Kubotas lift capacity FEL?

[BGigHarbor]

Not sure if this should be here or in the other section.

I am trying to come up with realistic maximums for ability to lift upwards with a chain with a FEL with some models of tractors. For example l3800 and l3490.

I currently do that a fair bit to lift logs (like loading/unloading logs in my trailer). I am a bit spoiled right now as my neighbor was a very large CASE and can lift quite a bit.

But my new property is remote and I am on my own. I know I won't have a machine as big as his, but was trying to understand what sort of lifting capacity (with a chain from the FEL) say an l3490 was actually capable of.

The only specs I am finding I think are 24 inches behind the 3pt lift.

 

[brain55]

The loader model for those tractors will tell you more. The model number of the loader will be an approximation of the lift capacity in kilograms.

Brian

 

[bcp]

Have you checked to see if the loader model is on the website?

Kubota Tractor Corporation - Tractors | L Series | L3200 L3800

 

[jeff9366]

brain55 is correct. An LA724 loader should lift 724 kilos when new.

Be sure to ballast rear before lifting a max load. If rear wheels are even slightly higher than front wheels, instead of the load coming up the tractor can kneel with a max load. Hard to maneuver with rear wheels off the ground. Frightening too; I know!

Do not transport a max bucket load without ballast. It is too easy to have a front wheel drop into a hole or bog spot, the max load to go over and, BINGO, your bucket is sprung, your front axle bent, or the tractor rolls over. All really bad when you are alone.

Ballast/implement BEHIND THE REAR AXLE relieves stress on the front axle. Loaded tires do not compensate.

Consider bucket Debris Forks rather than chain. Not much control over a swinging load suspended by chain.

 

[BGigHarbor]

I wasn't sure how the specs compared to actual use.

 

[jeff9366]

I wasn't sure how the specs compared to actual use.

There is no 'perfect' number. Following six factors could affect lift capacity by 50%

1) What type of ground is the tractor/loader on? Soft or supportive? Level or sloped?

2) How old/worn is the FEL? ( Pivot pins distorted? Bucket sprung? ~20% are.)

3) Is hydraulic fluid clean, topped up? Two filters clean?

4) Are the FEL extension arms greased, free of dirt, corrosion? Seals intact and holding?

5) How long since FEL zerks were greased? Old, dirty, hard, grease in pivots?
(FEL is supposed to be greased every 10 hours of use.)

6) Appropriate ballast on 3-Pt. hitch?

 

[nybirdman]

I have a L4240 with the 854 loader...so 2.2Kilo x 854 =1868lbs.rated lift.at the pins.As you add a chain to the bucket(350lbs) and extend out your lift you may be down to 1200lbs or so.How big are your logs?Ballast for sure and you may want to thing about a grapple or thumb added to the bucket instead of a log swinging on a chain.
I have the HD bucket and added a thumb to save money and weight.The 723/724 loaders will be less than this.

 

[94BULLITT]

I think in most cases the loader model is what it will lift in Kilos but I think there are some exceptions. I know the new Grand L has a L1XXX loader but will not lift that.

 

[Bluegill2]

I'm using a L3800DT for logging. Mostly skidding large white oak logs out of the woods with 3pt hitch. I really like the short wheel base and size of the 3800 for this type of work! Have not done much heavy lifting with the FEL, but have been impressed with what it'll do so far.

And do listen to these guys when they talk about ballast on the 3 pt hitch! Very important with loader work!

 

[Grandad4]

I have a L4240 with the 854 loader...so 2.2Kilo x 854 =1868lbs.rated lift.at the pins.As you add a chain to the bucket(350lbs) and extend out your lift you may be down to 1200lbs or so.

Minor clarification... I think Kubota rates FEL lift capacities with the bucket installed, so the LA8xx loaders, for example, should lift something like 1868# with the bucket installed; removing it should gain another 350# or so. Certainly a good number of owners with those loaders, including me, have lifted things in the 2,000 lb range in, on or hanging from their buckets. But the main points about the need for ballast and how far out from the pins the load will be carried are right on.