L853 Loader versus 1020 woods

start2finish2 · May 8, 2005

I just took delivery of a L4630 GST cab , and we researched FELs for this machine, our interest was loading a tandem truck, not loading complete loads of dirt, but loading trash and roots, grass, rocks ,etc from landscaping and seeding lots. The biggest factor in our decision was lift height and reach at full height. The 1020 woods beat all the competition in aftermarket FELs and as well beat the Kubota matched loader. I will post a evaluation of performance in a few weeks of on the job use. 1020 stats lift height at pins (120 inches) kubota 853 (113.6 inches)

GeneD14 · May 8, 2005

On paper the Woods is superior. I own several pieces of Woods equipment and I consider myself a Woods fan. My last tractor had a Woods 1012 loader. Twice the joystick linkage broke in the middle of a big project and I had to wait a week for parts. They were "pot metal" they have since gone to steel linkage. I always stored it inside but within a year the paint started flaking off in pieces about the size of a penny. It's hydraulic controls were very jerky under load.
To be honest I just had a bad experience with their loaders.
My new tractor has the LA 853 and I love it.
The Woods 1020 may be a big improvement over the 1012 I had, I hope so because I believe that Woods equipment for the most part is top-notch.

start2finish2 · May 9, 2005

well we used the 1020 today, it has a remote valve (cab) of course, but the controls are stiff, we are hoping that they will lossen up after a few days of use, the jury is still out.

_RaT_ · May 9, 2005

The lift height is the one thing that would make me consider a different loader if it was necessary to have greater height because of trailer/dump height. You run out of height quickly when you dump the bucket forcing you to frequently dump only inside the container and then curl the bucket back. Thats fine until it fills up. Other then loader height, I would rather stick with the manufactuers design.

Dargo · May 9, 2005

Hopefully you will like the Woods. I have a new L5030HSTC with the 853 Kubota loader. So far, the 853 has blown out the packing in the lift cylinders 3 times, constantly leaks down, and is now in to have the cylinder's replaced. I couldn't imagine a loader with more problems! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif The latest is that Kubota is trying to feed me a line of bull**** that it is normal for the loader to drop 3 feel in 1/2 hour (nothing in the bucket).

From the pathetic service I've received from Kubota and the crappy service I've received from their loader as well as the Kubota T&T (it too leaks off something awful - a complete waste of $1500!), I'd stay away from anything Kubota on hydraulics. They suck and Kubota will do anything in their power to not fix the problem. I have about as much time with my tractor hauling it back and forth from the dealer as I do using it. My dealer doesn't pick up or deliver for the numerous Kubota factory defects. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

In case you are wondering, yeah, I really like the service I am getting from Kubota. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

_RaT_ · May 9, 2005

My TnT while not Kubota, has been superb. It's why I question the need for a check valve. From the Dinoil valve to the Gannon cylinders, it's been excellent. My LA 723 has also been flawless and quite frankly, I don't know how much it leaks down because quite frankly, I never leave it up, especially not with a 3 year old around. In what situation would one need to leave it raised for an extended period of time?

Dargo · May 9, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( would one need to leave it raised for an extended period of time? )</font>

Uh, that would be when mowing. It's always wonderful to get planted into the windshield (bucket sticks into the ground) of the cab because you didn't remember to raise the front bucket in the last few minutes when mowing.. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

_RaT_ · May 9, 2005

That explains it, I never keep mine on for mowing, with the 28 seconds it takes to remove it, its just far to great an inconvenience to leave on. I also mow in 2WD and with the loader on and a RFM, it unloads the rear wheels far to much when backing up, especially up hills. The number one reason I sold my L48 was because I could not remove the loader.

MessickFarmEqu · May 10, 2005

You might want to remeasure the loader just to see what kind of height differnce there is. I don't know how Woods publishes those specs as they apply to about 50 different tractors, all of which are different heights to begin with.

slowzuki · May 10, 2005

Dargo, our L5030HSTC was used with 500 hours from a landscaping company on it before we bought it and the loader boom doesn't move even if left all day. The bucket drops about 4" an hour. I don't know if it is the valve or cylinder packings, our last tractor did this too so I'm not too worried.

What you are describing isn't acceptable at all though.

I hope kubota comes through for you. Have you determined for sure it isn't the valve? Many times the spool will bleed to both sides of the piston which makes the cylinder act only on the area of the rod, meaning the pressures while mowing shoot up really high.

If it is the packings, Mark Chaulkney here had some bigger cylinders made to replace his years ago on a L4310 to get more lift power. I'm sure a cylinder place could whip some up for a couple of bills each.