Why are Kubota FEL's so weak?

[Grateful11]

Wife and son are looking at getting an L2501 with a FEL. I've compared it to the Kioti CK2510H which looks like a nicer tractor with a few more features and doesn't look cheap like the L2501. The biggest drawback for the Kioti is the 2 speed hydro. They had an MX5100HST and sold it, the L2501HST looks like a miniature MX series. The LA525 loader for the L2501 has a lifting capacity at the Pivot Pin of 1082 lbs at max. height with the L2501, a little higher capacity with the larger model tractors. The KIOTI KL2510QA loader has a Lift Capacity to Full Height at Pivot Pins of 1,092 lbs. I figure these two tractor are about as close to each other as you can get between Kubota and Kioti. I will make them look at both before deciding but it would be difficult to convince them to go with Kioti as they've had such excellent service from the L3940 with over 1650 hours on it. We have driven an L2501 and I have to say it's loud little sucker.

LA525 Loader Specs. is a pdf and may automatically download.
https://cdnmedia.endeavorsuite.com/...f71/images/rental/op-manuals/op-man-la525.pdf

KIOTI KL2510QA loader specs
KL251 | Kioti Tractors

 

[bdhsfz6]

Interesting to compare the 60HP models
View attachment 536781
The slower loader cycle times would drive me nuts. I'd be interested to see if the Kioti and L60 can move the bucket and boom at the same time - not all tractors can or are really slow.

I guess you buy what you need most of, the comfort level you want, and what you can afford.

If I was in the market for a CUT I'd definitely take the Kioti for a test ride. I have no local dealers though.

The Deere 4066R w/CAB is really sweet and has the best HST I've ever driven. If they had more loader capacity and an integrated backhoe I really would have considered one of those instead. Lift capacity is similar to the Kubota but the Deere only has a class 1 3PH. I ended up with the M59 because 1. No Tier 4 crap, 2. it's a brute, and 3. it fits nicely between the CUT and commercial Loader Backhoes. I just wish Kubota had included a nice seat and cab with sound proofing considering the prices they charge. And did I say the Deere's have really nice cabs and seats?

I'm not sure who published this chart but to me, it does not represent a fair comparison. Kubota L60 is not a specific model. It represents a range of current Grand L series tractors including the L3560, L4060, L4760, L5060, L5460 and L6060. The numbers shown in the chart for the L60 most closely match the L4060 which is not a 60 hp tractor.

If you want to compare a 60 hp tractor in the Grand L series, you need to look at the L5460 or L6060. those tractors use the LA1055 FEL which is considerably stronger than the LA805.

 

[11B2620]

With my b2620 I bought it used. I also have a bx2200. I went into a pile of dirt to scoop it as did my father in my bx2200. He scooped through it and went on his way while my tractor hit the pressure relief valve and just sat there in the pile of dirt.... I checked the pressure and it was right where it was suppose to be. I did some research on the cylinder sizes and since they are metric I went to a standard american cylinder size. I went 1 size bigger then I ended up going 2 sizes bigger. I do still do not pick the rear tires off the ground and I pick up a good amount more. I can now get through a dirt pile like I should. I called my dealer and ordered a mechanics book and found out there is a pressure relief valve for every movement. While my bx2200 just has one pressure valve. Just food for thought.

 

[varmint]

I didn't fully read all the posts, but I didn't see any mention of something that just might be of interest. Several years ago, there were similar threads about lifting capacities of Kioti vs. Kubota, and the fact that some Kubota's weren't operating at full design hydraulic pressure was noted. As a result, I got a pressure gauge to plug into my hydraulics, more out of curiosity that anything, and discovered mine was close, but under, rated pressure. There were discussions about how to correctly shim the relief valve to get more pressure, how much was prudent, and so forth. Pressure equals lift, of course. Some posters reported noticeable improvements when they got their pressure raised. (Keep in mind you don't want to go crazy, just get what you paid for...)

 

[k0ua]

I didn't fully read all the posts, but I didn't see any mention of something that just might be of interest. Several years ago, there were similar threads about lifting capacities of Kioti vs. Kubota, and the fact that some Kubota's weren't operating at full design hydraulic pressure was noted. As a result, I got a pressure gauge to plug into my hydraulics, more out of curiosity that anything, and discovered mine was close, but under, rated pressure. There were discussions about how to correctly shim the relief valve to get more pressure, how much was prudent, and so forth. Pressure equals lift, of course. Some posters reported noticeable improvements when they got their pressure raised. (Keep in mind you don't want to go crazy, just get what you paid for...)

True, but in this case the OP is comparing "paper" loaders and there is no reason to believe they won't live up to their paper values. At least at this time.

 

[Fallon]

I'm not sure who published this chart but to me, it does not represent a fair comparison. Kubota L60 is not a specific model. It represents a range of current Grand L series tractors including the L3560, L4060, L4760, L5060, L5460 and L6060. The numbers shown in the chart for the L60 most closely match the L4060 which is not a 60 hp tractor.

If you want to compare a 60 hp tractor in the Grand L series, you need to look at the L5460 or L6060. those tractors use the LA1055 FEL which is considerably stronger than the LA805.

Yes & no. The L3560 has a smaller frame & can only take a smaller loader. All other Lxx60s use the same frame. The only difference is engine, tires & the 3pt ball ends (Cat1 vs Cat2). The L4060 can only be speced for the middle (LA895) loader, the rest can be speced with any loader.

Interesting fact, the Kubota loader model number is the lift capacity of that loader in Kilograms. So a little over double the model number is the lift capacity in lbs. Think it's about 2.2lbs to the Kilo.

 

[LD1]

I'm not sure who published this chart but to me, it does not represent a fair comparison. Kubota L60 is not a specific model. It represents a range of current Grand L series tractors including the L3560, L4060, L4760, L5060, L5460 and L6060. The numbers shown in the chart for the L60 most closely match the L4060 which is not a 60 hp tractor.

If you want to compare a 60 hp tractor in the Grand L series, you need to look at the L5460 or L6060. those tractors use the LA1055 FEL which is considerably stronger than the LA805.

Yes that chart should have compared the 1055. as it would be a much better match to the kioti. Only a few hundred pounds less lift.....but a few hundred pounds more breakout.

But still alot faster than the kioti.......the 1055 being 4.4s to raise and 3.0 to lower.

But then thats the whole point I guess. There are so many different models.....and different brands.......and overlap on sizing.....

I could pick a kubota and give you a lineup of "comparable" tractors from all the big players......and the kubota would look better/stronger than the rest.

Or I could pick a kubota and compile a lineup of comparable and make the kubota look pathetic.

 

[oosik]

I'm looking at the weight lift curve charts for my FEL. At the pivot pins( which is not a "normal" lift point - unless chains are used) the LA1153 loader is rated at 2300 Kg at a point 300 mm off the ground. Translated = 5060# at a height of roughly 12".

The center of a load lifted by my Land Pride SGC1560 grapple is approximately 12" forward of the pivot pins. This translates to approximately 3200# at a point 12" off the ground.

Now this is all based upon "paper" calculations. However, I have lifted a chunk of green Ponderosa pine to a height of 24" off the ground with no difficulties at all. This "chunk" was ten feet long and weighed 2850#. When I moved with this "chunk" - I lowered the grapple to around 2" to 3" off the ground. It was definitely a HEAVY load, no question about that. Even with Rimguard in the rear tires and my Rhino 1000# rear blade - the back end DID become very light and squirmy.

I have never again lifted anything that heavy and, by golly, with my "rock weight chart" and "log weight chart" - it WILL NOT happen again, period.

 

[deminin]

I've had no trouble with the loader "capacity" on my b2910. However, early on, I found that if I tried to life something heavy, and the rear wheels started coming off the ground, it was time to add some weight to the rear. That said, whenever I get ready to do any serious work with the loader, I attach either my landscape rake or rear blade to the tractor, and that "counterweight" suffices nicely to allow me to maintain full control of whatever I'm doing.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I would much prefer a tractor engineered to under stress the front axle. Kubota knows how to engineer a tractor. I do not for one minute disparage the capacity of their FEL's. There are some threads on here about front axle hubs failing. It is intermittent but it does happen.