Loader 2230 FEL Seems Weak

[Socratic]

For a while now, I've thought the lift capability of the FEL seemed lacking power. I thought I read that it should be able to lift around 500 lbs. I was moving around crushed gravel - pretty heavy stuff - but with some rocking and moving, I could get a fairly full bucket and everything operated ok. But yesterday I was loading up some mulch (a whole lot lighter than the gravel) and I still had to play the rock and roll game to load up the bucket. The fel is able to lift the tractor, so it seems to have power enough - perhaps that magical 500 lbs is it? Just didn't seem to have quite the power I would have expected from the 22hp - or is sthe hp only helpful on the 3 pt hitch? Any input appreciated. Jim

 

[Jimbrown]

I think you are confusing lifting capability and break out force. Mine will certainly lift 500lb but you can't just drive it straight into a pile of gravel and lift up. You have to tilt the bucket to break it loose from the pile before it will lift. And the 500lb can not be on the lip of the bucket it has to be centered in the bucket.

 

[Grandad4]

The lift capacity means what it can pick up, but getting the material into the bucket in the first place is mostly a function of operator skill, I've found. It takes a combination of things to fill the bucket: precise levelling, proper approach speed, stopping at just the right moment, apply curl at just the right moment, apply lift at just the right moment, all being done smoothly and seamlessly together.

The BX's are little tractors whose weight and hydraulics require you to get the technique down pat to get the most out of FEL operation. If you haven't already done so, I'd suggest you get a truckload of fill or similar material and spend a few hours just moving it. Your skill with the FEL will increase dramatically.

One other suggestion... a toothbar really helps digging into material. Well worth the investment.

 

[TripleR]

Grandad4, is right, finesse is much more important when using these small tractors than most due to their relatively low weight and FEL strength. I can get a good full load much easier with one of my bigger tractors; practice is really important on all of them.

 

[kennyd]

You can also check the PRV (pressure relief valve) setting, Kubota's are known to be on the low side of the specs quite often from the factory. Lot's of info if you search

 

[EE_Bota]

- or is sthe hp only helpful on the 3 pt hitch? Any input appreciated. Jim

I agree with what the others said, so I thought I would address this question.
It is overkill for your question, but similar questions come up, so maybe this will help someone.

HP is a rate of work per unit time. Lifting weight is not an indication of HP. Lifting weight *FAST* is a matter of HP.

In an engine, power is (rpm * torque).

In hydraulics, flow is like rpm, in fact, the flow from a hydraulic pump is proportional to rpm.

In hydraulics, pressure is like torque, in fact, the torque required by a hydraulic pump is proportional to pressure.

If your relief pressure, which is easily tested and adjusted, is low, both the lift and the loader will have reduced lifting capacity.

I always could lift a reasonable amount of material, provided I could get it into the bucket. Mine was low by ~200 psi. I now have it at the top of the specification range. I have not bothered to calculate how much that improved my lifting capacity, until now.

1900 now/1650 before =1.15, therefore 15% improvement gross.

But, if we assume it takes 500psi to lift the bucket and boom empty (which is JUST an assumption, though if memory serves, it is close)

1400 net now /1150 net before = 21% net improvement.

Let's look at power.

My BX2200 splits the flow "fixedly" sending 1.8 GPM to run the tractors needs, and 3.7 GPM for the lift, loader, etc.

Let's look at the 1.8 GPM path. I know the reliefs for the power steering are supposed to be at 1200 psi, and the PTO relief, which is always relieving is either 68psi, or 139 psi, my manual has not made up it's mind.

If I punch that into a hydraulics calculator,
Power
and assume 85% efficiency, 1300psi, I get 1.6HP.

Likewise, 3.7GPM at 1900psi, I get 4.83HP.

22HP engine - 4.83HP MAX hydraulics - 1.6 HP MAX steering & pto = 15.57 HP for propulsion and PTO output.

 

[Socratic]

I very much appreciate everyone's input. I have found that finese does play a part in loading - just thought maybe the bucket should be able to load up more easily. And yes, I agree, a toothbar is a great addition - bought one earlier this year. Not only great for scraping/digging, but I am able to pick up larger bucket loads (once I get them into the bucket!). Though, back dragging using the rear of the bucket might prove to wear quicker than the cutting edge.

And thanks for the HP lesson.....haven't had to deal much with hydraulics since my Air Force days.