L3400 loaders capacity question

[captin_insano]

Compared to the grand L's, why is it lower? I know the loader numbers are different, I'm not looking for that as an answer nor the pressure setting on the valve. What I want to know is why is it limited to what it is? What is the limiting factor on the tractor that keeps the loader capacity lower? I see the l3400 is shorter than the grand l's. Could it be that the front axle is further rearward and thus the loader has more leverage on it, reaching the axles capacity with the smaller load? Or is it a stability issue? Or maybe the weaker tie rod type steering cant handle the heavier loads? Any ideas? As heavy as the front axle seems you'd think you should be able to lift more weight with it. I know the loader itself is capable of more with a little pressure adjustment so what reason should a fella have not to do it?

 

[dex3361]

I looked at the L3400 loader and compared it to the GL series and I noticed the GL series had the compound linkage on the FEL and I think that gives a better breakout force as well as a better rollback angle. I also wonder if they don't want it to be too close to the GL capabilities of the same size.

 

[RadarTech]

ya know I also wonder---
isn't the GL a little beefier on the front axle?


J

 

[captin_insano]

ya know I also wonder---
isn't the GL a little beefier on the front axle?


J

Dont know but thats the kind of stuff I would like to find out. The GL has a stronger steering system, beyond that I dont know the actual difference of the front axles.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

if you actually look at these in person, rather than just checking spec sheets, you'll quickly see that the L40 is a much larger tractor and therefore can support a much larger loader.

 

[LD1]

This thread actually prompted me to pull up my spread sheet on kubotas and figure some #'s. Off all the tractors currently in kubotas line up, up to the GL's, the L2800/3400 actually have the lowest lift/weight ratio.

A l3400 can lift 1142 @ the pins and weighs in at 2580lbs. Thus said the 3400 can lift about 45% of it's weight.

The L3240-L3940's with the 724 loader are @ 57%-54%. 54% being on the 3940 due to it being just a little heavier than the 3240 & 3540.

The L4240-5740 are @ 70%-63%. Again the 5740 is at the 63 due to it being heavier yet wearing the same loader as the 4240

Even the b-series are between 53% and 60% with the exceptions of the 1860 and the BX25.

I know this doesn't answer the question, but it kinda comfirms that the 3400 loader is a little weak when compaired to average kubota trend of about 55% based on the weight of the tractor itself. @ 55% the kubota should be more able to lift about 1420 at the pins. Maybe its a little underrated, or itentionally weak not to overshadow the GL's, or maybe a little of both??

I think now I am going to have to check out some other MFG's.

 

[captin_insano]

I just had a bobcat ct235 loaner that would outlift the L3400 by a good bit. The bobcats loader is much smaller and lighter, even the cylinders look smaller but according to its specs it will lift about 400lbs more than the kubota. Operating it you can tell the difference. So I'm wondering what the limiting factor is on the L3400 because I know the loader can do more but somewhere along the way there must be some reason its limited as it is.

 

[TheGoose]

I think my loader is plenty strong. I heard that sometimes the loaders are not set up to their rated capacity and you should check with a pressure gauge what the relief pressure is set to. It is supposed to be real easy to turn it up, but I have not tried.

I think the loader could easily do a lot more but I think that 'Bota wants to differentiate this tractor from their GL series.

 

[slan]

if you actually look at these in person, rather than just checking spec sheets, you'll quickly see that the L40 is a much larger tractor and therefore can support a much larger loader.

Yup, when you see them side by side there is a big difference in tractor size , weight, and just have a look at the front end. I would be a little hesitant with a 724 loader on the front end of an L if I were going to keep it for a long time. Especially if you were doing any amount of loader work or on rough terrain.

Thats why I bought the grand over the L.:thumbsup:

 

[veresjwv]

I think my loader is plenty strong. I heard that sometimes the loaders are not set up to their rated capacity and you should check with a pressure gauge what the relief pressure is set to. It is supposed to be real easy to turn it up, but I have not tried.

I think the loader could easily do a lot more but I think that 'Bota wants to differentiate this tractor from their GL series.

I am with TheGoose my loader treats me fine, I have not tweaked it at all my loader is factory set and plenty of times I have tilted the tractor lifting a rear tire off the ground trying to pick something too heavy up. My tires are filled and I have a 60" box blade on the back Can't imagine trying to lift more with it, considering the price difference between the L and grand L I would think you would get more with a bigger tractor:confused2::confused2:

 

[captin_insano]

Its not weak but at the pins its not even rated to pick up 100lbs more than the B7800. The L's front axle is huge compared to the B7800 and the tractors almost 1000 lbs heavier. Considering that and the fact that the loader is much beefier I'm just curious why its not higher. There has to be a reason.

 

[LD1]

Its not weak but at the pins its not even rated to pick up 100lbs more than the B7800. The L's front axle is huge compared to the B7800 and the tractors almost 1000 lbs heavier. Considering that and the fact that the loader is much beefier I'm just curious why its not higher. There has to be a reason.

Good Point. But I also agree with the other posters about the loader being able to lift the rears clean off the ground even with loaded tires and a RFM or Blade on the rear. So even If I had a loader that could lift 1500 lbs, It would do me no good, unless I had a backhoe on the back.

Which makes me wonder if the B7800 and the B3200 (wich are rated only 100 lbs less and weigh about 800-900lbs less) can actuall even lift their rated load and still keep the rears down???

I do think the L3400 loader is underrated. I have had no problem lifting and moving a 1000 lb peice or pipe (25' long 5/16" thick 12" diameter) on the forks. This puts the Cl of the load A 6" beyond the edge of the bucket. And it is only rated to lift 853 lbs @ the edge. I have also had no problems with the 30' long peice of w12 x 35 I-beam, which weighed 1050lbs, on these same forks. As well as numerous logs for firewood. If I had a 7800 of a 3200, I think the only thing I would lift would be the rear end.

The loader definatally seems weak when comparing specs to other tractors, but they could put a 2500lb capacity loader on it and it wouldn't do me any good. The rear gets light before the loader stalls, so if anything, the loader has more power tha it needs.

 

[veresjwv]

I am with TheGoose my loader treats me fine, I have not tweaked it at all my loader is factory set and plenty of times I have tilted the tractor lifting a rear tire off the ground trying to pick something too heavy up. My tires are filled and I have a 60" box blade on the back Can't imagine trying to lift more with it, considering the price difference between the L and grand L I would think you would get more with a bigger tractor:confused2::confused2:

I did not weigh these logs but according to weight estimators on the internet they are around 1500 pounds. The tongs are the largest that northern tool sells 35" You can plainly see in the picture they are open as wide as the can go, being conservative calaculating the weight of red oak 30 " in diameter 5 feet long - 1500lbs.