CUT Low Loader Lift Capacity

[fishdrivel]

There are lies, damn lies and specifications!

 

[Grandad4]

The laws of physics are the same for all brands of tractors, right? So if a hydraulic cylinder has a certain diameter and gets a given amount of pressure, it will provide a predictable amount of force, regardles of what color paint is on the outside.

Since most similar horsepower compacts have comparable cylinder sizes and hydraulic psi, they will all have about the same basic lifting force from their hydraulics.

Beyond that, what can a manufacturer do make its loaders seem superior to buyers?

1. Change the geometry a bit. There is a tradeoff between lft height and lift capacity. Indeed some of the "stronger" loaders get their good lift numbers at significantly lower max heights.
2. Start taking metal out of the loader bucket and arms. Every pound shaved becomes additional lift capacity. Of course you might end up with a more delicate piece of equipment, but few people seem to pay attention to things like that. So compare the weight of different loaders (and you may have fun finding those numbers from some manufacturers).

Also, if you plan on doing lots of loader work, see how the different units you are considering actually work and feel. In everyday work a really strong loader that is clumsy and crude to operate is less useful and productive than one with better controls.

The message: Regarding loaders, and for that matter most other things, don't look just at one number such as "lift capacity", pay attention to the overall design and the likely functionality of what you are buying.

 

[sd455dan]

The 'M' or 'MX' is simply too big for me. If the loader test fails I will give the LS MT342H dealer a call. His tractor has a load rating of 2,680#. The price would be less as well.

Regards,

Yooper Dave

Skimmed through the thread and noticed that the max Lift height of this LS is about 94 inches, 64 inches bucket dumped. Shorter arms- lower lift height.
If you plan on loading over the side of trucks or need to stack things, this becomes more important. Just something to check in the brand comparisons.
Looking at even the 25 horse Branson 2515 the bucket dumped is 83 inches.

 

[jeff9366]

2. Start taking metal out of the loader bucket and arms. Every pound shaved becomes additional lift capacity. Of course you might end up with a delicate piece of equipment, but few people seem to pay attention to things like that. So compare the weight of different loaders.

Kubota LA1055 = 1,411 pounds

LS LL4106 = 1,045 pounds

difference: 366 pounds

https://www.rcotractor.com/fckimages/PDFs/ls-tractor-manuals/LL4106OPManual.pdf

 

[bdhsfz6]

Keep in mind that most of the loader lift ratings are made at or a fixed distance forward of the pivot point. It is sometimes difficult to compare specs accurately.

I currently have an MX5800 with LA1065 loader. It came from the dealer with the hydraulic pressure set at 10% below spec. The dealer said it was for liability reasons. They had no problem setting it back to spec after I asked.

Even at spec pressure, the LA1065 with pallet forks will lift just slightly more than 1900#. The forks weigh 300# so the actual lift capacity is somewhere around 2200# at the pivot point.

Call me a pansy if you wish but I get a severe case of bu** pucker when operating the MX with the FEL carrying max weight at full height. There is no way I will attempt it on uneven ground.

The design of the Kubota front axle seals isn't that good and consistently carrying max weight with the FEL can cause them to leak.

I've owned many smaller Kubota's in the past and none will lift 2000#

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Or take a look at Branson. Great lift height and lift capacity...

 

[yooperdave]

Or take a look at Branson. Great lift height and lift capacity...

The Branson Dealer is very close to the Kubota Dealer. I loved the Branson Tractors - very VERY nice.
The Dealer was difficult. He bad mouthed LS every chance he could. He also raised the price of his offerings due to the Supply shortage. I question his integrity and my ability to buy a tractor from him.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

The Branson Dealer is very close to the Kubota Dealer. I loved the Branson Tractors - very VERY nice.
The Dealer was difficult. He bad mouthed LS every chance he could. He also raised the price of his offerings due to the Supply shortage. I question his integrity and my ability to buy a tractor from him.

That’s too bad... the mechanical engine is also a big plus, nobody says they wish they had an ECM

 

[oldballs]

Finding the lift capacity (2,000 lbs) is one thing. Finding it at $20,000 is another...for the largest tractor under an M Maybe a used one.

 

[yooperdave]

The budget is $30,000. The LS MT342H with rim guard delivered is $28,500.