Recommend a tractor.

[Woodworks]

Wow thanks chaps. Lots of suggestions.

 

Yes mainly yard work so a second tractor for that might well be an option. Wish I had not sold the old 885 but did not know a log businesses was around the corner

 

The loader does manage OK for power if there is a good sized lump on the back but recently developed an oil leak around front wheel which I was blaming on over loading it but if it can manage 1200kg maybe unrelated.

 

On the back it can just lift my new Krpan splitter (about 480kg) but can't control lowering as it lurches and stops virtually lifting the front wheels and shock loading all the rear linkages.

[doobin]

Wow thanks chaps. Lots of suggestions.

 

Yes mainly yard work so a second tractor for that might well be an option. Wish I had not sold the old 885 but did not know a log businesses was around the corner

 

The loader does manage OK for power if there is a good sized lump on the back but recently developed an oil leak around front wheel which I was blaming on over loading it but if it can manage 1200kg maybe unrelated.

 

On the back it can just lift my new Krpan splitter (about 480kg) but can't control lowering as it lurches and stops virtually lifting the front wheels and shock loading all the rear linkages.

 

The reference to 1200gk and an assistor ram was to the linkage. Whether it can actually lift 1200kg at the ball ends I don't know, but if it can't pick up 500kg on the back without doing a wheely then I doubt the front end will lift much either. Hub leak could very well be due to overloading, and I wouldn't say it's designed to lift as much on the loader as you have been trying to.

 

You need similar horsepower in a larger form. Which means (unless you're willing to part with lots of money) 2WD David Brown or International. Ford and Massey are collectors items now, see this post, will be right up your street:

 

http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/firewood-forum/50754-yard-firewood-tractor-3.html#post773282

 

Your tractor produces 30l/min hydraulic flow. An International 454 does 45l/min. I would go further and get a PTO pump setup, but this just illustrates how an old 2WD lump of a tractor would be much better for around a yard.

 

Also consider this- hours clocked up on a tractor depreciate it. Especially for donkey work such as running a log splitter- it's not worked hard, but how does a potential purchaser know that when faced with a high clock reading? An older tractor will depreciate a LOT slower (and may even go up in value if bought at reasonable money) than a newish tractor.

 

Hope this helps.

[Woodworks]

Some pictures to show my concerns with our little compact. Fully loaded.

[Woodworks]

I have added these support chains to stop the hydraulics working to keep the splitter stationary during transport.

[Woodworks]

Our narrowest gateway.

[Woodworks]

And the oil leak that may or may not be caused through over loading.

[doobin]

That looks worth a few bob and a good size for a lot of other jobs/fieldwork where 4wd is needed.

 

2k for a secondhand 454 is what it will cost you in depreciation and repair bills if you keep abusing the loader like that

 

Seriously, it looks about ready to split in half.

 

I notice you already have a PTO pump setup- looks good. An International or David Brown could run that for you in 1000 PTO at tickover, saving lots of diesel.

Edited October 19, 2013 by doobin

[Woodworks]

Ah thanks doobin posted before seeing your reply. Unless there is the perfect all rounder out there I think what you are saying is the best rout.

[mendiplogs]

Our narrowest gateway.

 

HI WOOD keep the loader lower mate when on the move my old 45 year tractor lifts that fine the chains are only CHQ chains to help stop movement side to side your tractor should move that ok thanks jon

[doobin]

HI WOOD keep the loader lower mate when on the move my old 45 year tractor lifts that fine the chains are only CHQ chains to help stop movement side to side your tractor should move that ok thanks jon

 

These compacts don't have proper draft sensing as such, he's put the chains there to allow it to to 'sit' the splitter down in a transport position without having the tractor constantly trying to adjust the height of the splitter as it's so heavy.