Kubotas lift capacity FEL?

[k0ua]

One thing I don't think has been mentioned is what is the relief valve pressure set for? I have seen loaders set low from the factory/dealer. and some set up pretty high.. It makes a big difference.

James K0UA

 

[LD1]

In general, I think kubota numbers are underrated. But before anyone flames me, lets go over a few things.

First and foremost, the loader manuals (at least mine) has a nice graph picturing lift capacity. And that graph is an arc. Just like the loader lifts in an arc.

As you raise the loader, the cylinder to loader arm angle/relationship changes. So the higher you lift, you actually have LESS capacity.

Notice that JD loaders list a spec @ midpoint (59") and then a LOWER spec to max height.

Also, as to kubota loader numbers, it is correct that the number is what they can lift in kilos, BUT, technically not the last number. The last number gets substituted for a 0 as what it really represents is the series.

IE: MY loader is a LA463. It can lift 460kg and it is the 3rd series of that loader.

Also, that number is at bucket center (which is realistic of loading a bucket load of material). But the newer models I think are going to the pin measurment. The loader that relplaces mine on the L3800 is the LA504 IIRC. So 500kg and 4th series. Thats 1100lbs, and THATS the pin number.

But its always a good Idea to check the actual spec online and NOT just rely on model number.

Now some real world.....I have a LA463 that is only supposed to lift ~860lbs at the bucket cutting edge. I have lifted and moved my 500gallon propane tank with some propane still in it, with nothing more than a chain right up and over the cutting edge. Approximate weight 1500#

I also lifted my bushhog 306 cutter off the trailer when I got it, and the manual says 1100# for it.


Then we can get into a whole other can of worms in that if you cannot lift an object, you can curl and actually lift it that way....

 

[kcender]

In general, I think kubota numbers are underrated. But before anyone flames me, lets go over a few things.

First and foremost, the loader manuals (at least mine) has a nice graph picturing lift capacity. And that graph is an arc. Just like the loader lifts in an arc.

As you raise the loader, the cylinder to loader arm angle/relationship changes. So the higher you lift, you actually have LESS capacity.

Notice that JD loaders list a spec @ midpoint (59") and then a LOWER spec to max height.

Also, as to kubota loader numbers, it is correct that the number is what they can lift in kilos, BUT, technically not the last number. The last number gets substituted for a 0 as what it really represents is the series.

IE: MY loader is a LA463. It can lift 460kg and it is the 3rd series of that loader.

Also, that number is at bucket center (which is realistic of loading a bucket load of material). But the newer models I think are going to the pin measurment. The loader that relplaces mine on the L3800 is the LA504 IIRC. So 500kg and 4th series. Thats 1100lbs, and THATS the pin number.

But its always a good Idea to check the actual spec online and NOT just rely on model number.

Now some real world.....I have a LA463 that is only supposed to lift ~860lbs at the bucket cutting edge. I have lifted and moved my 500gallon propane tank with some propane still in it, with nothing more than a chain right up and over the cutting edge. Approximate weight 1500#

I also lifted my bushhog 306 cutter off the trailer when I got it, and the manual says 1100# for it.


Then we can get into a whole other can of worms in that if you cannot lift an object, you can curl and actually lift it that way....

Nice explanation :thumbsup:.

 

[Grandad4]

In general, I think kubota numbers are underrated. But before anyone flames me, lets go over a few things.

First and foremost, the loader manuals (at least mine) has a nice graph picturing lift capacity. And that graph is an arc. Just like the loader lifts in an arc.

As you raise the loader, the cylinder to loader arm angle/relationship changes. So the higher you lift, you actually have LESS capacity.

Notice that JD loaders list a spec @ midpoint (59") and then a LOWER spec to max height.

Also, as to kubota loader numbers, it is correct that the number is what they can lift in kilos, BUT, technically not the last number. The last number gets substituted for a 0 as what it really represents is the series.

IE: MY loader is a LA463. It can lift 460kg and it is the 3rd series of that loader.

Also, that number is at bucket center (which is realistic of loading a bucket load of material). But the newer models I think are going to the pin measurment. The loader that relplaces mine on the L3800 is the LA504 IIRC. So 500kg and 4th series. Thats 1100lbs, and THATS the pin number.

But its always a good Idea to check the actual spec online and NOT just rely on model number.

Now some real world.....I have a LA463 that is only supposed to lift ~860lbs at the bucket cutting edge. I have lifted and moved my 500gallon propane tank with some propane still in it, with nothing more than a chain right up and over the cutting edge. Approximate weight 1500#

I also lifted my bushhog 306 cutter off the trailer when I got it, and the manual says 1100# for it.


Then we can get into a whole other can of worms in that if you cannot lift an object, you can curl and actually lift it that way....

All good points. In the real world these loaders are typically well matched to the tractors that carry them. Also, Kubota seems to build somewhat heavier loaders, particularly in the L and Grand L series, that may be more rugged than what comes on some competing brands.

That's an interesting observation about the newer FEL models... maybe has something to do with going to all QA on the new loaders, where 500 mm forward is no longer at the bucket center.

 

[Bluegill2]

Well said LD1! I know I've lifted over 1100 lbs with my L3800, but not sure how much over. Had to add more air to the front tires!

 

[k0ua]

I also felt the Kubota loader was slightly underrated.. by the way the replacement loader for the La463 is the La524.. so 520 kg.. but this rating is at the pins. I got a good look at one on my BIL's new L3200 on the 4th. The major difference is the tucking up of the lines inside the loader arm. and they neated up the hoses so they are down lower not sticking up like on the La463.

James K0UA

 

[94BULLITT]

I think they are underrated on the 3PH too.

 

[LD1]

by the way the replacement loader for the La463 is the La524.. so 520 kg.. but this rating is at the pins.

James K0UA

Thanks for the correction. I knew it was a 5-something now, but still the same loader. And it was explained to me the way I explaind it, that the newer numbering system uses @ pins and the old uses @ bucket center.

But either way, all 3 measurements (pins, bucket center, and edge) can all be found in the online specs.

I think they are underrated on the 3PH too.

Never really tested mine to the limit. I think the L3400 is ~2000 @ the ends and 1500 @ 24". The heaviest thing I have is a 1100# 6' cutter. And I do occasionally skid logs with the "trailer-mover" where I will lift the log while moving. Never once have I hit a relief on the 3PH.

 

[LD1]

by the way the replacement loader for the La463 is the La524.. so 520 kg.. but this rating is at the pins.

James K0UA

Thanks for the correction. I knew it was a 5-something now, but still the same loader. And it was explained to me the way I explaind it, that the newer numbering system uses @ pins and the old uses @ bucket center.

But either way, all 3 measurements (pins, bucket center, and edge) can all be found in the online specs.

I think they are underrated on the 3PH too.

Never really tested mine to the limit. I think the L3400 is ~2000 @ the ends and 1500 @ 24". The heaviest thing I have is a 1100# 6' cutter. And I do occasionally skid logs with the "trailer-mover" where I will lift the log while moving. Never once have I hit a relief on the 3PH.