ML 110 FEL on the 3015 is weak...what to do??

[RobJordan]

I am not too happy with the factory FEL on my Mahindra 3015 [Model ML 110] It does not have adequate break out force or lift force given the weight and power of the tractor. When I drive into a pile of dirt, the bucket cannot break out of the pile with a full bucket with the tractor forcing into the pile. I have to let off the hydro drive and sometimes even back up a bit before the bucket can break free. Also the bucket does not rock backwards far enough and the FEL cycles too slowly. The FEL simply lacks power commensurate with the weight and power of the tractor.

Are there any "fixes" out there short of buying a different FEL? How feasible would it be to retrofit bigger hydraulic rams? What about a PTO mounted hydraulic pump with more capacity olumbed into the loader??

Thanks,


Jordan

[DavesTractor]

The ML110 lifts 1350lbs which is more than most 30HP machines. Ask the dealer you bought it from to test the lift capacity and/or check the pressure relief. Make sure it is lifting the advertised amount before taking any further steps.

Remember that a pile of dirt can weigh tons! If you push your bucket into the bottom of it and try to lift most of the pile, you'll be dissapointed. Some proper technique here will fill the bucket up every time, so long as it is lifting properly.

[swampyankee]

I had the same problem with my 3510 HST, my dealer put on bigger rams and it helped some but you have to be careful with a full loaded bucket on uneven ground, the tractor gets unstable and dangerous. I even added a 700 lg. counterweight on the 3 point hitch but you have to be careful.

[shvl73]

Dave, is the ML110 a KMW loader like my ML108H? I remember a discussion where you mentioned a larger ram size. I stuck with the originals, fearing bending or breaking something. What has been your experience?
Thanks,
Torin

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

SVHL73, The ML110 loader already has a larger cylinder, than the ML108 or ML108H loader. I don't think you would want to push it any further. As mentioned above a little technique when using the loader will make the loader perform very well. The ML 108 loader I will admit, had a lifting capacity problem, but the ML110 has performed very well. Good luck with your loaders.

Galen LaWall
Your Mahindra Tractor Dealer
Batavia, NY 14020
585-343-0770

[DavesTractor]

Torin,

The ML108 and 110 are both KMW. As Galen has mentioned, the 110 has the bigger rams already. At one point we did put larger rams, a larger pump, different pressure relief, etc., on a 3510HST to get a 108H to lift like it should. Of course the pump didn't make it lift more, it just allowed the larger cylinders to lift quicker. The ML110 lifts fine, so long as everything is set to specs and they normally are.

[shvl73]

Thanks Galen and Dave.
I'm going to stay with the stock set-up. I don't want to break anything. As it is, I've been able to get the rear up in the air when digging out a hole. I can imagine things could go bad in a hurry with a higher capacity. Keeping the stock set-up gives me a margin of safety.
Torin

[RobJordan]

Thanks all for the advise. Perhaps my expectations are a little unreasonable. We had an old Case 530 on the farm when I was a kid. It had a heavy box blade on the back in place of the backhoe but had no difficulty lifting the rear wheels off of the ground with the bucket buried in packed and frozen corn silage or lifting a heavy piece of concrete. I was hoping the Mahindra would have similar llifting force.


Jordan