"Challenge" brand FEL vs Kubota?

[kenlip]

A dealer has recommended the Challenge 2821 instead of the Kubota LA854AU-B to go onto a new Kubota MX5100

Does anyone have experience with the Challenge brand?

Challenge 2821 specs:
Horse power range (approximate) 45-60
A - Maximum lift height to pivot pin 2840mm
B - Maximum lift height under level bucket 2550mm
C - Clearance with bucket dumped* 2000mm
D - Reach at maximum lift height** 1060mm
E - Maximum dump angle 58ｰ
F - Reach with bucket on ground*** 1940mm
G - Maximum rollback angle 49ｰ
H - Digging depth**** 150mm
J - Overall height in carry position 1550mm
K - Maximum rollback angle at maximum lift height 49ｰ
Lift capacity at pivot pin - Ground level 1490kg
Lift capacity at pivot pin - Maximum lift height 1242kg
Lift capacity at 800mm from pivot pin - Ground level 1350kg
Lift capacity at 800mm from pivot pin - 1.5m lift height 1306kg
Lift capacity at 800mm from pivot pin - Maximum lift height 900kg
Bucket rollback force at ground height 1000kg
Tractor pump pressure (will vary depending on tractor model) 185bar
Maximum Frame Weight 368kg
Mechanical Self Levelling Yes
Easy Detach Loader Frame Yes
Manual Locking Attachment Quick Coupler -
Auto Locking Attachment Quick Coupler Yes


Kubota LA854AU-B Front Loader Specifications
Maximum Lift Height (Pivot pin) mm 2863
Clearance w/Attachment Dump mm 2255
Reach @ Maximum Height mm 570
Maximum Dump Angle deg. 45
Reach w/Attachment on Ground mm 1919
Maximum Rollback Angle deg. 43
Digging Depth (When Bucket is Level) mm 177
Overall Height in Carry Position mm 1410
Material Bucket Width/Weight mm /kg 1830 / 150
Lift Capacity (500mm forward) kg 800
Raising Time to Full Height w/out Load sec. 4.4
Lowering Time w/out Load (powerdown) sec. 2.8
Attachment Rollback Time sec. 1.9
Attachment Dumping Time sec. 1.5
Rated Flow l/min 37

While they are not using the same criteria, the lift capacity seems to be significantly higher for the Challenge, unless I am reading/interpreting incorrectly.

Would you agree with the dealer and go for the Challenge, or stick with the Kubota.

Any other reason/s to pick one over the other?

Thanks
Ken

 

[sea2summit]

Why is your dealer comparing it to the LA854? Shouldn't the MX be equipped with the LA1065? Mine is and I think the specs are a lot closer and while I don't have my manual in front of me possibly higher than the Challenge loader in several areas.

 

[BTDT2]

Why is your dealer comparing it to the LA854? Shouldn't the MX be equipped with the LA1065? Mine is and I think the specs are a lot closer and while I don't have my manual in front of me possibly higher than the Challenge loader in several areas.

I agree. I have never seen an MX with the smaller LA854. You either need to find a new dealer or give the salesman a wake-up call on FEL's for MX's.

 

[Fallon]

If you ever plan on reselling it, the OEM option will be the much better choice. It will almost assuredly fit better & have better visibility than non-OEM options. Kubota loaders typically come with a good guard (tall bumper) as well.

 

[kenlip]

Why is your dealer comparing it to the LA854? Shouldn't the MX be equipped with the LA1065? Mine is and I think the specs are a lot closer and while I don't have my manual in front of me possibly higher than the Challenge loader in several areas.

Hmmm? The Kubota website MX51D – Kubota Tractor Corporation says (my bold) ...

"Kubota's front loader is performance-matched to the MX5100, ensuring precise operation and improved productivity. The high lift capacity and lift height deliver impressive performance with each load, and the single lever joystick control makes operation easy.
The LA854AU-B loader features high-quality, heavy-duty cylinders to bring more muscle to your loader work
This standard feature allows the operator to raise or lower the loader boom while keeping the bucket level to the ground. This will help prevent spills when carrying soil or sand and will make pallet handling smooth and easy.
To broaden the scope and capabilities of your front loader applications, the LA854AU-B is available with a third function valve to operate attachments such as a 4 in 1 bucket."

I'll call the dealer today to verify.

 

[Dave M7040]

The issue you have not talked about is how the FEL gets its hydraulic power.

There are many, many posts here where someone has connected a line in the wrong place thus bypassing the power beyond feature and putting high pressure on a tank port. Far less likely on a factory product install even by dealer.

I suspect the saleman's advice has more to do with his commission than your long term satisfaction.

Stick with Kubota. Tractor will have more value when you want to sell it in the future and I have never heard of Challenger so what does that tell you

Dave M7040

 

[LD1]

My old mx5100 has the 854 loader.

The new ones I believe get a la10xx loader.

But that don't really mean it lifts more than the 854.

Kubota loader numbers refer to lift capacity. 854 means 850kg and the 4 is simply the 4th revision of that loader.

They used to base this off of the spec at 500mm. At some point a few years ago they decided to switch model numbers to reflect load capacity at bucket center. Thus the higher model number for essentially the same loader.

My concern with putting a loader on that will lift more than the Oem designed one is added stress on the frame and front end. Who's gonna pay for a front axle overhaul should you prematurely need one?

And yes, resell is huge.

I looked at alot of used tractors before settling on the MX I have now. Ones with aftermarket loaders ranging from allied, woods, bushhog, koyker, etc.... They didn't even get a second look.

 

[LD1]

Oh and another thing I just noticed....look up the specs for the Kubota loader "breakout force"....that is your lift capacity at ground level. And it beats the challenge loader.

The challenge loader can lift more up high, bit that may be in part due to the mechanical self leveling, which in a sense dumps the load as you lift....which is less "work" than lifting and rotating as a non self leveling loader does. Which requires less force....thus it can lift more.

 

[Fallon]

Oh and another thing I just noticed....look up the specs for the Kubota loader "breakout force"....that is your lift capacity at ground level. And it beats the challenge loader.

The challenge loader can lift more up high, bit that may be in part due to the mechanical self leveling, which in a sense dumps the load as you lift....which is less "work" than lifting and rotating as a non self leveling loader does. Which requires less force....thus it can lift more.

Breakout is how much force you can exert to break a scoop out of a pile. Usually a combination of lift & curl forces at the same time. In my experience you can't actually lift that breakout force number off the ground. You need the leverage of the back of the bucket against the ground to get that high breakout number.

 

[LD1]

No. Breakout is lift at or near ground level. Nothing more. Curl has no bearing on breakout