Tractor Sizing How Much Can A Sub Compact Tractor lift?

[bandaidmd]

I skimmed over the posts where the bickering started but i can see where you could lose power as the arms raise up due to the leverage angle of the lift cylinders changing.
BTW if anyone wants to stop by with some pavers i will sit on the tractor and pull the lever for a test session..lol

 

[whizdbiz2]

I don't think there is a big market for large logs around here. Many of the mills around here get them for free from tree companies that don't have anything big enough to chip / grind them and need to get rid of them. I get big logs for free all the time from a friend who lets a big tree company dump on his property (for pay) and then a mulch company comes in and grinds it and keeps the mulch at no cost to him. Too many trees, not enough people who want them.

I'd think with the ash borer being active with owners and cities taking them down by the score there are lots of ash logs available.

 

[TSO]

Keep in mind...

For testing purposes on different machines from different users, there needs to be controls to ensure consistency. For example, same lift method, same weighs, etc. And just as important, accurate relief pressures set.

What may be more "fair" would be to have everyone set at the same pressure, regardless of factory spec requirements. The reason I say that is, some Mfgs, Kioti for example, appear to have theirs set a bit higher than most others, I think around 2566 psi (if memory serves me right)... I could easily turn mine up to the same psi and probably match their lift numbers.

So... If everyone used matching relief numbers, say 2000psi ... That would increase test accuracy.

 

[Egon]

I skimmed over the posts where the bickering started but i can see where you could lose power as the arms raise up due to the leverage angle of the lift cylinders changing.
BTW if anyone wants to stop by with some pavers i will sit on the tractor and pull the lever for a test session..lol

The effective length of the load arm will also increase requiring more force for lift.

 

[jenkinsph]

But I did mine for a different reason. I wanted real numbers, not "brochure speak" or opinions of big tractor owners who too often downplay scut potential to those considering new tractors. Scuts should earn their "due" . . not more or less. IMO

QUOTE]


AxleHub

So are you going to test the full height lift on your tractor?

Everything is relative, if you suggest a garden tractor such as I use most scut owners downplay them. All of these various sizes and combinations have their place or niche. The problem (if any) is when you have little experience and are trying to decide which one to buy. I much prefer to have a mowing machine with the ability to maintain lawns and keep it as light as possible. There have been a few occasions where it would be nice to have a scut equipped with a fel, ballast and rear tools about 4' wide. In most cases for my work the garden tractor, tlb and compact tractor covers 90% of the small jobs. Some of the larger jobs I am working on make the case for a much larger field tractor around 200 hp. I will likely buy a used 200 hp tractor that someone else is selling that wants to replace it with a 400 hp tractor.

That said above I like the scut tractors but prefer a light mowing tractor where my lawns are concerned. I much prefer the hydraulic front wheel drive for mowing with less wheel scuffing. For heavier jobs I prefer the mfwd and if it is close quarters work and a fel is needed an scut with ballast can be a great choice. If you have enough room to work and have a lot of work to do then a larger tractor can make more sense.

The key is selecting the machine that is the best fit for 90% of the work to be done imo.

 

[jenkinsph]

Keep in mind...

For testing purposes on different machines from different users, there needs to be controls to ensure consistency. For example, same lift method, same weighs, etc. And just as important, accurate relief pressures set.

What may be more "fair" would be to have everyone set at the same pressure, regardless of factory spec requirements. The reason I say that is, some Mfgs, Kioti for example, appear to have theirs set a bit higher than most others, I think around 2566 psi (if memory serves me right)... I could easily turn mine up to the same psi and probably match their lift numbers.

So... If everyone used matching relief numbers, say 2000psi ... That would increase test accuracy.

I agree there are a lot of variables, enough in fact that conclusions will be hard to draw. My thoughts are that I hope no one gets hurt in this testing process.

 

[Bill Guenthner]

This is exactly why I would never buy a used subcompact or compact tractor unless I knew the seller. People simply cannot resist overloading them. Ten minutes on Youtube watching people attempt to push over trees or dig out 24 inch stumps or pull an F350 out of a ditch with a 25 HP tractor and I knew I was buying a brand new one.

 

[LD1]

Yep, TONS of variables.

Pallet forks vs clamp on forks is a hugh difference in both weight (bucket and clamp on forks weight more) and load placement. The pallet forks keep the load lots closer to the pin, so alot more lift. And loading the bucket is even different yet.

Where is the load center on the pallet? 24" out? 22" out? how thick is the fork frame vs one of a different measure that effects placement in relation to the pins?

How high are you lifting? Just enough to scoot along? Load til it stalls out at 4' height? Max height? something else?

Where is bucket curl? All the way back? Pallet level? or rolled back to get just a bit tighter to the pins to make the lift?

Good points on relief pressure. I wouldnt go as far to set everyones the same, but at least a check and a manual reference to what it is supposed to be. On my loader and geometry, 1 psi is roughly equal to 1# of lift force at ground level and bucket center. Its not hard for a MFG to be off +/- 100. So that could be a 200# range on my loader rated for 1000# at bucket center.

What RPM's you running. Makes a slight difference.

How accurate are the scales you are using to measure whatever you are lifting. could be off +/- 10% or are you assuming listed weight of whatever is correct?

I like the concept of doing some real world testing and showing off what these loaders are capable of. But take it with a grain of salt. If someone shows using SCUT model ABC to lift a pallet of xx#, dont be disappointed if your same machine cannot do it. And dont assume it cannot do more.

 

[TomSeller]

If you have some barrels around, water is 8.33 lb/gal. Plus attachment and barrel weight and you should be fairly accurate.

 

[4570Man]

Can you rent a set of crane scales? That would be the most accurate.