L4060/LA805 Loader Capacity Question

[bartlettj]

I recently purchased a 2016 L4060HSTCC with 127 hours. It looks pretty much like new. I've changed all of the filters and swapped oil, topped off Super UDT2 as well.

I have a JD MX6 rotary that weighs 1040# according to the specs. I was surprised to find that I couldn't quite lift it off the trailer when I curled the bucket over it and strapped to it. I ran out of hydraulic lift. I was able to continue lifting it by ratcheting the straps the rest of the way to provide enough clearance. We could actually lift the tail wheel of the brush hog enough by hand to let the loader curl it more too.

Does this seem normal to you guys? I understand physics enough to know that the load was forward of the pivot pin a good bit, but I tried to keep as much of the weight right under the bucket for that reason. We loaded it on the trailer with a JD 4320 with pallet forks at idle speeds. I know its 400CX is a closer match to the LA1055 loader but the full weight was far beyond the pivot pin during that effort with forks.

Also, my rear tires are not loaded yet and the rear end didn't really get light feeling. So at this point I'm questioning if my loader is functioning at 100%. As far as down pressure goes it will only really lift the tractor if I angle the bucket down but then it will lift it 12" or so in the air with ease ... which may be normal.

I've read some cases that a lot of the Kubotas come from the factory with the hydraulic pressure near the lower end of the specification. Do you think that may be the case here? I've seen a lot of others with B, BX, and some Ls talk about shimming to get a little more capacity yet staying within the recommended pressure ratings. I've not seen any details about this with a L60 though. I don't really want to crank the pressure, only if its way under the normal operating range.

Unfortunately my trailers will not support the tractor and brush hog at the same time, so I'll need to find a repeatable way to load/unload this MX6 on/off the trailer.

What do you guys think?

Thanks!
Josh

 

[majorwager]

Re: L4060/LA805 Loaded Capacity Question

I have an MX and I'm going to look a my loader valve for a pressure adjustment. But my situation is the opposite, my loader has plenty of capacity, but it lifts the rear right off the ground.My tires are also not loaded. With NO rear attachment, I doubt my tractor will lift 1200 lbs with the forks. Loader is rated for 2400 @ pins but it would likly take 1000 or 1500 lbs on the rear linkage to accomplish that task.
I would suggest disconnecting a bucket cylinder supply and attaching a pressure gauge. It may be necessary to splice the gauge w/ QD's, then read pressure under load.

I even have an aftermarket cab that weighs 900 lbs, weight situated largely over rear half of tractor.
Surplus center has inexpensive gauges and fittings for this task.

Not sure how else to diagnose your issue?

EDIT: An in-line gauge won't deliver full load pressure unless system is actually at full load. A dead end gauge should provide a simulated full load pressure. Personally prefer in-line approach with system full load.

Also note: Dave (below) is very knowledgeable. Yet Glycerin bubble usually much smaller?

 

[Dave_eng]

Re: L4060/LA805 Loaded Capacity Question

I recently purchased a 2016 L4060HSTCC with 127 hours. It looks pretty much like new. I've changed all of the filters and swapped oil, topped off Super UDT2 as well.

I have a JD MX6 rotary that weighs 1040# according to the specs. I was surprised to find that I couldn't quite lift it off the trailer when I curled the bucket over it and strapped to it. I ran out of hydraulic lift. I was able to continue lifting it by ratcheting the straps the rest of the way to provide enough clearance. We could actually lift the tail wheel of the brush hog enough by hand to let the loader curl it more too.

Does this seem normal to you guys? I understand physics enough to know that the load was forward of the pivot pin a good bit, but I tried to keep as much of the weight right under the bucket for that reason. We loaded it on the trailer with a JD 4320 with pallet forks at idle speeds. I know its 400CX is a closer match to the LA1055 loader but the full weight was far beyond the pivot pin during that effort with forks.

Also, my rear tires are not loaded yet and the rear end didn't really get light feeling. So at this point I'm questioning if my loader is functioning at 100%. As far as down pressure goes it will only really lift the tractor if I angle the bucket down but then it will lift it 12" or so in the air with ease ... which may be normal.

I've read some cases that a lot of the Kubotas come from the factory with the hydraulic pressure near the lower end of the specification. Do you think that may be the case here? I've seen a lot of others with B, BX, and some Ls talk about shimming to get a little more capacity yet staying within the recommended pressure ratings. I've not seen any details about this with a L60 though. I don't really want to crank the pressure, only if its way under the normal operating range.

Unfortunately my trailers will not support the tractor and brush hog at the same time, so I'll need to find a repeatable way to load/unload this MX6 on/off the trailer.

What do you guys think?

Thanks!
Josh

Any time there is a concern with the performance of a FEL, the first thing to do is to check the pressure the loader is being supplied.

I assume your loader's work hoses have quick connects.

Unplug one hose and connect this pressure gauge into the valve side of the quick coupler.

The gauge and quick connect fitting about $30 at any hydraulics supply place.

Run the tractor at high rpms, move the FEL lever or joystick to send flow to the port where the gauge is plugged in and read the pressure. Only two seconds is enough.

I looked up the hydraulic spec's on Kubota Canada's web site and see 17.7 Mega pascales which is about 2,200 psi.

If you read those pressures on your temp gauge, then your loader is delivering what it was designed for.

Post a picture of your loader as seen from the side. Some lift arm cylinders have two positions for the end closest to the tractor. One for lifting power and the second for lifting height. If you have this feature and have it in the height position you loose a lot of lifting power.

These are the two positions on a LA1153 FEL. There is only a little distance between the two attachment points but i makes a big difference in operation.

Dave

 

[rjcorazza]

Re: L4060/LA805 Loaded Capacity Question

I’m all for checking pressures, and other trouble shooting options, but I also believe you may be simply at the loader’s limit. 1292 lbs 500mm forward of the pin, and those ratings may be (?) without the 300 lb bucket included. Not sure about that though.


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[bartlettj]

Re: L4060/LA805 Loaded Capacity Question

I'm in the process of sourcing together the coupler and gauge already to check pressure.

Here are the specs that I found. The only hydraulic pressure value that I could find was listed down a few pages under the specifications for the LA805 loader. I did not see pressure specs for the L4060 specifically.

(edit, I can't post links yet do to my post count. However, if you go to Kubota's site and pull the specs for my tractor and it has loader specs at the bottom.)


It looks like 185 kg/cm2 or 2630 psi to me if I'm looking at the correct value.


Here's a picture, but I've only seen the multiple pin options on larger loaders.

Thanks!
Josh

 

[bartlettj]

Re: L4060/LA805 Loaded Capacity Question

I’m all for checking pressures, and other trouble shooting options, but I also believe you may be simply at the loader’s limit. 1292 lbs 500mm forward of the pin, and those ratings may be (?) without the 300 lb bucket included. Not sure about that though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I'm thinking this as well, but I just want to be sure everything is okay and optimal.

I'm really shocked that it didn't seem to lift the rear end first though if that is the case. I used to work on the family farm as a kid and I remember this feeling all too well until we loaded all the tires. Maybe the cab weight is the difference though.


Side question... any recommendations on how to load this sucker on a trailer about 4 times a year? No trees around to hang it from and nothing around capable of lifting.

Thanks!
Josh

 

[rjcorazza]

Re: L4060/LA805 Loaded Capacity Question

Maybe make or buy a ssqa plate with chain hooks? You should gain 300 lbs or so without the bucket on.


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[Ramos]

Re: L4060/LA805 Loaded Capacity Question

If you are hauling between the same two locations, would it be feasible to build a trailer-deck height loading ramp at each location?

 

[bartlettj]

Re: L4060/LA805 Loaded Capacity Question

Maybe make or buy a ssqa plate with chain hooks? You should gain 300 lbs or so without the bucket on.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Not a bad idea. I wish I could find one locally to test. I considered removing the bucket and wrapping the straps to the cross member but that seems like a bad idea.

 

[bartlettj]

Re: L4060/LA805 Loaded Capacity Question

If you are hauling between the same two locations, would it be feasible to build a trailer-deck height loading ramp at each location?

That's the current plan for loading at home but there are three other locations and I couldn't do that at two of them, but thanks for the idea.

 

[Dave_eng]

Re: L4060/LA805 Loaded Capacity Question

Not a bad idea. I wish I could find one locally to test. I considered removing the bucket and wrapping the straps to the cross member but that seems like a bad idea.

I found enough of an improvement in lifting power with this reversed bucket hook.

Used on limited occasions.

The lift chain now goes over the back side of the bucket and whereas before I could not lift an object, now with the chain behind the bucket I manage to pick the object up.

I have not thought through the technical explanation but it has worked many times for me

Dave

 

[bartlettj]

Re: L4060/LA805 Loaded Capacity Question

Good idea, thanks for the suggestion. I'll definitely give that a go before I buy a blank SSQA plate.

Thanks!

I found enough of an improvement in lifting power with this reversed bucket hook.

Used on limited occasions.

The lift chain now goes over the back side of the bucket and whereas before I could not lift an object, now with the chain behind the bucket I manage to pick the object up.

I have not thought through the technical explanation but it has worked many times for me

Dave

 

[bartlettj]

L4060/LA805 Loaded Capacity Question

I tested the pressure tonight on all 4 valves, I don’t believe that I have an issue. I think it’s just physics and a 1040# brush hog that was way further out than the pins. Just a bit bummed that a JD 4320 that looked to be the same size moved it so well with the forks.

Here’s a test at idle and another at full throttle. In neutral and 3 point down if that matters.

I’m going to try lifting from the back of the bucket next.

 

[Dave_eng]

Re: L4060/LA805 Loaded Capacity Question

Now that you have gained knowledge on the subject of testing hydraulic pressure and loader performance it becomes your responsibility to jump in when a new member needs help.

I hope this marked up side view of your tractor and loader will explain why you will realize the ability of lifting a greater load when lifting from the back side of the bucket.

When we all were kids in the playground and teeter totters were popular, it rarely happened that you had a partner whose weight matched yours.

To overcome this problem, the heavier person would slide forward towards the pivot and the lighter person would slide back as far as possible.

You would find a balance arrangement where the teeter would remain level.

The same principle applies to loaders. The hydraulic cylinder in trying to extend is generating forces both forward and up. It is only the up force which helps you.

If you realize all forces are about the main FEL pivot at one end and not in the middle like a teeter, it does not make a difference when calculating the lifting ability of your FEL

If my explanation does not make sense please ask some questions and eventually your real world test will hopeffully show my suggestion has merit.

Dave