Loader Bucket Breakout Force

[bdhsfz6]

I've found the FEL bucket breakout force to be somewhat lacking on every compact tractor I've used. My experience is mostly with Kubota but I've also noticed the issue on a few JD compacts. I can bury the bucket in a pile of loose soil and easily stall the curl cylinders until I back out a bit. In compacted soil, the problem is much worse. This issue has been discussed here many times in the past but I'm hoping to get some fresh opinions and ideas.

Before I buy new larger cylinders, I'd like to experiment with a pair I already have. They are 1/2 inch larger in diameter than the OEM's on my LA1055 FEL but the retracted length is 10" too long. They would fit if I used a pair of unused holes located farther up the FEL arms:



I'm not certain what these holes are used for except perhaps as a lifting point for installing / transporting the FEL frame.

I realize too much curl strength can damage the FEL frame or even the tractor front end. I'm not looking to pry a house off it's foundation. I'd be happy with just a modest 15 to 20% increase in breakout force.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[4570Man]

Your tractor isn’t a pay loader or a backhoe. A tooth bar would have the problem. And it’s possible to shorten a cylinder.

 

[gsganzer]

Have you checked what your hydraulic pressure is? On my L3800, it was on the low end of factory spec range (2280- 2410psi). I bumped it to an even 2500psi (I know, slightly higher than spec) and it's a whole lot better.

 

[teg]

Much easier to check your system's PSI pressure, and bump it up to the max (or gamble and do 10% more). Also, get a tooth bar to concentrate the breakout force onto a smaller area, the teeth.

 

[jeff9366]

Have you checked what your hydraulic pressure is? On my L3800, it was on the low end of factory spec range (2280- 2410psi). I bumped it to an even 2500psi (I know, slightly higher than spec) and it's a whole lot better.

This is the Prudent Man's solution.

Also the KISS Principle solution. (Keep it simple stupid)

 

[bdhsfz6]

Much easier to check your system's PSI pressure, and bump it up to the max (or gamble and do 10% more). Also, get a tooth bar to concentrate the breakout force onto a smaller area, the teeth.

I've increased the system pressure on a couple of my older Kubota's but I thought it was set at the factory on newer machines and not adjustable. How would I do this on a MX5800 and L6060 Kubota?

 

[pburchett]

I have noticed the same thing with my MX5200HST. Bucket and 3 point are a little weak but I think they rate it at the attachment point of the bucket and the end of the 3 point arms. So with a bucket of dirt way out front of the loader arms the power seems reduced. If I am not on level ground I will turn over using the bucket or pallet forks if I get them into a good pile of stuff. Maybe the weak setting will save my sorry hide and reduce abuse to my equipment.

 

[Creamer]

Plus your bucket is usually tipped slightly down when you are scooping and therefore it has to work against the pile because the arc of travel actually extends as it comes through the level point not to mention the wall of dirt or whatever you are trying to lift over and above what is in the bucket. If you back off half an inch even it should make a lot of difference in how your bucket works.

 

[mopardude318]

I'm also curious on how to check and change/increase the pressure on an M7060...

 

[LD1]

First, curl force and breakout are different.

Second.....yes all bets are off on possibly destroying something, or overloading front axle if you increase cylinder diameter.

The holes you picture I wouldn't use. They might just tear right out too, with no pin-boss for support.

The MX uses bar linkages for dumping. This is to increase the range of travel. And yes, curl is a bit weaker as a result.

My l3400 had cylinders directly coupled to bucket....alot stronger curl in relation.

Your cylinders that are 10" longer.....it's possible you could do away with the bar linkage and couple direct to bucket (ssqa adapter).

And also.....if the cylinders you already have and want to use are 1/2" bigger bore.....that's great.....but what's the rod diameters? Because you are retracting to curl