Tractor Sizing What size tractor and loader?

greg_g · Aug 4, 2006

Bob_Skurka said:
greg_g . . . can you point us to the loader specs for the Rural King loader for the 20 series tractor? I can't find the specs. The specs do show that it has ~1500# of capacity at the 3pt hitch measured at 24" behind the ball eyes and typically a 3pt hitch has more capacity than a FEL so I see a "red" flag already.

Sorry, can't. They don't sell "package deals" like Northern, and the weblinks to their loader specs (http://www.ruralking.com/netflyer_web/implement.html)don't work. Different stores may installer loaders of different manufacturer as well. Given all that, I think you'd have to get any further info direct from Rural King.

That's the typical Asian method of specifying lift capacity. After factoring in the toplink, they figure the average center of mass of anything lifted by the TPH will be located about 2' back of the lift pins. But in re-reading your statement, I guess the "red flag" was being waved at the FEL, rather than the TPH.

And yes, I agree that 40hp Nortrac/loader combo is the wrong tool for the job as described.

//greg//

furnacebrook · Aug 4, 2006

Well..............seems like I started a good thread. First off, I want to thank all of you for your input now and hopefully anymore as I work through this problem.

I purchased the video from Northern about their tractors and they claim they use Great bend loaders. So, off I went to their web site an sure enough they have a loader for a 40 hp tractor that lifts 2470lbs just like Northern states in thier catalogs for the 404b tractor. They also have the specs for each lift point at the pin and 30" or so forward. I plan on calling Norhtern today and get a tec guys opinion.

I had every intention of doing the QA thing with the forks and taking the bucket off. I've been through this before with my other tractor and understand very well how much is lost the farther out the load goes. The pallets of stove pellets are 2000lbs here but last year I purchase from another company and thiers was 60 bags at 2400lbs.........that was fun. So, as many of you mentioned I may need to go bigger. Any directions given in that regard would be helpfull.

I have no problem with another avenue to solve this be it a different tractor or a better loader I just would rather not spend big money on a machine that will only be used once a week or so. I've checked the other big three (kubota M series will do it $29,000 used ...........nope I dont' think so) Green even more money. I like the idea of the chinese tractors from the cost perspective of cource, and I don't mind wrenching on my machines as long as they are reliable.

Thanks again for all the help guys,

Scott Hawley

Bob_Skurka · Aug 4, 2006

What model loader? I can't find one that specs out at those ratings from Great Bend.

What I did find is that the tractor has hydraulic capacity of 10gpm/2200psi but the loaders that appear closest to what you are asking about require 10gpm/2500psi to attain full capacity based on the Great Bend brochure (GBcompactloaders_070506.pdf) from the Great Bend website. Now factor in that the total capacity of the tractor is 10gpm, and that is divided up between steering and attachments. Also factor in that the Nortrac 40hp tractor produces 300psi too little pressure. The net result is you are not going to get the full power out of the loader.

Soundguy · Aug 7, 2006

IMHO.. I'd get one that was rated slightly above 2000 on the forks.. if I used it to do that alot. Running a piece of equipment up at it's maxc all the time is sure to wear it out prematurely.

On the other hand, if it is only an occasional lift.. then right at 2000# may be ok.. etc.

soundguy

furnacebrook · Aug 21, 2006

Just wanted to thank all of you that helped me with this question.
I decided to take the other road and find a larger tractor with a big capacity loader that some of you had suggested. Wound up with a 69 case ck tractor and it's lifting all my stove pellets and then some.

Thanks again,

Scott Hawley