Self leveling loader. Yes or no?

[sdarnold09]

So I've picked out a new tractor. New Holland Workmaster 75. I have the option of getting it with the self leveling loader (no charge) or non self leveling. My previous tractor, kubota 3901, didn't have a self leveling loader. The dealer says some people like it and some don't. One thing I like about it is it increases the lift capacity. Since I've never used one, I'm looking for opinions on self leveling loaders. Thanks for the help!

-Sean

 

[3Ts]

Probably depends on your application. If you're handling pallets, I'd think it would be very handy. If handling a material bucket with dirt/gravel, then not so much. I've never had a self-leveling one, but if it increases the load capacity - why not. I don't see any down side to it other than a few more joints to grease.

 

[CoyPatton]

What type of work to you use the loader for?
For example, if you do a lot of pile (dirt, rick, manure, and the like) then a self leveling bucket may not be what you want. But if you do more fork lift work, where having the load in the same plane throughout the lift is desirable, ‘self-leveling’ may be for you.
One common misconception related the name is that the bucket/forks self level, when it fact the maintain the ‘pitch’ relative from the lift point or lowering point without you making constant curl adjustments throughout the movement.

With previous loader experience, understanding what it means and what loader work you do, should provide your answer.

 

[sdarnold09]

My main work will be moving brush with a grapple and some dirt work on my home mx track. Sounds like the self level might slow me down a little.

 

[Bigpuddie]

I have a self leveling loader on my Massey Ferguson and absolutely love it. However, on the Case loaders, their design limits your visibility a good bit. On the Massey, not much different. I retail mulch and use loader all the time. It's a real time saver and limits any spillover. Would definitely do again. For your application, you wont see much benefit

 

[CoyPatton]

My main work will be moving brush with a grapple and some dirt work on my home mx track. Sounds like the self level might slow me down a little.

If possible, have your dealer let you operate a ‘self leveling’ loader. Even on his lot, watching how the bucket functions would let you get a feel for what it does. Yes moving material would be better.

 

[sdarnold09]

Thanks for the replies, ill see if they have one i can try on the lot.

 

[mred2]

For moving my hay, I would love it. I can't see it doing anything negative. Most I have looked at were at a higher cost.

 

[sdarnold09]

They said you can still move it however you need to, so ill probably get it. I like the extra 700lbs of lift capacity. Plus its free, so why not

 

[ericm979]

Is this a mechanical self-leveling or hydraulic? Some hydraulic self leveling systems can be switched off.

Also check if the lift height is as good as the non self leveling loader. If that matters to you.

Some tractor's joystick and valve allow easy curling as you raise or lower the loader, and some don't. If this one does then it's easier for you to manually level. It's something you can check during a test drive.

 

[CADplans]

TPlus its free, so why not

Nothing is free,,, ever,, something else is different,,

The self leveling feature is mandatory in some countries,, so there must be some good to it.
I have only used self leveling on a machine such as a 953 CAT,, it was perfect.

I would like it on my 584 IH but, that will never happen,, the machine is too old.
Maybe on my next new tractor,,,, Hmmmmmm,,,,,,, (I have never owned a new tractor!! LOL!! :laughing: )

 

[Agvg]

Here I have not seen a new loader without self leveling the last twenty years.

 

[MossRoad]

I cannot see a downside to a self leveling loader. I don't have one. When doing bucket work it would be nice to keep the bucket level throughout its travel. Same thing with my pallet forks, snow blade, and 4' brush cutter.

 

[sdarnold09]

They told me they're free cause they got them for free due to covid or something. The price doesn't go up at all for the loader.

It is a mechanical self level

Thanks for all the good info. I will probably have them put the self leveling on

 

[ptsg]

I would get the self leveling loader. Specially at no extra charge and usually those are more expensive.

Like Moss, I can't see a downside of the self leveling loader. It's very useful for pretty much all types of loader work.

There are 3 types of self leveling loaders that I know off. The mechanical one with the linkages over the arms, and two types of hydraulic ones. One uses a self leveling hydraulic valve that is kinda prone to loose position. The other uses two small cylinders mounted above the lift cylinders that are tied to the curl cylinders. It won't lose position and doesn't need the linkage on top of the arms that, in some cases, can block the view.

 

[Tomtint]

My Skidsteer has a self leveling loader, I rarely use it. With the typical changing ground conditions, a level bucket does not stay that way long once you are moving.

 

[sdarnold09]

Yeah I guess they got a shipment of 4 of these loaders for free so they're passing that on to new tractor purchases.

 

[MossRoad]

 

[MossRoad]

When would a self-leveling loader be a detriment? Just curious, as I haven't run into that situation yet, but am always wanting to learn something.

 

[Bigpuddie]

When would a self-leveling loader be a detriment? Just curious, as I haven't run into that situation yet, but am always wanting to learn something.

Sometimes doing grading or dirt work. Other than that, all positive