make sense? I have a L4240 with the FEL and BH90. There have been times when removing brush with Front end loader or ground engauging I have thought a bit more horsepower might help. I would also like to have the third hydralic for a front grapple or other implement. So what about going to a L5740 or L5240 with the added plumbing? The loader and Bhoe would work back on a larger L's.

I will need to approach the dealer to get a price and see if I trade if I can finance with the current 0% for 54 months. I currently have completed a year on the 0% 36 months on my L4240. Could be while more expensive the actual monthly payments would drop...I'm ignoring that length of payment thing.

OK does it make sense? I don't see a great deal of difference in the hydralic flows and actually the L42 and L57 has 14.7 flow rate vs the L52 at 14.1. The lift on the 3 point between my tractor and the L52 or L57 HP tractors which are the same is about 200's more on both L52 and L57 (2900lbs). Weight is not that different the L52 and 57 are a little over 200lbs more, again same spec on weight for the two. Has anyone moved up the 10 to 15 horse power and noticed the difference?
The specs between the L5240 and L5740 don't appear to be great. Is it just the higher RPM that makes the power difference? Engines appear the same yet the rating RPM is 2600 on the 5240 vs 2700 on the 5740 and could this affect the hydraulic ratings.
What is the difference in the Class I and II 3 pt hitch?

Are the differences in the specs/performance worth the additional $$ or am I suffering from power envy.

[RFB]

First check the pressure setting of your relief valve to make sure it is set to Kubota OEM specs. L's are notorious for coming from the dealer 200-300psi low, which translates into a lot of FEL performance lost.

Buy an inexpensive fluid damped pressure gauge Valley Instrument 2 1/2in. Stainless Steel Glycerin Gauge — 0-5000 PSI | Filled Gauges | Northern Tool + Equipment

and attach it to a QD outlet, and run the FEL till the relief operates (try to lift the front end).

Check your gauge pressure against factory spec.

If it does not measure up, let us know.

Easy to fix.

[Samandothers]

Thanks for the post on hydraulic pressure. I was reading another post about this issue and adding shims to increase the pressure.

[rbargeron]

...... Has anyone moved up the 10 to 15 horse power and noticed the difference?.................

If the new tractor is the same basic chassis, just with more rated power, the difference may not really scratch the itch. If you sense your present machine isn't fully up to the ground-engaging tasks you are doing, it may seem more worth it to move up in size and weight too.

[WildAK]

Originally Posted by RFB

First check the pressure setting of your relief valve to make sure it is set to Kubota OEM specs. L's are notorious for coming from the dealer 200-300psi low, which translates into a lot of FEL performance lost.

Buy an inexpensive fluid damped pressure gauge Valley Instrument 2 1/2in. Stainless Steel Glycerin Gauge 0-5000 PSI | Filled Gauges | Northern Tool + Equipment

and attach it to a QD outlet, and run the FEL till the relief operates (try to lift the front end).

Check your gauge pressure against factory spec.

If it does not measure up, let us know.

Easy to fix.

I'm looking to buy a Kubota with FEL and Backhoe. I am still trying to sort out which model I need. Is there somewhere I can find the hydraulic PSI rating for the various models?

I see where they post the flow rates but as you say PSI makes a big difference also.

Thanks,
Kelvin

[Samandothers]

Rbargeron, Thanks for the input.

Kevin, From another post on this Forum it was posted:
'I just found in my loader owners manual, under specifications, where it lists the control valve, rated flow, and a max. pressure of 2630 - so I guess that's the number I'm looking for?'
This person had a LA854 loader which is the one that is sized for the L4240 to L5740 and above Grand L's.

[WildAK]

Thanks!

[john_bud]

If you want more power, it would probably be much cheaper to have a custom turbo installed. It's not that much work to do and will give 10hp more pretty easily.

Cost for that would be in the $2-5000 range depending on how much work is done by you, etc. It can be a lot lower if you bend / weld the pipe yourself and hunt up used parts like the turbo etc.

jb

[Deerlope]

When you get that FEL hyd pressure adjusted to when it meets factory spec you may not need to trade.

[Samandothers]

Deerlope, From what I have read and the suggestions here I do need to check the pressure on the loader.

John Bud, Interesting idea. I'll need to search the forum for information on such a modification.