Loader How to increase loader lift capacity

[General Lee]

Yes I wouldn't mind increasing mine too, with the backhoe on the back for ballast I think I have plenty of counterweight.

While adequate ballast does improve FEL operation, with safety being the most, it doesn't make it ok to just raise the lift capacity of the loader. Keep in mind, the hydraulic hoses, hydraulic cylinders, loader arms, support brackets, welds, etc are designed with certain specs in mind. If you increase loader capabilities you run the risk of busting hoses, twisting steel, bending cylinders and the like. Just something to consider.

 

[Notforhire]

Do you know what the pressure is now?
My 3240 didn't seem to lift what it should. Turns out the relief was set 50 lbs below spec. from the factory.

 

[JJZ 109]

I shimmed my Deere 790 and was pleased with the results. Remember, shimming increases system pressure, so you get a boost on the 3PH as well,

That said, before you shim, make sure you know exactly how to do it!! Although Deere uses shims to increase the pressure relief valve pressure, that doesn't mean one puts shims on a Kubota (or any other brand).
This would be a good question for your local dealer's service technicians, just as a matter of conversation.

I did the same thing with a 2004 790 that I used to have. If I remember correctly, Deere made a kit for this, so I assumed it was OK for that model. I have no idea on a Kubota.
Per suggestions from that time on this forum, I did in fact make a nice pressure tester from a liquid filled gauge and the appropriate hose/connections. However, it was so long ago that I can't remember the before and after pressures.
After looking through some old posts, I do recall that when I checked the pressure in my B3030, it was actually higher than the pressure listed in the shop manual. So I dropped the idea with that tractor.

 

[texasjohn]

Agreed. MUST check pressure. If below spec, likely since mine was and many others have been, then have dealer add shims to bring it to spec. I did, cost of $30. Big difference in lift capacity. DON'T do it without a pressure gauge.

As stated before checking the pressure before hand is a must. Chances are it is real close to spec in which case I would not be afraid to boost system pressure by a few hundred lbs. If it is below spec then you may gain quite a bit. I think the usual for Kubota is about 40psi boost for every .1mm shim.

 

[LD1]

Assuming your loader has the quick couplers, all you need is a coupler (you can rob one from the FEL for temporary) and a 3000psi gauge.

As others said, you need to check the pressure BEFORE you do anything. And then AFTER you shimmed it, you need to check it AGAIN to make sure you didnt go too far.

I did my L3400 shortly after I got it. And I am happy with the results. It dont take much to make a noticable difference. While your loader geometry is different, I found on my L3400, that each PSI equated to about 1 lb increase. So a 200psi increase netted about 200 lbs more lift capacity:thumbsup:

But again, you need to check it FIRST and foremost. You may be a few hundred PSI low from the start. In which case, bringing to spec and maybe a tad more will be a HUGE difference. But I'd go no more than 10% over factory setting to keep it on the safe side. I think yours is supposed to be 2000psi factory?

 

[SDT]

Not recommended. The loader mechanism is designed for specified hydraulic pressure. Increasing the pressure will overstress components inviting failures.

SDT

 

[Notforhire]

I suggest you post this in the hydraulics section. Maybe JJ will chime in.

 

[LD1]

No need to re-post. It is a kubota specific question. And no dis-respect to JJ, but I doubt he can add to what has been mentioned. Its pretty simple and his questions have already been answered.

Short and sweet....find the PRV (which is different for different models), and add washers is how you increase capacity.

BUT, you really should check PSI first to see where you are at. Which has already been mentioned a dozen times.

Thats it. We are now seeming onto the debate of wether to do it or not. And thats all opinion. There are two camps. The ones that say dont do it (for safety reasons and design limitations, etc.) And then there are those who have done it and have had no issues with it as long as its within reason.

Only other option is to replace with larger cylinders. (which I think was mentioned once). But that will cost alot of $$$ to do.

 

[Danner]

Larger diameter cylinders would surely do the trick.

 

[dennisgw]

People have no sense of humor....... Larger diameter cylinders would start loading the frame in way it wasn't designed. Think before you do anything.