Loader 2538 Lift Capacity

[TomSeller]

The bad thing about my L39's FEL is that it stays on the tractor. The good thing is there is virtually no bounce and very little flex compared to the typical removable ag. style loader. I never tried lifting a 275 Gallon tote. For sure, I would not try full height.

Agree, it is dangerous at upper heights due to the sloshing (weight shifting) if not 100% full. I gravity empty mine so I need some height to do that. I lower it while in transport and raise it when stopped.

 

[matemike]

When using those totes I tend to move them full. Otherwise there is too much slopping side to side and front to back. I had one slide off the front even though I had it somewhat tilted back.

That, my friend, is called "free surface effect"
It's a B!t@4

 

[jmh1783]

Well, I almost ended up on the "stupid operator" thread yesterday. I moved a full tote to refill another that I have placed near my garden. I also use gravity to empty the totes so I picked it up high enough to clear the one sitting there. There is a position that I can do this in where the tractor is level enough...I wasn't in it. The right rear wheel starts coming up on me. I quickly flick the loader control and the forks came down on the lower tote and caught me before it rolled. Those things are designed to be stacked two high so I wasn't worried about the pressure. I dropped my mower to just above the ground to lower the center of gravity as much as possible. I got off carefully and proceded to empty as much as I could into the lower tote. As the water came out, I could see the right rear wheel settle in. Once the water level was down to a quarter, I repostioned and finished. Always have to stay on your toes and move slow.

 

[TomSeller]

Well, I almost ended up on the "stupid operator" thread yesterday. I moved a full tote to refill another that I have placed near my garden. I also use gravity to empty the totes so I picked it up high enough to clear the one sitting there. There is a position that I can do this in where the tractor is level enough...I wasn't in it. The right rear wheel starts coming up on me. I quickly flick the loader control and the forks came down on the lower tote and caught me before it rolled. Those things are designed to be stacked two high so I wasn't worried about the pressure. I dropped my mower to just above the ground to lower the center of gravity as much as possible. I got off carefully and proceded to empty as much as I could into the lower tote. As the water came out, I could see the right rear wheel settle in. Once the water level was down to a quarter, I repostioned and finished. Always have to stay on your toes and move slow.

Close call !! Quick thinking got you out of a jam, good for you. Those totes are very heavy and exactly as you describe, they can topple the tractor if you raise it too high or are not positioned properly. Keep 'em LOW, be safe.