Can I increase my FEL lifting capacity by replacing lift cylinders?
- Thread starter TerryMcQ
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brain55
Veteran Member
The first thing that needs to be checked is the pump flow and relief valve pressure setting to make sure it's not low. Next it helps knowing which tractor and loader you're refering to for more specific help rather than generalizations. Loaders are structurally designed to lift a certain amount of weight, if you exceed the design parameters by too much you start creating new problems.
Brian
If this is your Kubota B2320 with an LA304 loader then your lift capacity is less than 700lbs at the pins, if you want to lift more than that you want a bigger tractor.
Brian
If this is your Kubota B2320 with an LA304 loader then your lift capacity is less than 700lbs at the pins, if you want to lift more than that you want a bigger tractor.
SSdoxie
Elite Member
Changing to larger lift cylinders will increase the lifting ability, not necessarily the capacity. Capacity ratings use 3 variables 1 - ability to raise load to full height, 2 - structural integrity of the loader frame, & 3 - stability of the tractor to hold the load without tipping over. Note: these ratings are calculate/tested with tractor setting still on flat surface.
Answer to your question; yes larger cylinder will increase the lift ability but will slow the lift speed down.
Answer to your question; yes larger cylinder will increase the lift ability but will slow the lift speed down.
4570Man
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Your tractor likely can't handle a larger load. There is a good reason the cylinders are that size.
Jim Timber
Veteran Member
This is one modification that gives me great pause. While more lifting capacity is always better, if it comes at the possible expense to the tractor's bell housing/transmission tunnel; it's just not worth the risk.
Better off if you want a lil more lift to adjust the relief valve in your loader valve, on mine it dont cost nothing to do this but I'm pretty happy with whatever mines set at never have checked it but dont want to start bending things I think you'd be safe to up the pressure a couple hundred PSI but I wouldnt go more then that to be safe
Industrial Toys
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I always got the impression that our JD and Kubota both have rather conservative relief settings on the loaders. Mess with that, and you could start breaking things. Sure, you can lift more, but now you are carrying that extra weight. That load bounces when travelling, or you hit a rut. Counterweight is great, but there is still a lot of weight rocking back and forth, while in motion.
Need more lift. Buy a bigger machine.
Actually, that machine in my picture will lift 8000 pounds, and we only got it because the previous owner would drive through a rutted yard well loaded and a wheel broke completely off! Spicer axles, not exactly junk.
Need more lift. Buy a bigger machine.
Actually, that machine in my picture will lift 8000 pounds, and we only got it because the previous owner would drive through a rutted yard well loaded and a wheel broke completely off! Spicer axles, not exactly junk.
SPYDERLK
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For a variety of reasons stated in the thread the cost vs benefit of cyls will be poor. The one I didnt see mentioned was that the loader would be slower too. ... The most I think you should do is raise your relief valve setting by a couple hundred PSI. The loader would act as normal but have a bit more lift.
LD1
Epic Contributor
All the capacity ratings (specs as we like to call them and compare them) have nothing to do with the structural integrity or stability.
The specs listed online and in the manual are simply its ability as you call it. Its pump pressure, cylinder size, and loader geometry. Nothing beyond that.
Because the spec, assumes 1. The loader is designed to handle the full operating pressure of the pump for the given cylinder, without a compromise in structural integrity. And 2. You are properly ballasted for safety.
As to the OP, step one is to check your pressure and make sure its within spec. Low pressure setting will cause a weak loader. Some of us have cheated the pressure up ~5-10% beyond spec and have gotten away with it. But I wouldnt consider changing cylinders. The odds of finding one that will fit without lots of modification are slim, you will increase the capacity by too much, and overall just aint worth messing with IMO. If you need to lift more, you need more tractor.