Publishing Loader Capacity Numbers That Far Exceed The Capacity Of The Axles

[Cahaba Valley Farm]

This popped up in my YT feed today and I found it quite interesting. The obvious question: Why would a manufacturer build a front axel that is already at capacity before the bucket is even loaded?

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Maybe they need to stop putting FELs on lawnmowers

 

[jaxs]

Maybe they need to stop putting FELs on lawnmowers

That to but there's a demand for loaders on lawnmowers. Larger tractors are designed primarily to handle ground engaging implements then loaders are installed as an afterthought. Going back,manufactures built engines,transmissions,differentials,wheels, axles and a few other components that were interchangeable across a range of horse powers then painted the finished product according to component package.

 

[sd455dan]

Not one word about proper 3 point ballasting to reduce front axle "static" loading.

 

[Cahaba Valley Farm]

Not one word about proper 3 point ballasting to reduce front axle "static" loading.

This was found in the comments:

Brad Jenkins: "The more weight you put behind the rear axle, the more you take off the front axle."

Neil's Response: "Yes, but the amount required to correct it would put the rear axle way over capacity."

 

[Cataclysm]

Interesting and likely has a point. Thanks for posting that video.

I don't categorically agree with his numbers or methodology though.

 

[LD1]

Its just a whole lot easier when they didn't publish the axle capacities.
Clearly the axles can handle ALOT more than they are rated for. Probably just a MFG's CYA move to deny a warranty claim if they want to

 

[mikester]

Why would a manufacturer build a front axel that is already at capacity before the bucket is even loaded?

My question is why someone would buy a 1,500 lb lawnmower and expect to operate it like a 10,000 lb skidsteer?

 

[Cahaba Valley Farm]

Clearly the axles can handle ALOT more than they are rated for. Probably just a MFG's CYA move to deny a warranty claim if they want to

Or they purposely built them where they would be over capacity so the parts would wear out quicker requiring the owners to bring them in for repair sooner.

 

[CobyRupert]

Interesting that without ballast you can only put the weight of the tractor and bucket load on the front axle.
With rear ballast, and a strong loader, you can put a lot more weight (the tractor, bigger bucket load and additional rear ballast weight) on the front axle.