'20 Max 26xlt has Korean loader, '21 Max 26xlt has USA loader, both have same EXACT specs...why the change...??

dec4trax · Jun 19, 2021

I have a 2019 Max26 XLT.
The Loader was made in Korea.
Pics attached for comparison with yours.

I have 200 hrs on the machine and most work has involved loading topsoil and gravel for landscaping and driveway work.
The Korean Loader has performed flawlessly.
I did replace the filters and hydraulic fluid at 50 hrs and now running full synthethic.

I have never seen the USA loader, but have no problem recommending the Korean Loader if you are planning to work within allowable loads of the machine. If you overwork your machine beyond capacity, then a more stout FEL may be worth looking for.

Tim in MN · Jun 27, 2021

I've got an older XL with the Korean loader, never had any problem with it. Just finished a weeks worth of moving field rocks, lots of rocks. probably pushed it to it's limit but it worked flawlessly.

neoadman · Jul 8, 2021

I have a 16 26XL. I now have a 1000 hours on it and have had a few problems with the ansung curved loader. First off the r/side support broke the welds at the round bottom tube. Dealer saw the picture i sent him and he had a warranty replacement in 10 days (AT 250 HOURS). The mounting bolts were coming loose every week at around 400 hours driving me nuts. I measured the block bolt holes which ended up at 56mm The factory spec bolt was 40mm. Went to Amazon and picked up 60mm an ground them to 54mm and have not had a loose bolt since,. Last problem was the stick becoming finicky. When the bucket started going to the sky I swapped the hoses to find the offending circuit. I am not a hydraulic mechanic but I found a loose screw cap inside the rear caps. Tightened it up and works fine. It did the same thing 2 weeks later. Blue locktite and no more problem. i really do like my machine and the grill says "MAX XL"

max 26 · Jul 14, 2021

I recently purchased a Max 26 xlt Hydro with the new USA made loader. From what I can tell is it is basically the loader used on the 1626 tractor modified to fit the max. It was a running change during the 2021 model year run as I have seen early 2021 models with the old curved loader. The new loader is mounted to the tractor about 5 inches rearward which brings the loader bucket closer to the front axle which is a good thing. Probably done to support the higher loader rating without having to increase the weight of the tractor. The new loader is rated at 1520 lbs at max height instead of 1402. The loader also lifts about 2 inches higher at 7 feet 3/4". These specs came from the loader owners manual I received with the tractor.

The tractor itself also has some small upgrades such as additional amber lighting on the rear. I believe the hydraulics were also improved slightly to support the new loader but I have not confirmed that as the operators manual is a little vague on specifics. The USA made backhoe seems to have no changes or upgrades.