Comparison Smallest compact tractor for lifting full size round bales with FEL

[Grandad4]

The loader on the Kioti DK series (KL401) lifts about 300 hundred more pounds than the Kubota LA8xx series loaders, but the Kubota loaders have about 500 lbs more curl/breakout strength (measurements at the pins) ... overall their designs are very similar (cylinder size, hyd. pressure, hyd flow, basic geometry, etc.), so it's not rocket science to figure their capabilities are generally comparable.

I have lifted and carried a big round bale with my Kubota loader, but it wasn't fun and I wouldn't recommend either of these tractors (or similar models of other makes) for such chores on any kind of regular basis. The issue is not loader strength, it's tractor stability. We had a 2,000+ lb backhoe on the tractor, so the back end was firmly planted, but there were plenty of warnings that sideways stability was not something to be taken for granted. The "compact" footprint of these tractors leaves no margin for safety, so any uneven terrain, potholes, slightly low tire pressure, soft ground, unbalanced loading of a bale, careless operation, or whatever, can put the situation out of control. For routine, safe large bale handling, you want a bigger tractor.

 

[Piston]

The loader on the Kioti DK series (KL401) lifts about 300 hundred more pounds than the Kubota LA8xx series loaders, but the Kubota loaders have about 500 lbs more curl/breakout strength (measurements at the pins) ... overall their designs are very similar (cylinder size, hyd. pressure, hyd flow, basic geometry, etc.), so it's not rocket science to figure their capabilities are generally comparable.

I have lifted and carried a big round bale with my Kubota loader, but it wasn't fun and I wouldn't recommend either of these tractors (or similar models of other makes) for such chores on any kind of regular basis. The issue is not loader strength, it's tractor stability. We had a 2,000+ lb backhoe on the tractor, so the back end was firmly planted, but there were plenty of warnings that sideways stability was not something to be taken for granted. The "compact" footprint of these tractors leaves no margin for safety, so any uneven terrain, potholes, slightly low tire pressure, soft ground, unbalanced loading of a bale, careless operation, or whatever, can put the situation out of control. For routine, safe large bale handling, you want a bigger tractor.

Very...VERY well stated :thumbsup:

 

[murphy1244]

The loader on the Kioti DK series (KL401) lifts about 300 hundred more pounds than the Kubota LA8xx series loaders, but the Kubota loaders have about 500 lbs more curl/breakout strength (measurements at the pins) ... overall their designs are very similar (cylinder size, hyd. pressure, hyd flow, basic geometry, etc.), so it's not rocket science to figure their capabilities are generally comparable.

I have lifted and carried a big round bale with my Kubota loader, but it wasn't fun and I wouldn't recommend either of these tractors (or similar models of other makes) for such chores on any kind of regular basis. The issue is not loader strength, it's tractor stability. We had a 2,000+ lb backhoe on the tractor, so the back end was firmly planted, but there were plenty of warnings that sideways stability was not something to be taken for granted. The "compact" footprint of these tractors leaves no margin for safety, so any uneven terrain, potholes, slightly low tire pressure, soft ground, unbalanced loading of a bale, careless operation, or whatever, can put the situation out of control. For routine, safe large bale handling, you want a bigger tractor.

You need weight which the Kioti has that also. I have Loaded tires and either my Land Plane on back or my chipper shredder and I will lift over 2400 easily.

 

[GManBart]

a mx5100 HST 4x4 with LA844 loader is what you need..

The LA844 can't lift 2k at 24" to full height regardless of counterweight.

 

[B Hoofed]

I looked at Kioti DK 40's but ended up with a Kubota M6040, for the reason of stability with big round bales. I can move them with no ballast on the back, just loaded R4's. I like the hydraulic shuttle shift. Yes, a HST would be more efficient for loader work, but the bigger tractors normally have bigger buckets, so you can move more with each scoop compared to a CUT.

With telescoping draft link ends I can hook up the rotary cutter in literally two minutes. I don't see how it would even be possible to hook up without them!

 

[arlen4720]

I looked at Kioti DK 40's but ended up with a Kubota M6040, for the reason of stability with big round bales. I can move them with no ballast on the back, just loaded R4's. I like the hydraulic shuttle shift. Yes, a HST would be more efficient for loader work, but the bigger tractors normally have bigger buckets, so you can move more with each scoop compared to a CUT.

With telescoping draft link ends I can hook up the rotary cutter in literally two minutes. I don't see how it would even be possible to hook up without them!

Sounds like you can actually HANDLE round bales as opposed to just LIFT them. my jd4720 does a good job of lifting them, and carrying them around...a little. I handle maybe 100 bales a year with it is all, but I like something a little bigger for safely carrying them around on uneven ground and winter conditions. How bout a picture of your Kubota?

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Mahindra 5035HST or Mahindra 5010HST or 6010HST. The 5035 weighs a bit more than the 5010 or 6010. The 10 series lifts more weight though. The 5035 weighs about 1000lbs more than anything else in that class size. Sounds like you should have some stability and the tractor will lift over a ton at full height. Ballasted correctly and you will have a machine that weighs about 8000lbs.

Good luck in your search.

 

[Grandad4]

You need weight which the Kioti has that also. I have Loaded tires and either my Land Plane on back or my chipper shredder and I will lift over 2400 easily.

Lifting ability is important, but so is stability... after you lift it, ya gotta drive around with it. Don't know how much your rig weighs; I was somewhere close to 8,000 lbs., not counting the bale itself. But if there is 2,000 on the FEL, plus 1,400 for the FEL itself - 3,400 lbs - bouncing around somewhere out ahead of the front axle, which is on a pivot, it doesn't take much to throw things off balance in a bad way. Full size ute with wider and longer footprint seems way more secure platform for big bales.

 

[murphy1244]

I weigh in at 6500 and my FEL is connected to the middle of my tractor and I move with the bail as close to the ground as possible. He asked about a Compact not a Utility. I move 2000 lb skids all the time I have no problem what so ever with them.

 

[Grandad4]

Actually, the following question was asked: "Is it possible to do this without moving up to the larger M-series Kubota or the equivalent from the other makers?" He got a variety of opinions including yours and mine. Peace.

 

[TomSeller]

2000 lb is an awfully heavy round bale. See chart on page 2.

http://www.caes.uga.edu/commodities/fieldcrops/forages/Ga_Cat_Arc/2012/SF1209.pdf

I don't roll them on the tight side, seems hard on the equipment.

 

[joshuabardwell]

I'm late to the party, but has anybody suggested a scissor-spear on the rear yet? Combined with a hydraulic tilt adjustment (or hydraulic top link), it'll give similar flexibility to an FEL without having to go to a much bigger tractor.

 

[Wagtail]

The OP doesn't mention the terrain of his property, just that it's a small farm. TomSeller is right that 2K lb is very heavy, especially in my neck of the woods.

I can honestly say that my 4105 with 300CX FEL bale spikes (+ ballast box) has no problem lifting, stacking, loading or transporting any of the round bales I have for my horses.

Mind you, the worst terrain I have is a gentle 2% upslope, other than that I'm flat.

That being said, my tractor (or similar) would seem to fit the bill.

 

[newbury]

2000 lb is an awfully heavy round bale. See chart on page 2.

http://www.caes.uga.edu/commodities/fieldcrops/forages/Ga_Cat_Arc/2012/SF1209.pdf

I don't roll them on the tight side, seems hard on the equipment.

You have to wonder if that was proofread:

If you asked most folks what their round bales weighed, they壇 probably tell you 1000
lbs. Why? Because that痴 what the guy that sold them the baler said. Afterall, the salesman
would lie, would he?

 

[Harold_J]

If dealing with the round bales is your only problem, have you considered keeping the L3400 and buying an older used full size ag utility tractor in the 60-100 HP range with loader already installed. It wouldn't even have to be 4WD to handle the bales and you'd have the flexibility of two tractors and the L3400's hydro and 4wd when you need it for not much if any more money than trading/upgrading your 2008 tractor.

As far as the chicken/egg thing, wouldn't that only apply to the first bale on load which you say you are pushing off?

I've currently got a 2008 Kubota L3400 HST which works great for most work around the my small farm, but one thing I hate is that its not heavy/strong enough to safely pick up full size round hay bales with a front mounted bale spear. Right now I have to take off whatever implement I'm using and put rear bale forks on to move around round bales. I also have to push round bales off of the trailer before I can pick them up rather than just spearing them with the FEL and lifting them off the trailer. To me this is a PITA. I'm looking to upgrade, but I'm not married to staying with Kubota. I have good JD, Kubota, Kioti, and Mahindra dealers in the area I can work with. Branson is another option I guess but the dealer for Branson hasn't stocked them for very long. My requirements are:

- Must be 4WD
- Must be available in HST trans (I do a lot of bucket work and even a shuttle/PST is not good enough)
- At least 40HP
- Must have FEL with quick detach option for skid steer style bale spear/pallet forks as well as bucket
- Must be heavy enough to pick up a bale off of a trailer with the FEL using a bale spear without already having a bale on the back to counterweight (chicken and egg problem)
- Must be strong enough to carry a full size bale on the FEL AND on the rear forks at the same time.

Is it possible to do this without moving up to the larger M-series Kubota or the equivalent from the other makers? What tractor would give me the best bang for the buck given all the above requirements?

Thanks,
Robert

 

[bcp]

have you considered keeping the L3400 and buying an older used full size ag utility tractor in the 60-100 HP range with loader already installed. It

Maybe get an old lifting machine for your bale lifting?



Or a used conventional forklift suitable for your terrain.

Bruce