Why are Kubota FEL's so weak?

[Turbys_1700]

Kubota is the only manufacturer that posts loader curves in their manuals as far as I know. New Holland states lift capacity for the Workmaster in a table at different heights at the pin and 800 mm from the pin.

 

[Grandad4]

+1

I don't think people are being realistic expecting to lift heavy loads with tiny tractors and then complaining about crappy specs.

If you need to carry 3,000 lb loads all day long then don't buy a machine at its max rated spec.

I can pick a load that'll lift my rear wheels off the ground....what's the point? Earn another stripe in the underpants?

Good point! In the real world, unless you're into serious farming, you should be using equipment large enough that it gets most of your work done without being maxed out all the time. Ties into the old advice about buying a bit more tractor than you think you'll need.

 

[bluelou212]

I believe Kubota to be the best designed, built, and fit n finish tractors on the market. To that end I just bought a L3901 and so far I am happy with it. One thing that does stand out though when comparing this model to similar models from other manufacturers is the FEL is weak. Kioti has a ~1800# rating LS even more than that. My 525 is 1150#. This is basic physics so how are the other manufacturers getting so much more lift, has to be higher operating pressure or larger cylinders since they lift to the same height. Also I doubt this is an oversight by Kubota, they are too well thought out. Maybe they just realize this size machine should not be lifting more weight than this? I have ballasted rear tires and have had them come off the ground when being too aggressive with the loader, I can't imagine what it would be like with 50% more weight out there. Anyway is there a reason Kubota chose to limit the FEL by so much other than they are trying to save us from ourselves?

This is totally anecdotal, but here's what happened to me when going to test an L3901 TLB at the dealer. I wanted to make sure the the loader and hoe could handle the loads and materials I was expecting to work with so we tested the equipment on the back of the dealer lot.

First, he only had an L2501 without the hoe. I tried to lift maybe 500# of wet sand and ended up on 3 wheels. Turns out there was no ballast at all, not even in the tires. I asked the dealer to find me an L3901 w/hoe and thumb to test, otherwise I wouldn't feel ready to make the deal.

On the 2nd try we tested the L3901 with hoe and thumb. Moved at least 1000# of wet sand no problem. Used the hoe to dig in some rocky soil and move a few rocks using the thumb, at least 100# each no problem. The hoe as ballast made all the difference when testing the bucket.

Anyway, part of my point was that i was much more confident after testing the equipment at the dealer. Now, if the grapple would finally come in I can take delivery.

 

[Garandman]

Kubota is the only manufacturer that posts loader curves in their manuals as far as I know. New Holland states lift capacity for the Workmaster in a table at different heights at the pin and 800 mm from the pin.

So only Kubota and New Holland publish this info? No one with a John Deere, Mahindra, Kioti etc receives this info?

Sales brochures seem to really spin this number. Seems to be like pickup truck tow ratings.

 

[Oldoak]

Good point! In the real world, unless you're into serious farming, you should be using equipment large enough that it gets most of your work done without being maxed out all the time. Ties into the old advice about buying a bit more tractor than you think you'll need.

Exactly! :thumbsup:

It all starts and should end with buying "the right tool for the job".

 

[amhicks21]

probably my favorite saying about equipment is that its all a list of compromises. Every manufacturer with a decent reputation knows what its shooting for based on their own market research and target. Some companies want to be able to advertise a higher particular stat but it will always come at a cost. lift capacity, reach, cycle time, system pressure, weight, durability, height, cost, safety and depth are all on somewhat of a sliding scale that effects other stats and can easily be tweaked by a manufacturer to suit their market and their bottom line. There are lots of days that i miss how light and small the LA514 on the old l3540 was compared to the heavy monster that the LA1055 feels in comparison. Truth is, i think 75% of the time i'd rather have the small loader. Of course the other 25% when im moving heavy things it was pretty useless.

 

[Garandman]

Good point! In the real world, unless you're into serious farming, you should be using equipment large enough that it gets most of your work done without being maxed out all the time. Ties into the old advice about buying a bit more tractor than you think you'll need.

Sure glad I did not listen to that old chestnut, or I’d have a tractor that would sink into our wooded wetlands, wouldn’t fit in between trees on the trails, and couldn’t turn around in a tight space when plowing snow.

It’s easy to spend other people’s money...

 

[k0ua]

My tractor might be considered small by some, and too large by others. To me it is a compromise. I have seen the time I wanted bigger, but not often. I have seen the time I wanted smaller once in a while. Most of the time it is ine for what I want to do. I own 8 oz 16 oz, and 22 oz hammers as well as 2 lb and 13 pound sledge hammers. You know, I at times I have used all of them to good effect.

 

[Grandad4]

There's something to be said for having equipment that doesn't have to be flogged like a rented mule to get the work done. That's not a call for maximum overkill or ignoring obvious factors like tight quarters or ground conditions.

 

[k0ua]

There's something to be said for having equipment that doesn't have to be flogged like a rented mule to get the work done. That's not a call for maximum overkill or ignoring obvious factors like tight quarters or ground conditions.

I first had a little Kubota B7500 here and yes, I flogged it like that aforementioned mule at times. Then I got bigger and better tractors. No flogging needed. But the little B7500 sure would be good to have back at times for occasional use in tight quarters. I don't miss it much, but I do occasionally.