L3130+LA723+ 750# Anbo grapple = cracks

[Patk]

I thought I'd share some photos of the stress cracks on my LA723 loader arms caused by using a medium sized Grapple for clearing and log hauling. I have no idea how long they've been developing, but you may want to check your cab-side bucket cylinder pin mounts.

The grapple is quick attached and the claw opens about 3 ft. I think raking and hitting the occasional stubborn root is taking it's toll.

It's still under warranty and the Dealer is going to add reinforcing plate which should help, but it also makes me wish I had opted for the L4330 and LA853 loader....lifts more and the steel plate at the cylinder pins looks almost double the thickness.

When in doubt, ALWAYS buy the larger tractor.I must have read that comment 50 times here when I was considering the purchase. I'm seriously considering a trade in at only 160 hours since I think the L3130 is a bit light on horsepower, and at this rate it makes me wonder how long the loader will hold up to the abuse.

For all the other odd jobs around the place the L3130 has been a terrific and hassle free joy to play...I mean work with.

You can never have too big a tractor.... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[_RaT_]

I would think that opening it up and having it extend out that far should not necessarily crack those locations but the hydraulic shock will certainly blow a cylinder, ahose or steel tubing. That significantly changes the leverage over those cylinders. I back drag with just a tooth bar and have a gauge mounted to my dump circuit. It will quickly peg the meter (5000 PSI) if I go quickly. If you go forward, it gets worse as far as the shock is concerned. YOur answer will not to be to go to a LA 853 as the loader PSI circuit is the same. I have not even a hint happening to mine as you have and have now moved many hundreds or even a few thousands yards of material. With the tooth bar, there are plenty of times I have significantly increased the material load in my bucket to the point where I know I'm pushing the lift limits of the loader. Hope you get a satisfactory repair. Take it easy with the grapple. The one thing that all these compacts have in common is something they are not, industrial tractors.

PS, I had to big of a tractor with my L48 and downsized to a L3830. The nimbleness and the ability to remove the loader are invaluable.