Self leveling loader. Yes or no?

[sdarnold09]

So I've picked out a new tractor. New Holland Workmaster 75. I have the option of getting it with the self leveling loader (no charge) or non self leveling. My previous tractor, kubota 3901, didn't have a self leveling loader. The dealer says some people like it and some don't. One thing I like about it is it increases the lift capacity. Since I've never used one, I'm looking for opinions on self leveling loaders. Thanks for the help!

-Sean

 

[3Ts]

Probably depends on your application. If you're handling pallets, I'd think it would be very handy. If handling a material bucket with dirt/gravel, then not so much. I've never had a self-leveling one, but if it increases the load capacity - why not. I don't see any down side to it other than a few more joints to grease.

 

[CoyPatton]

What type of work to you use the loader for?
For example, if you do a lot of pile (dirt, rick, manure, and the like) then a self leveling bucket may not be what you want. But if you do more fork lift work, where having the load in the same plane throughout the lift is desirable, ‘self-leveling’ may be for you.
One common misconception related the name is that the bucket/forks self level, when it fact the maintain the ‘pitch’ relative from the lift point or lowering point without you making constant curl adjustments throughout the movement.

With previous loader experience, understanding what it means and what loader work you do, should provide your answer.

 

[sdarnold09]

My main work will be moving brush with a grapple and some dirt work on my home mx track. Sounds like the self level might slow me down a little.

 

[Bigpuddie]

I have a self leveling loader on my Massey Ferguson and absolutely love it. However, on the Case loaders, their design limits your visibility a good bit. On the Massey, not much different. I retail mulch and use loader all the time. It's a real time saver and limits any spillover. Would definitely do again. For your application, you wont see much benefit

 

[CoyPatton]

My main work will be moving brush with a grapple and some dirt work on my home mx track. Sounds like the self level might slow me down a little.

If possible, have your dealer let you operate a ‘self leveling’ loader. Even on his lot, watching how the bucket functions would let you get a feel for what it does. Yes moving material would be better.

 

[sdarnold09]

Thanks for the replies, ill see if they have one i can try on the lot.

 

[mred2]

For moving my hay, I would love it. I can't see it doing anything negative. Most I have looked at were at a higher cost.

 

[sdarnold09]

They said you can still move it however you need to, so ill probably get it. I like the extra 700lbs of lift capacity. Plus its free, so why not

 

[ericm979]

Is this a mechanical self-leveling or hydraulic? Some hydraulic self leveling systems can be switched off.

Also check if the lift height is as good as the non self leveling loader. If that matters to you.

Some tractor's joystick and valve allow easy curling as you raise or lower the loader, and some don't. If this one does then it's easier for you to manually level. It's something you can check during a test drive.