Loader question..LA534A vs. LA525

ccs

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M5-111HDC12 4WD w/FEL, RC4615, RCF3696: L4060 w/FEL, QH15, RCF2072, BB2572
Jul 5, 2017
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Pennsylvania
Riddle me this batman...

A smaller B2650 has an LA534A loader with a quoted lift capacity of 1146 lbs. Yet the larger, heavier L3301 and L3901 have the LA525 loader that is quoted with a lift capacity of 1131 lbs. Why is this so ? -- does it have to do with the gpm (flow) of the tractor ? and if thats the case why wouldn't Kubota have more flow on the larger of the 2 machines (the L) discussed here ?

Thanks.
 

Ortimber

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Sep 27, 2016
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I’ve wondered the same thing.
I know the weight of my L3901 is barely enough when using the 525 loader most of the time. That same weight on yet a lighter machine seems sketchy!
 

Tunaslayer

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L2501 TLB, Wheelhorse 417-8/414-8
It would be interesting to take both tractors, and do a real world comparison test. The 2650 might lift a little more, but can it control the load safely? All things being the same, I would take a larger frame machine to pick anything over 1000 lbs. I guess with enough counter weight and a good operator, it is technically more capable.


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armydoc78

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Nov 28, 2016
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Ortimber & Tunaslayer several months ago I added water to the rear tires to create ballast and it has made a major difference in lifting. The tires were partially filled when I bought my 3901, but I drained all that out and started over completely. One gallon of antifreeze was enough to keep the tires from freezing when we hit single digits just recently.


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Stmar

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B2650HSDC
May 23, 2017
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Buffalo, Wyoming
Any chance the difference would be because the B2650 does not have a DPF and can utilize the power more efficiently?
P.S. Still learning so don't be too critical, lol.
 

ccs

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M5-111HDC12 4WD w/FEL, RC4615, RCF3696: L4060 w/FEL, QH15, RCF2072, BB2572
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You don't have to worry about that...

It's psi that is produced at the pump and the lifting hydraulic cylinder size (outside diameter and the piston rod size) determines how much surface area the PSI can push/lift. Also the geometry of the cylinders, the arc as it pushes up...

...still the question remains...even if only slightly less -- WHY put a slightly less capable loader on a larger more powerful tractor ???

seems crazy.....
 

gmbc

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B2650HSDC ,bucket, Forks, Front Snow blower, MMM, Tiller, Land Rake
Mar 11, 2016
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18
Dundurn, Saskatchewan, Canada
Hi all, this is not for loader but forks. My forks only lift about 450 lbs snug up against the QA . Not sure how much bucket lifts but I do have a ballast box on as it is very unstable without. I have jut about filled my bucket with gravel and lifts it not bad but have to be careful driving and turn very slowly on even ground anything uneven is scary. I am also new at this and when purchased said lift over 1000 lbs I thought 1200 so lots now I need to get something to lift heavier loads . I was pretty disappointed on that when I went to unload my freight it barely lift a compressor off trailer. Other than that I love the tractor. Added lots of lights and also hooks on bucket:
 

Missouribound

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B2320, FEL, BOX BLADE, FINISH MOWER, QUICK HITCH
Jun 17, 2014
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It's probably more about physics and leverage than anything else. A bigger loader has longer arms and that affects the pivot point. The L series isn't as dense as the B series....it's spread out a bit. If one could figure out the pivot points vs the weight ration at that point for both tractors I suspect the result would show why it's spec'd as it is.
 

North Idaho Wolfman

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Jun 9, 2013
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The real difference is the loader design.

The LA534A is a much newer design, and while it does have more lift at pin, the lift capability falls off quickly as you move the weight out.

LA534A:
Lift at full height at pin: 1131lbs
Lift at full height at 500mm: 855lbs
LA525:
Lift at full height at pin: 1146lbs
Lift at full height at 500mm: 827lbs

They also do not give readily give specs on the LA534A at the lift height of 1.5M, which is a better indicator of the loaders normal working potential, how many have ever worked with the loader all the way up? :rolleyes:

Well after some digging, it looks that the LA525 has a much greater potenial at lower lift heights, where they give the LA534A the same specs as Full height! :eek:

LA534A:
Lift at 1.5m height at pin: 1131lbs
Lift at 1.5m height at 500mm: 855lbs
LA525:
Lift at 1.5m height at pin: 1490lbs
Lift at 1.5m height at 500mm: 1182lbs

One other note is that :
They do not publish the weight of the LA534A??? Why I don't know, but other loaders in this class are 1/2 the weight of the LA525 so I would suspect that they are not as tough or just not built as heavy. ;)
 
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sheepfarmer

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Nov 14, 2014
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I have the LA534 loader, no A, on the B2650. The weight including the main frame, rigid bucket 54", and front guard, is listed as 474 lbs.

Lift capacity at pin max height listed at 1146 lbs.
 
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ccs

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Equipment
M5-111HDC12 4WD w/FEL, RC4615, RCF3696: L4060 w/FEL, QH15, RCF2072, BB2572
Jul 5, 2017
128
1
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Pennsylvania
Riddle me this batman...

A smaller B2650 has an LA534A loader with a quoted lift capacity of 1146 lbs. Yet the larger, heavier L3301 and L3901 have the LA525 loader that is quoted with a lift capacity of 1131 lbs. Why is this so ? -- does it have to do with the gpm (flow) of the tractor ? and if thats the case why wouldn't Kubota have more flow on the larger of the 2 machines (the L) discussed here ?

Thanks.

So I think I am going to say heck with it and skip ordering the L3901 and just go right to the Grand L in an L4060 configuration -- similar HP and PTO power as the L3901...just lots more creature comforts and options..will allow me to get the BH92 backhoe with greater capacity and even a hydraulic thumb if so choose...and a more powerful loader
 

acruxksa

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LX2610, lx2963, bb2572
Jan 15, 2024
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Anchorage, Alaska
Although the l3301 and l3901 loaders have a smaller "max lift capacity" they do it at a greater height. I don't remember the specifics but it's something like 8"-10" higher. Meaning they lift slightly less 8"-10" higher and more than the la534 at the same height as the la534s max lift height.....if that makes any sense......