Increasing the lift capacity of a FEL

   / Increasing the lift capacity of a FEL #1  

sandman2234

Super Member
Joined
Dec 4, 2005
Messages
5,844
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
Tractor
JD2555 and a few Allis Chalmers and now one Kubota
I have an M7040SUHD with an LA1153 loader. For all practical purposes, this loader does a fine job. Occasionally I need to lift something that is closer to the max limits of the loader, and the lift cylinders just won't pick it up. Most of the time, I figure it is the distance from the pin, since the loader is rated at 24" from pin. Push it either further out, or push it right up against it's RATED limits, and it just won't do it. I can usually compensate by using the curl, but sometimes that isn't enough.
A friend has the same issues, and we talked about putting larger cylinders on the loader. My clinders "may" fit his smaller loader, so we could go together and just buy one set for my tractor. Another option is for me to buy a set and keep my originals in case the new ones have issues. A local hydraulic shop can be tasked into making new cylinders to fit, somewhere in the range of 1/4 to 1/2" larger in diameter. I am considering 1/4" larger, because I know me, and if I need to pick up something, I am probably going to push the limits right up to the max. 1/2" might be just enough to do the FEL frame in, so I am going to be a little more conservative.
Has anyone ever increased the size of their loader cylinders, and what was the outcome? Was it worth the expense, and just how much did it slow the hydraulics down as far as normal useage?
This is pretty much a pipe dream right now, but we are going to look into it, unless someone has already done it and can explain why we shouldn't.
David from jax
 
   / Increasing the lift capacity of a FEL #2  
before making the cyl upgrade, etc, ensure the gpm flow of your tractor will handle the added cyl capacity. & of course, safety is also a primary concern.
may want to inquire w/a hyd shop or your service dealer to determine the new gpm flow requirements
good luck
 
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   / Increasing the lift capacity of a FEL #3  
In addition to increasing the lifting ability of the loader you should determine how much weight the frame of the tractor itself is designed to handle. It would be a shame to lift the larger load only to destroy the tractor frame.
 
   / Increasing the lift capacity of a FEL #4  
I have an M7040SUHD with an LA1153 loader. For all practical purposes, this loader does a fine job. Occasionally I need to lift something that is closer to the max limits of the loader, and the lift cylinders just won't pick it up. Most of the time, I figure it is the distance from the pin, since the loader is rated at 24" from pin. Push it either further out, or push it right up against it's RATED limits, and it just won't do it. I can usually compensate by using the curl, but sometimes that isn't enough.
A friend has the same issues, and we talked about putting larger cylinders on the loader. My clinders "may" fit his smaller loader, so we could go together and just buy one set for my tractor. Another option is for me to buy a set and keep my originals in case the new ones have issues. A local hydraulic shop can be tasked into making new cylinders to fit, somewhere in the range of 1/4 to 1/2" larger in diameter. I am considering 1/4" larger, because I know me, and if I need to pick up something, I am probably going to push the limits right up to the max. 1/2" might be just enough to do the FEL frame in, so I am going to be a little more conservative.
Has anyone ever increased the size of their loader cylinders, and what was the outcome? Was it worth the expense, and just how much did it slow the hydraulics down as far as normal useage?
This is pretty much a pipe dream right now, but we are going to look into it, unless someone has already done it and can explain why we shouldn't.
David from jax
Have you tested the system pressure? Several posts over the years on TBN of Kubota going to the low side of their own specification. If a system is bypassing at say 1800PSI and is speced for 2300PSI that amounts to quite a bit more lift capability, with nothing more than a gauge quick connects and an adjustment of the PRV.

I would at least check the pressure before spending $$ on larger cylinders.
If you dont mind me asking what is the rod diameter and cylinder ID on the LA1153 lift cylinders ?
 
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   / Increasing the lift capacity of a FEL #5  
before making the cyl upgrade, etc, ensure the gpm flow of your tractor will handle the added cyl capacity. & of course, safety is also a primary concern.
may want to inquire w/a hyd shop or your service dealer to determine the new gpm flow requirements
good luck
With same pump flow and the Only difference he would see with larger cylinder is slower extend speed with increased lift force.

Pump is just moving a given amount of fluid and it doesn’t care what size cylinder is in the circuit provided you don’t empty the reservoir filling the cylinder
 
   / Increasing the lift capacity of a FEL #6  
Less expensive then larger bore cylinders is bumping up the relief valve pressures.
Of course that brings up all the other concerns of overloading the loader frame, tractor axles, hose rating, pump rating and every other component in the tractor.
 
   / Increasing the lift capacity of a FEL
  • Thread Starter
#7  
I haven't checked the hydraulic pressure, probably should. Outer diameter is 2.75, don't have the rod size yet.
I expect slower movement with a larger cylinder. Probably a good reason to keep it 1/4" diameter instead of 1/2" increase.
David from jax
 
   / Increasing the lift capacity of a FEL #8  
Check this also. The FEL has two settings. Max height and then - max lift weight. Check your FEL owners manual. There is a significant difference in how much the FEL will lift - between these two settings.
 
   / Increasing the lift capacity of a FEL
  • Thread Starter
#9  
Check this also. The FEL has two settings. Max height and then - max lift weight. Check your FEL owners manual. There is a significant difference in how much the FEL will lift - between these two settings.
2,326 lbs lift (full at 500mm)
2,536 lbs lift (full at 500mm)
The items I have been picking up with a lot of difficulty are in the 1500 pound range, so I need to look at the pressures and go from there.
David from jax
 
   / Increasing the lift capacity of a FEL #10  
Following info and calculations are for reference purposes only.

If OD is 2.75” which is approximately 70 mm would guess bore is 60 mm (2.36”) since suspect would be metric. 60 mm has area of approximately 4.38 square inches

Going to 65 mm (2.56”) bore is approximately area of 5.15 square inches or approximately 17% increase in size.

Will the loader frame, axels, handle that much more stress?

Option of 2.5 bore cylinder (63.5 mm) would provide area of 4.9 square inches.
 
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