Self Leveling Deere vs Kubota

[GeneD14]

I am considering buying a new tractor next spring. The two choices that I have narrowed it down to at this point are the Deere 5083e and the Kubota 8540. I would guess that 75% of the time I am using it for loader work. I use the bucket, pallet forks, and I have a root grapple. I really, really, want self leveling function on the loader. I have a crawler with it and have used other tractors with it and I strongly prefer it. Here is question#1: the Deere is only offered in mechanical self leveling, the Kubota has hydraulic self leveling. The hydraulic method seems to have a big advantage as far as visibility goes. Are there any advantages to the mechanical style of self leveling?

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Typically mechanical leveling is not as precise, and some variations of it only work going up, but not down. There is no question that from an engineering perspective hydraulic is preferred.

 

[GeneD14]

Thanks for the info.

One of my other wants is an instructor seat. Kubota does not offer one for the 8540. My Deere salesman didn't know if they did. Does anyone know if Deere offers an instructor seat on the 5083e???

Thanks!

 

[GreenWannabe]

The JD configurator does not list a instructor or buddy seat.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Typically mechanical leveling is not as precise, and some variations of it only work going up, but not down. There is no question that from an engineering perspective hydraulic is preferred.

Is it possible for you to explain to me how a mechanical self leveling bucket can work going up, but not down?

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I believe that the Kubota self leveling system can be turned on and off. That would be one of the pluses for me to get the Kubota over the Deere.

 

[Cidertom]

Are there any advantages to the mechanical style of self leveling?

Simplicity.

If the one on the 5083e is anything similar to the 400cx loader I have on my 4520 the following comments may apply to your situation.

At full dump the loader won't raise beyond a certain point. So far it has not been an issue.

The rollback on the bucket is " the same" as the non leveling. However, the effective is less as it stays the same angle all the way up. The normal one the rollback appers to increase as the bucket is raised.

I do a lot of pallet / material work, so it makes sense for me.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Is it possible for you to explain to me how a mechanical self leveling bucket can work going up, but not down?

Some variations of mechanical leveling use a linkage thats tied to the loader valve. Its kinda a mechanical version of hydraulic leveling.

 

[bjcsc]

Unless you're doing a lot of pallet work like Cidertom, forget about mechanical self-leveling. It's very easy to find the exact spot on the loader valve to keep things level for intermittent use. I don't know if things have changed, but I originally had Deere's MSL. It wouldn't fully dump the bucket at less than 10 feet high. That's about as useful as somthinorother on a boar hog. Check out my post (#18) in this thread: Self-Leveling. Again, I don't know if Deere re-engineered their MSL, but if it looks like the one I used to have and you decide you must have self-leveling - go orange...

 

[AndyMA]

Typically mechanical leveling is not as precise, and some variations of it only work going up, but not down. There is no question that from an engineering perspective hydraulic is preferred.

I'm suprised you would say that. I would think that mechanical self leveling is more precise than hydraulic assuming the geometry is done right. There is no way for it to vary where with hydraulic there are always ways for it to get out of alignment. The MSL on my TN loader stays absolutely parallel to the ground al the way from ground level to maximum lift. I'm not sure how much more precise you can get.

What is your rational that hydraulic is more accurate than mechanical? How do you build a MSL system that only works in one direction? On my TN the parallel arms are always connected.

Andy

 

[tjkadar]

A buddy seat is available on the JD if is has an electrohydraulic engagement of the PTO. Otherwise, the buddy seat interferes with the PTO lever. I don't know much about the SL loader though...

 

[GeneD14]

A buddy seat is available on the JD if is has an electrohydraulic engagement of the PTO. Otherwise, the buddy seat interferes with the PTO lever. I don't know much about the SL loader though...

tjkadar,
Thanks for the info on the seat. I haven't been able to find that out anywhere.

 

[tjkadar]

If you want, you can mount the buddy seat with the manual PTO engagement lever, but you need to bend the lever a bit.

 

[GeneD14]

Here is a bonus question concerning the loader hydraulic valve: my salesman says that the joystick can only perform one function at a time. For example: if you want to un-curl the bucket while raising the arms you must stop raising, then uncurl, then go back to raising.
If this is true it could be a "show-stopper" for me as far as Deere buying goes.

 

[tjkadar]

That is not the case with the 542 FEL on the JD. Not sure about the others.

 

[GeneD14]

Thanks for the info. I'll check out the 542 loader.

 

[bjcsc]

GeneD14: tjkadar is spot on about the 542. It is infinitely proportional and not only will it do both at one time, if you have the third mid (EH), it will do all three at one time. If you go to Deere's site, you can look up the manuals for the tractors and the loaders (by model number - click here). It will give you a good idea of what you can and can't do with the different models of each and you won't be at the mercy (or limit) of the salesperson's knowledge. Reading through them is time well spent...

 

[art]

Some valves do limit the ability for multi functions! Some don't, it is wise to double check as manufacturers might change the valve style in line with little notice.

The mechanical is a positive self leveling where the hydraulic is not although very accurate they both seem to work quite well. That is as good as they can as the best operator still needs to keep adjusting level for digging, the level bottom changes with the tractor position, the best said it might keep dirt from spilling onto the tractor hood when raised up. At the time that you have the load raised aren't you normally dumping the load? After you do this for a bit you learn, so is it worth the cost to have it? For many it is not, the mechanical although simple as it is with extra arms built into the linkage often restricts vision over the loader to the sides of the front of the tractor where the hydraulic doesn't hinder the vision.

 

[greggh]

That is not the case with the 542 FEL on the JD. Not sure about the others.

The same for the 522.

 

[Cidertom]

you can do two functioms with the 400CX. You have to do it carefully, but it can be done.