BX2370 loader -vs- something larger

[TMGT]

Very good point. Thank you.

What is the term for lift capacity at "ground level" or something like that?
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That would be listed as breakout force, the height varies based on the tractor but usually it's a few feet of lift.

 

[tractorshopper]

OP, you mentioned your loader feeling weak. Have you been using some type of ballast? Were you lifting your rear wheels when trying to lift the stump you mention? I ask because you mention filling wheels, wheel weights, BB, etc.

With ballast, you'll get all of the use of your loader and feel more stable doing so. I have my rear wheels filled and always have on a box blade or tiller or something for extra ballast when doing loader work. Makes a huge difference.

 

[Michael Aos]

Yes, experienced what you mentioned. I only have the post-hole digger on the 3pt right now.

Trying to decide whether maybe I should move to larger model -vs- throwing good after bad trying to add weight to the BX2370.

 

[s219]

My 1,200lbs rated loader on my L3200 would get "1,200lbs" big square bales to 4-5'. Add in the 200+ lbs for the forks & the bales sticking 4' out and it was dealing with 20-30% more than rated capacity. More down low, yes, but not near double.

Here's the curve from my L3200's LA524 loader owner's manual -- you can see the 520kg at max height at pins (which is where the "52" in the loader model number comes from). Follow the curve down to zero height and it's approximately 1200kg, slightly more than double. Again this is at the pins -- the curve will be different depending on whatever is mounted on the loader arms, but for the OP's purposes I was talking about specs and the curves in the owner's manual.

 

[s219]

That would be listed as breakout force, the height varies based on the tractor but usually it's a few feet of lift.

Breakout is the "prying force" developed at/near the bucket lip, and not quite the same as the lift capacity at zero height (which would be given at pins or a distance from pins). Normally you see breakout force numbers specific to a particular bucket. It depends on the leverage the bucket develops with the heel of the bucket resting on the ground. There's an ISO spec for this with more details.

 

[tractorshopper]

Michael, not trying to talk you out of something bigger because that may be what you end up deciding is right for you in the future. I had an L3800 that I absolutely loved and was a beast, but I would recommend something heavier for ballast being tried out by you before making your final decision. Filling your rear wheels will make a big difference alone. A PHD is not very much counterweight by itself. Would be nice if you filled your wheels and put on a box blade or tiller or some attachment with more weight and then try your machine out with all it's capability, then decide whether to spend more $. Heck, even if you could just borrow someone's box blade alone will show you a good bit more of your capability.

 

[Michael Aos]

I am / have been planning to get the tires filled, add wheel weights, and add a box-blade at the 50hr mark (service). I don't have a quote for all of that, but let's guess around $1K.

I was just kind of toying with the idea moving to a B01 or B50 INSTEAD of spending that $1K on the BX -- if I was going to move to something larger anyway.

When I purchased the BX2370, I really didn't look much at the B01's or B50's. I remember they seemed HUGE, but that's about it.

Now, after ~50hrs on the BX2370, the B2601 / B2650 doesn't seem so ginormous.

In fact, the B2650 seems kind of right-sized...
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[Michael Aos]

Spent a few hours on the BX2370 today. Yesterday I staged the materials. 6 yards of fill dirt. 2.25 tons of pea gravel, 4.5 tons of 3/4" river rock, 2 yards of garden dirt.

Pulled a few old 4x4 fence posts. BX had no issues will all but 2. Pulled them with a Hi-Lift jack.