Does loader capacity include weight of bucket?

[mdelmarcelle]

I have a kubota m7040sud, with an 1153 loader. The capacity is between ~2400 and 2900 pounds depending on whether it's set up for height or power. My question, which probably would apply to any loader, do the capacity ratings reflect the amount it can lift with the bucket, or does the bucket eat up part of the rated capacity? In other words, if the capacity is 3000 pounds, and the bucket weighs 400, can the loader then lift just 2600 pounds, or can it lift 3000?

 

[JB4310]

I have a kubota m7040sud, with an 1153 loader. The capacity is between ~2400 and 2900 pounds depending on whether it's set up for height or power. My question, which probably would apply to any loader, do the capacity ratings reflect the amount it can lift with the bucket, or does the bucket eat up part of the rated capacity? In other words, if the capacity is 3000 pounds, and the bucket weighs 400, can the loader then lift just 2600 pounds, or can it lift 3000?

The loader still lifts 3000# but 400# of that is the bucket, so the rating is the total with the bucket, or forks etc. and I think that rating is right at the pins or the carrier of the bucket, so in your scenario you would not be able to lift the 2600# in the bucket, I could be wrong But I'm pretty sure that's how it works. The further you move the load away from the pins forward, the capacity decreases.

JB

 

[Gordon Gould]

jb4310 is right. The bucket is part of the load. If you can get a loader manual it will really explain it well. It will give you lift at the pins and also at the cutting edge which is less. On my loader the lift decreases with height also.

 

[Transit]

Yes, the FEL rating is the force at the end of the lift arm pins, bucket + load.

 

[arsenix2001]

Look at your manual or spec sheet, it will give you a rating called bucket bottom mid point, that is what you will more or less be able to lift with the bucket on

 

[art]

Thats a good question about the bucket!! Most companies always tried to imitate a load in the bucket for years with the weight being x distance ahead of the pivot pins.

It was only a few years back when a manufacturer claimed of great lifting ability, they were a little shy of saying what they did other then their new high output hydraulics but if you read the fine print it did state that they had gone to the bucket pivot pins!!!

The only thing that really normally counts is the break out force. That is when the relief valve says no more!!

 

[RoyJackson]

Since all the others hit the nail on the head as far as loader capacity, I'll just add using bucket forks (rather then a dedicated forks attachment) just makes the capacity lessen even more.

I'll also add that the capacity is frequently given at maximum loader height. Unless you plan on lifting to full height (loading a dump truck, for example), that's not a practical weight to work with. Some loader capacities are also give at 36" and 59" (1 meter to 1.5 meters, approximately...for you metric fans) which are much more realistic numbers to work with.

As Art wrote, breakout force is an important specification too.