Loader L3800 FEL Lift Capacity ... Ha Ha

[littlehorsefarm]

As many of you know, when I was deciding on the Kubota L3800 I was really concerned about the FEL capability, lifting capacity; and I was worried about lifting round bales. Thanks to all those who contributed information during my shopping research ... here is some proof related to what the L3800 can actually do ...

The picture of the truck with 2 round bales in the bed shows a standard 4x5 close to the cab, which weighs about 1100 pounds. This is normally what I have...

The bale hanging off the back is an anomaly ... The baler kicks out Texas bales which are 5x6 and weigh in at about 1800 pounds. These bales are rolled super tight, so much so that I need to really power into them with the bale spear to penetrate the center. Note the truck squatting ... that's a 4x4!

Lifting the Texas bale out of the the ol' F150 ... Drum roll please :drool: .... Once I had the bale speared, I had to spin up to about 2400 rpm in order to angle the load/rotate the bale in the bed. I pulled back on the control and the bale rose without difficulty. I lifted the bale just enough to clear the bed ... no pucker at this time! I heard the hydraulics working to lift the bale but no problems.

I backed away in R1 and was careful not to make any sudden moves. I stopped, lowered the bale and moved the bale about 20 feet with it hanging 6 inches of the ground at the end of the bale spear :thumbsup:

I tested the hydraulics one more time by increasing RPM and lifting to a height of about 5 feet, and then back down.

Now I'm not saying it's a good idea to move this size bale on a regular basis, nor would I recommend driving any distance without more ballast on the rear ... I'll try the backhoe on the back the next time I have a bale like this.

What I am saying is in my opinion this little compact tractor packs a punch. I feel moving a bale like this on anything other that flat ground would be UNSAFE. I also think this bale is about the limit for lifting, however I'd be willing to bet that if an operator were to move slowly and load the hydraulic system progressively, not herky jerky; I think the L3800 could handle a job like this on a regular basis. If I break something I'll let you know!

Hope you enjoy the pictures!

 

[General Lee]

Impressive! I'm also impressed that Ol' F-150 is handling roughly 3,000 lbs in the bed.

 

[littlehorsefarm]

Impressive! I'm also impressed that Ol' F-150 is handling roughly 3,000 lbs in the bed.

I've got an extra leaf ... I carry 300 gallons of water out to the field in the bed of that truck regulary. The bed floor is buckling ... Poor old girl

 

[riprap]

I'm impressed that both the truck and tractor can handle that load on the face of a vertical cliff !

 

[taborekle]

According to the spec sheet on the LA524 loader, you are right at the capacity of what it can lift. :thumbsup:

 

[LD1]

I am not trying to dispute your #'s, but IF that big bale weighs 1800lbs. that little bale ISNT 1100:confused2:

Just based on volume of a 4x5 and a 6x5 bale, and IF the large bale weighs 1800, that smaller bale is more like 800lbs.

But yes indeed, these tractors ARE impressive.

The biggest thing you got going for you is the way your bale spear is hooked up. By ditching the bucket, the benefits are 2-fold. You get the bale in closer to the tractor, AND you drop the ~260# of bucket.:thumbsup: But you would NEVER do that with a bolt on spear IF that bale does weigh 1800, even though these loaders are a little underrated.

I have the L3400, which is practically the same tractor. I have had no toruble lifting My 1100lb bushhog, or a ~1400lb propane tank right at the cutting edge, where the rated capaity is only ~860lbs:thumbsup:

 

[bigbull338]

lifting a 5 by 6 bale is overkill for that tractor.although it can lift it i think id put a shredder on the rear end next time you unload hay.my new tractor had to lift 5 by 6 bales or the deal was off.but you have a stout tractor there.

 

[mjfox6]

... Note the truck squatting ... that's a 4x4! ...

4x4's normally have a lower payload capacity than 4x2's. Just saying.

2011 F-150 (5.0L V8)
4x2 = 3060 lbs
4x4 = 2770 lbs

2011 Ford F-150 | View Payload Specifications | Ford.com

 

[littlehorsefarm]

4x4's normally have a lower payload capacity than 4x2's. Just saying.

2011 F-150 (5.0L V8)
4x2 = 3060 lbs
4x4 = 2770 lbs

2011 Ford F-150 | View Payload Specifications | Ford.com

Good point ... I mentioned 4x4 because the truck sits higher than the 2wd. The axles were just about on the frame stops. FYI this is not something I do often (overload to this extreme). I was offered the oversize bale and thought I'd better take it while the offer was on the table.

 

[bigbull338]

i dont know how meny horses your feeding but bale wise you be better off with the 5 by 6 bale.because they last longer.but safty wise your better off with a 4 by 5 or 4 by 6 bale.

 

[devildog1]

littlehorsefarm,
Congrats, that L3800 is just the ticket for you,Great Tractor!
DevilDog

 

[Notforhire]

I'm happy that you made this post.
I had been to the dealer and checked out a new L3800T w/524 loader, and ag tires. After looking at your pix, I intend to call him on monday and put the order through.
I'm changing colors, from blue to orange.:thumbsup:
Most of the time we use square bales, but this winter we had several #800 rounds. I was concerned that the Kubota would not handle them. Worry no more!!
I presume everyone is running loaded tires. Anyone have wheel weights?
Besides the loader the only extras I'm getting are the telescopic stabilizers. A rear remote will have to come later, They are pricey. Are there any, must have options, while I've got my wallet out.

Thanks, Bill

 

[Notforhire]

Wow I just noticed the date on the OP.:ashamed: I need new glasses. I guess if you haven't broken your tractor by now, there is the proof of how sturdy it is.

Bill

 

[SPYDERLK]

As many of you know, when I was deciding on the Kubota L3800 I was really concerned about the FEL capability, lifting capacity; and I was worried about lifting round bales. Thanks to all those who contributed information during my shopping research ... here is some proof related to what the L3800 can actually do ...

The picture of the truck with 2 round bales in the bed shows a standard 4x5 close to the cab, which weighs about 1100 pounds. This is normally what I have...
Hope you enjoy the pictures!

I never work on that steep of an incline.
larry

 

[rdneckbota]

I have the same machine and have used it for numerous heavy lifting jobs. I have moved large rocks,stumps,concrete slabs, just about anything that will fit in the bucket. Also have a rather heavy grapple bucket,found that even with the added weight I can still lift 3 10 foot by 12 inch logs with ease. Hope you enjoy your machine like I do.

 

[Notforhire]

Thanks for the reply rdneckbota.
I am downsizing from a NH TC40D and I was unsure if the Kubota would work for me. After reading your reply, I think it will be fine.

What are you using for a counterweight, when making these lifts?

Bill

 

[rdneckbota]

I have the bh77 hoe as well as tires filled with rimguard. So it keeps machine stable. Have around 100 hours in it. I take care of it but dont treat it nicely. Has been a great machine so far.

 

[rdneckbota]

Does this help answer your question

 

[Notforhire]

Does this help answer your question

View attachment 263144

It sure does. WOW:shocked: I take it that the stump isn't from a balsa tree.

After reading these posts, I'm sold.
I ordered my new L3800 today.:thumbsup:
Should have it in a week or so.

Thanks to all responders.

Bill