Loader 2538 Lift Capacity

[tracydj]

I was power washing vegetable oil out of an IBC tote this morning which gave me a great opportunity to test lift capacity. Mahindra's published loader capacity is 1634 lbs. I estimate I had 170 gallons (1417 lbs) in the IBC tote (100 lbs) and the machine had no issues lifting it. It would not lift at 195 gallons. (1626 lbs + 100 lbs IBC) I assumed that my forks would be a little lighter than the bucket which would have increased the capacity but that was not the case.

 

[RNeumann]

Good info! Have you or the dealer verified hydraulic PSI?

 

[tracydj]

Good info! Have you or the dealer verified hydraulic PSI?

I have not verified hydraulic psi. I would assume that it would be a test the dealer would have performed on the pre delivery checklist. Knowing my dealer, it has never been verified.

 

[RNeumann]

Ok perfect. A good "factory" test result for the archives. Thx for posting

 

[Btown]

The weight Mahindra gives is measured at the pins to maximum height. You are lifting 1517 lbs plus the weight of your forks (usually about 150 lbs) and the weight is way in front of the pins. So your loader is probably working right. You were able to lift about 1667lbs.

 

[Navasot]

Its working correctly.. remember loaders lift are measured at the pins.. the further your distribute weight forward of those pins the capacity will drop.. with the bucket your able to scope and curl back putting the weight almost on top of the measured poundage

 

[Aaron L]

Yep. Lifting that weight out on the forks would mean his loader was actually lifting more than the rated capacity at the pins. It's working fine.

 

[TomSeller]

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.

 

[jmh1783]

Thanks for the info tracydj. I moved a full tote recently for the first time. It was full to the cap so 275 gallons. I had my 7' finish mower as a counter weight at the back. It did fine but there was a lot of bounce in the loader. I don't think I'd want to lift much more nor would I want to lift it to height.

 

[mike69440]

Thanks for the info tracydj. I moved a full tote recently for the first time. It was full to the cap so 275 gallons. I had my 7' finish mower as a counter weight at the back. It did fine but there was a lot of bounce in the loader. I don't think I'd want to lift much more nor would I want to lift it to height.

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.

 

[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.