Testing a 300 FEL / 3320

[foggy1111]

If it lifts what you need lifted....then all is good. :thumbsup::thumbsup: I suppose its got similar specs to a 790/3005. I was fairly happy with the performance of my old 790 and loader.

As was said......you could always upgrade the lift cylinders to improve the capacity. But I don't suppose those cylinders would come cheap.

 

[pokerboy57]

That's an interesting point about changing out the cylinders..... I'll go visit the JD Dealer I used to fix the tach and talk with them. I don't know anything about how hydrolics work. Would you think the the hydrolic pump would need changing out ? Or anything else besides the cylinders ?

 

[foggy1111]

That's an interesting point about changing out the cylinders..... I'll go visit the JD Dealer I used to fix the tach and talk with them. I don't know anything about how hydrolics work. Would you think the the hydrolic pump would need changing out ? Or anything else besides the cylinders ?

The pump is part of the tractor.....and no change would be made there. It may take some fittings or hoses......but that should be minor - if any. It wont cost to ask.

 

[pokerboy57]

You really have me thinking way outside the box on this . I found an aftermarket FEL company
Koyker Manufacturing - Loaders

They have the specs of many FELs for Compact tractors. I noticed a big difference in the lift capacity as a function of cylinder diameter. Could it be as easy as changing out the cylinders to a larger diameter cylinder to get some additional lift ? I'm just concerned that asking the JD dealer about it will result in a resounding "no" it's not meant to do that. On the other hand a company specializing in vehicle hydrolics might have done something like this in the past. I'll ask the dealer but I think there is way to much liability there for him to go outside JD specifications.

First thing , I'm going to have to dig up the specs on the 300 loaders hydrolic cylinders and hydrolic pump GPM. Then it's time to do a little research.

Interesting enough, 2 years ago I didn't even know what a compact tractor was.... Now I own one and am talking about making modifications to the hydrolics.... Go figure "Life Comes At You Fast".

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

Looking at JDparts.com it appears you could add the 300x cylinders to your loader. So that could gain you some capacity.

Matt

 

[mjncad]

They have the specs of many FELs for Compact tractors. I noticed a big difference in the lift capacity as a function of cylinder diameter. Could it be as easy as changing out the cylinders to a larger diameter cylinder to get some additional lift ? I'm just concerned that asking the JD dealer about it will result in a resounding "no" it's not meant to do that. On the other hand a company specializing in vehicle hydrolics might have done something like this in the past. I'll ask the dealer but I think there is way to much liability there for him to go outside JD specifications.

Yep, it could be just that easy to up-size cylinders. The critical thing is going to be retracted and extended length of the cylinder, and the cylinder pins' diameter mounting it to the loader. It doesn't take much difference in size to get more oomph. I'm guessing the fitting size and locations on the cylinders will be almost identical; so that shouldn't be a big issue either.

There is always a possibility the dealer could say no for liability reasons, or that they do know it will or won't work.

JD has forgotten more about hydraulics than Koyker will ever know. In other words, Deere knows its **** when it comes to hydraulics.

 

[Glen Watkins]

"JD has forgotten more about hydraulics than Koyker will ever know. In other words, Deere knows its **** when it comes to hydraulics."

This brought a thought to mind about a guy who bought a different color bargain tractor said "Well Woods make loaders with the curved booms for JD." Can anyone in the know confirm or deny this?

 

[foggy1111]

JD may know more about loaders than the other firm's stated.....but that doesn't mean the parts-man or service manager knows his stuff.

This issue isn't rocket science tho.....I'm pretty certain most dealer staff would be able to get you going in the right direction. You may be able to find low-cost cylinders via the Surplus Center or another hydraulics company - IF you KNOW the specs you require. These prices could easily be 1/2 that of the JD prices (my guess).

 

[pokerboy57]

I'll start the "Loader MAN UP" project over the holidays and report back my findings. Thanks everyone for the advice.

 

[jd3020u]

Unless you find aftermarket cylinders, price is going to be the problem here. One 300x lift cylinder is $500. I would guess that a 300 might be worth a similar amount as a 300X if you have the time to find a used one. I'd also recommend going straight to a CX while your at it. But if the 300 works for you then don't worry about it.

300 lift cyl piston diameter 1.568"
300X 1.770"
300CX 1.962"