Resolving self leveling dislike

[Boss 302]

Started fabricating the parts to mount the new cylinders, the cylinders are 2 1/2" bore X 20" stroke with a 1 1/2" ram, this should allow me to stay within the 80% stroke rule for the cylinders. I have been checking measurements and dry fitting everything to make sure I am able to achieve what "I" am looking for in a usable loader. One of the pictures is of the template for the cylinder mounting brackets.

 

[airbiscuit]

You do nice work, and I don't doubt your plan. Help me understand how putting shorter cylinders on increases roll back?

 

[Boss 302]

Holycow, I'm glad you like your loader on the DK90, maybe it suits your needs but probably would not be satisfactory for my needs. As a matter of fact, the salesman that I purchased my RX from had a DK90 that he used for hay and he was also dissatisfied with the self-leveler, not enough rollback for the spear especially when going downhill and other chores that I have mentioned. I use my loader for mostly farming chores and moving dirt and gravel and it absolutely sucks doing these things. It really stands out on the rare occasion that I use the forks, I'm the operator and know fully well when and how to operate the curl function to maintain control of whatever happens to be in the bucket.

 

[airbiscuit]

I see now. It will no longer be a self leveling bucket. Shortening that rear link wouldn't have worked?

 

[Boss 302]

Exactly, my quick attach plate with the self-leveler, fully retracted at floor level sets at 90 degrees to the floor, I am looking to accomplish somewhere in the 70 degree range, that should allow plenty of rollback for the bucket.

 

[Boss 302]

Airbiscuit, forgot to mention that while the cylinder length is actually shorter the actual ram extension is longer by about 6 inches. Most or at least half of the dump/curl function on a self-leveling loader is done by the mechanical movement of the triangular brackets pushed by the raising or lowering of the loader arms.

 

[airbiscuit]

Well, you certainly do nice work. Keep the pics coming.

 

[npalen]

The 1.5" diameter rods you mention on the new cylinders caught my attention wondering if that is going to reduce the curl force significantly. The 1.5" rod inside 2.5" bore leaves only 3.14" (just a coincidence?) of area.

1.0" diameter rods would leave 30% more area but would also bend much easier. I suppose 1.25" diameter rods are a happy medium with 2.5" bore? (Just thinking out loud here)

I'm betting that you've considered the area of the 1.5" rods and feel comfortable with it?

 

[airbiscuit]

I don't have an opinion on the rod size. All I know is that the curl function on every loader I've ever had has always been way more powerful than the lift function. I always attributed that to leverage and geometry.

 

[Boss 302]

I did ponder the 1.5 dia rod vs the stock 1 3/8" rods and after discussing with the cylinder tech support group we felt this would be a good choice.