FEl raise and curl

[Deerlope]

I have done a few searches and still I do not have a clear answer. Why on a Kubota M-5040 can I not raise the FEL and curl back at the same time? My dealer said it is for safety reasons and he does not know how to change it. He stated that an inexpencerenced operator could be catapulted from the tractor. If I go into a pile of loose gravel at ground level I have this problem.

 

[traderrik]

That's weird. Then why is that dual function enabled on my smaller L4740?

 

[CHDinCT]

My BX1850 has the same limitation. Interesting that it applies to an M series tractor too. Anyway, my understanding on why Kubota limits the FEL functions is due to limited hydraulic pressure, at least for the BX series. Curling the bucket or raising the FEL both take a lot of pressure if you're working against a heavy load. Allowing you to divert fluid to both the boom and curl cylinders at the same time would result in less than ideal lifting capacity. To my knowledge, it's not a safety issue.

 

[savageactor7]

I can raise and curl with my B1750 but you should go into a bank and slowly raise, bucket level and creep forward. At some point you have to curl to secure the load. You can still curl when the buckets full right? If so just stop raising.

 

[Brahmus]

Can't do it on my L4240 either. It's stated in the manual that you can not do this, but no reason why not....

 

[Toolguy]

I can do both at the same time on my B3030. I use it mostly to reposition the bucket to level while lowering the bucket at the same time after dumping. It saves a little bit of time that way. I also use it when lifting a load that needs to stay balanced in the bucket as it is being raised. I can't think of anything unsafe about it. It does slow down the lifting and lowering somewhat as the fluid is diverted to both functions. I would be disappointed now if a larger tractor did not have the same capability.

 

[Berniep]

I can do both at the same time on my B3030. I use it mostly to reposition the bucket to level while lowering the bucket at the same time after dumping. It saves a little bit of time that way. I also use it when lifting a load that needs to stay balanced in the bucket as it is being raised. I can't think of anything unsafe about it. It does slow down the lifting and lowering somewhat as the fluid is diverted to both functions. I would be disappointed now if a larger tractor did not have the same capability.

The limitation is only when raising the boom and curling the bucket back at the same time. My bx 23 has this limitation and mentions it in the manual.
They say it's because of not enough volume to run both when lifting something. I have wondered if it is to prevent coupling of the two sets of cylinders on the same hydraulic circuit and causing unintended movement.
Maybe one of the hydraulics experts here will reply.

 

[Toolguy]

I get it now. What I described is not the same thing. I'll have to try raising and curling at the same time. I normally go into a pile and if it won't lift I might try to curl to see if that breaks it loose. However, I don't think I have ever tried to do both at the same time. It might work if the load is not heavy, but probably not when the load is at or beyond lift capacity, which is understandable.

 

[steverichmond]

My B2320 can raise and curl at the same time. Love it!

 

[Matt_Jr]

My B2320 can raise and curl at the same time. Love it!

So can my BX24

 

[MODiesel]

The LA853 loader on my L5030 operates with dual function until you hit the limit of either cylinder. At that point, both cylinders stop, even if the other one isn't at the limit. From what I understand, that's common in lower end 4-way joystick valves vs. the stuff you find in pure, construction grade equipment.

It would seem odd to me that the L-series has a dual function feature, but not the M-series...

 

[Berniep]

So can my BX24

Well...mine will too but with very little power.
If you go into a pile of soil it and try to curl and lift at the same time nothing happens, switch to just lift and it will raise it up.

 

[Wheatland KB]

The L3400 lets you raise and curl back simultaneously as well. I couldn't imagine not being able to do that. It comes in handy when you have a big pile of stiff clay to move.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

This deserves a better explanation that whats showing up here.

The hydraulic fluid will go the path of least resistance. Its possible to do multiple functions if your a good enough operator to open each circuit just enough to bring relative equal pressure to each circuit. This is typically more difficult on the smaller tractors than it is the larger ones. When in a pile of dirt, you should curl, then lift so your pushing 100% of the pressure into the curl cylinders. If your out of a pile and trying to keep a load level curling while moving up or down should be very possible for most operators.

Whatever dealer may have said its some safty feature does not know what they are talking about.