New (to me) Tractor and New Great Bend Loader????

Tom_Veatch · Oct 17, 2003

First, I confess to being completely new to this whole tractor scene. So don't worry about "talking down" to me. I don't think you can.

I'm buying a grey Yanmar YM2220D from a dealer in a neighboring state and he is installing a Great Bend Model 220 FEL prior to delivery. My question to the group is - Does anyone have any experience with that particular loader and/or have any recommendations/opinions. I expect to use it for some light digging/landscaping/earthmoving (will have to add a toothbar) and whatever else comes up.

Tell me what you think about that loader. I don't think it's too late to specify a different (bigger?) loader without incurring extra charges. But even if it is, I'd rather cry once than every time I use it.

TIA for your opinions.

RonR · Oct 17, 2003

Don't know about the tractor or loader, but general info:

You need some weight on the back if you are doing loader work! Some swear by a weight box, either fabbed or purchased. I just keep my tiller or box blade on, and it works for me. Granted, that stuff hangs out there in back, so you have to watch what you are doing!

I tried lifting my new box blade from the bed of my pickup with the FEL on my BX2200. I was standing beside the tractor (with nothing on the 3pt), and when the chains came tight, and one chain was longer than the other, the left rear wheel started up in the air!

I've used older GB loaders on 100HP tractors and they were study.

Good luck!

rbarker · Oct 19, 2003

( Tell me what you think about that loader. I don't think it's too late to specify a different (bigger?) loader without incurring extra charges. But even if it is, I'd rather cry once than every time I use it.)

I think that loaders are usually matched to the size of the tractor so it's not a question of just picking a bigger loader. I don't know anything about the particular loader you are getting but I suspect that if you wanted a bigger one you would need to buy a bigger tractor to go with it! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Tom_Veatch · Oct 19, 2003

Bob,

Thanks for your reply. I'm sure you are correct with the tractor to loader size matching point. I may be reading the spec sheets wrong, and it wouldn't surprise me if I were. My tractor is about 25HP (22PTO) and weighs in at a little over 2600lb without attachments.

Most loader specs that I've seen reference the tractor HP range rather than weight although it seems that tractor weight would be a bigger influence on loader operation than engine/pto HP.

Specs for the GB220 state that it is for tractors in the 12 to 25HP range, has a lift height of 6'5", and capacity of 810lb. This seems to be a fairly small loader and my tractor is right at the top of the HP range. In addition, and there doesn't appear to be much "growth" capacity as far as attachments/options available for this loader.

The GB240 loader is the next larger size in the Great Bend product line, is for 20 to 35HP tractors, offers about 300lb additional lift capacity, 2' more lift height and has a number of larger/heavier buckets available. Since my tractor is well inside that range, I am assuming (key word there!) it would be a match.

Similiar comparisons could be made for the Koyker 80/110/155 loader models and for the Bush Hog 1846QT/2246QT and M146/M246. It was the "assumption" mentioned in the prior paragraph plus recognizing that my interpretation of the spec sheets could be faulty that led to my original post.

I would never consider something like the GB870 (240HP, 4300lb, 15') for my tractor. The would be a definite "tail wagging the dog" situation and likely to be highly unsatisfactory. But, the more modest size increase implied above seems to be realistic. What do you think?

DavidJ · Oct 19, 2003

I don't know much about Great Bend loaders except that I've heard they're good loaders.

As for going up a size, I think you're thinking is good. I wouldn't be nearly as concerned with the additional capacity as with the 2 ft of additional height. 77" isn't much height when it comes to loaders.

Be careful though that you don't get yourself into a catch 22 situation. You should read Mosey's post about his experience with a heavy loader on his tractor. Here's the link Mosey's M-246 loader

rbarker · Oct 20, 2003

(
But, the more modest size increase implied above seems to be realistic. What do you think? )

With the numbers you provided I think it sounds reasonable to assume that your tractor could handle the load of the larger loader. Do keep in mind that the more load up front the bigger the counterbalance required in the back. Things such as tires, brakes, and axles are all designed with certain weight assumptions in mind. A bigger loader and counterweight can effect performance of the tractor in many ways. The rule is "low and slow"! The bigger the load the more important that is! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Good luck and enjoy! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif