Self-leveling loaders?

[bunchgrass]

Anyone have the self-leveling loader option and is it worth having?

 

[9973720wb19]

I had a JD3720 without self-leveling and thought it was pretty easy to use. then I purchased a JD4720 that had self-leveling and been smiling ever since. I really really like the SL FEL. it allows you to focus 100% on where you're dumping your load rather then (at the same time) making sure nothing falls out - also, i think it allows you to move/work a bit faster...if you can afford it and it's available I'd get it. it makes more of a difference than you think. Good luck

 

[oldnslo]

Anyone have the self-leveling loader option and is it worth having?

Are you asking about hydraulic or mechanical self leveling?

Hydraulic versions:
Most of these only work on raise function and are some what sensitive to engine RPM, loads, etc.. They MUST be matched to your loader and the loader MUST be designed to accept them.

A couple of companies have made bi-directional versions but these burn horse power when lowering so they are not real common. Reason for this is you must control drop speed and generate pressure to curl the bucket back when lowering.

Mechanical: Factory item, would be a lot of work to install after market.

Yes self leveling is a great feature if you are going to be using your loader over a range of heights.

 

[MarkV]

I have two tractors with self leveling loader, or so they are advertised. One is mechanical and one is hydraulic. The hydraulic one can be turned off, which I find to be a good feature on some tasks, the mechanical one is full time. The hydraulic one is much more accurate.

My opinion is that if you plan to use forks often then it is a great option. I also feel that with an experienced operator it is not a necessity but convenient. If I were buying my last tractor, I would invest in it. If it were a mechanical system I would be less likely to invest.

MarkV

 

[AKfish]

Like anything else.. it really depends upon what/how you plan to use the loader most often. I use my forks quite a bit loading and unloading building materials on pallets and such on/off trailers and around building locations.

Additionally, I have plans to use a 8-bale or 10-bale grapple loading hay trailers and storing hay in the barn.

Want to reduce the need for added manpower during hay season and when feeding during the winter months.

So, the added expense for the 563SL was a worthwhile investment - IMO.

AKfish

 

[Scooby074]

Self level is good, but boom suspension is way better. Not that its available on what most of us run here, but its SOOOOO nice

 

[TripleR]

We had the mechanical one on our Case CX80 and hated it. We finally just took it off.

As mentioned, it depends on what you are doing, we don't need one, but for some it's worth it.

 

[piller]

I've got the hydraulic self leveling loader on my M8540 and like it a lot, it can be switched on/off but I usually leave it on.

 

[chevyman29]

well i had the 400cx witch is a mechanical self leveling loader . for me in my use i have broke 3 sets of leveling arms and 1 set of rocker arms . if you plan to do alot of pushing and shoving on trees . just by pass the self leveler

 

[JB4310]

When I got my 4310 with 300cx loader, the first thing I noticed was it did not self level, I was shocked. every other machine I ever operated with a loader self leveled.

I have since gotten pretty good at manually leveling throughout the lift motion.

JB

 

[bunchgrass]

Yeh, I guess it depends on both what you plan to use it for as well as what you're used to. Right now I'm limping along with bucket hydraulics that won't hold unless you're in constant roll back mode:laughing: - even then it's questionable sometimes. Too cheap to fix it (sort of the $100 saddle on the $50 horse:confused2 and yes, it's quite the challenge.

Thanks for your responses.

 

[charleyfarmall]

Like anything else.. it really depends upon what/how you plan to use the loader most often. I use my forks quite a bit loading and unloading building materials on pallets and such on/off trailers and around building locations.

Additionally, I have plans to use a 8-bale or 10-bale grapple loading hay trailers and storing hay in the barn.

Want to reduce the need for added manpower during hay season and when feeding during the winter months.

So, the added expense for the 563SL was a worthwhile investment - IMO.

AKfish

That's how I use my self leveling loader and it makes life so much easier. I have both SL and NSL loaders and if the option is there I will always get it because my loaders get used more for handling things than they do for moving dirt etc. Except for turning a manure pile periodically.

 

[jenkinsph]

I prefer the self leveling loader, I have enough to watch already without concerning myself with keeping the bucket or forks level by manual means.

 

[Zebrafive]

Advertised capacity is greater for my SL loader, not sure why, but l consider that a plus