C-50 loader vs. BL20(A?)

[Strongman]

Ok, I know this has been discussed before, but I think the "A" might have changed things in the BL20A. I have been leaning towards the Century so I can get the C-50 loader because of the greater lifting and breakout force (Breakout force is what you use when trying to move a rock out of the ground - right?). I thought I read in this fourm that the BL20 is the same model as the C-40 loader, made by Ansung or is it just that they are made by the same company?

When I compare the specs from the Branson website with the one on Century's, the BL20 has a rating of only 6 lbs less lift capacity at full height than the C-50 (2,094 vs. 2,100) and the breakout force 19.5" ahead of the pivot is 855 lbs GREATER on the BL20 vs. C-50 (2,755 vs 1900) and still 455 lbs more than even the C-50HL (2300). The rest of the lifting and breakout specs are not shown on the Branson website, neither is the weight of the loader.

I know everyone has said how wonderful the C-50 loader is but from these specs, it looks like the BL20 can do even more. Could this be because of the BL20A? (The website does not mention anything about the "A").

There is a Branson dealer much closer than a Century dealer, but our property is loaded with large rock and clay, so I'm thinking Breakout force would be important for me, thus that is why I was leaning towards the more heavy duty loader, but now I'm confused.

One last question for the group, did your dealer include the 50 hour service as part of your deal, or was that extra?

This group has been wonderful. It took me several days to read all the threads but it was well worth it. A lot of knowledge in those posts!

 

[DavesTractor]

The BL20A has a really heavy frame, similar to the C-50, and it sits about 6" closer to the front end than the BL20. It is a pedestal mount, which makes for less clutter around the engine when doing service. The closer geometry provides a leverage advantage. It will actually lift about 2600lbs, but is limited by the pressure relief to a safer limit of about 2100lbs. By the way, never mess with the pressure relief to gain more lift. 2100 lbs is plenty for a tractor that size and if you need more, you should get an even heavier machine.

 

[BarryinMN]

I see you are talking rocks - I spent last summer digging & moving rocks. The process I found was best:
1. Dig out with a BH BH has much stronger ripping force than loader.
2. Smaller rocks pick up with loader rock bucket & grapple.
3. Larger rocks pick up on 3pt bale fork.
4. Biggest rocks that cannot be lifted - roll/push with dozer. Pushing with loader may twist loader arms. Pushing with 3pt may shear anchor points on castings.
5. Any rocks on slope - use dozer for reduced tipping tendency. I physically removed a hilltop to take out a rock in a field.

Where the rocks weighed more than the lifting capacity of the loader but below the breakout force, not worthy of the 3pt simply get under it with the loader & drag it backwards.

Final point be aware that a light duty bucket will get bent up quickly if you use it as a pry bar.

 

[dancce]

Hey Barry,
You bring up some good points regarding the capabilities of an ag tractor vs. an industrial machine. Ag tractors and loaders have their limitations, and are generally not designed for industrial use. They can do similar jobs, but only if used with some common sense, and with the knowledge of their limitations.
I have a Zetor Forterra (96 engine hp) with loader,both are built, bullet-proof tough, but I really push it to the limits, (and beyond), many times using it for things that really should require an industrial machine (or dozer). Being a dealer, I can do this sort of thing without it costing me too much, while allowing me to get familiar with the limitations of the equipment I sell---besides that , it's a lot of fun----a perk I enjoy by being a dealer. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

dancce

 

[Strongman]

Thanks Dave,

How much did the price increase from the BL20 to the BL20A?

 

[rameye]

Dave,

how does the BL20 compare to my HL50??

jeez I always thought my HL50 was the cat's rear.. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[DavesTractor]

The "A" loaders are on the Cummin's engine machines. Price increase was modest, maybe a couple hundred bucks, more because of steel prices than the model change. It is a compliment to the C50 loader that the "A" series uses a similar really beefy mount system. Both are great loaders.

 

[BarryinMN]

Strongman,

Didn't mean to hijack your thread. I read your rock & clay work & recalled my first attempt digging rocks out of a field. The loader just bounced off the clay & rock.

 

[CMunger]

The Century C50HL now comes standard with "skid steer " quick-tach for the attachments. Makes it common with other makes of attachments
Chuck M.

 

[rameye]

I have on 04 zetor/century...the FEL bucket is quick release....is this one compatible with the skid steer attchments??

that would make life very easy!

 

[dancce]

Rameye,

Your quick release is probably not the skid steer type---but this should not present problems, if you are wanting to add attachments to your arsenal.
It is not rocket science to make ANY attachment work with your particular quick attach system. Blanks are available to anyone for your system---from Zetor/Century or a miriad of after market attachment manufacturers for about $125.

dancce

 

[CMunger]

I don't think so, the new C50HL's that were received a couple of months ago are the only ones that have it.
Chuck M.

 

[rameye]

Thats what I figured....bit I was still hoping I could pick-up some skid-steer ebay attachments and just plug them on to my FEL arms.

My tractor is 3 hours away from my shop... makes it a pain to make/weld up a conversion etc.

Oh well.. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[CajunRider]

I visited the Zetor(Century) distribution center at LaPorte TX yesterday. They had about 50 assembled tractors on the yard and parts piled up for many more. Even though they don't sell to individuals, the guys there showed me around a little. One of them told me that, while the new C-50 loader are similar in specs to the BL20, there are a couple major differences. 1)They are built by different manufacturers 2)The attachment frame for the C50 is superior to the one for the BL20.

I don't know whether what he said was true or he was blowing smoke. I am just reporting the information I picked up while shopping for my very first tractor.

 

[dancce]

The people at LaPorte were not blowing smoke----the C50 loaders are made in Czech Republic while the BL20 is Korean made. The other difference is that the C50 has the joystick mounted on the tractor fender instead of on the loader frame.
The attached picture was taken at the factory in Czech where the C50 is made, as well as the Zetor loaders, (and interestingly, loaders for Fendt tractors).

dancce