- What is a front loader used for?
The front loader is an agricultural machine installed on the frame of agricultural tractors. The equipment is essential for loading and unloading materials and can also be used for their transport within the farm. Contrary to appearances, the scope and application are very broad – a loader with the appropriate attachments (e.g., bucket, bale grab with a hydraulic cylinder, forks – both classic and with a crocodile) is used not only in the field but also around the farm. The technical characteristics of loaders include nominal lifting capacity, maximum lifting height, loading height, digging depth, transport angle, dumping, digging, and lifting, as well as the optimal tractor power. The front loader can be used to transfer bulk materials such as sand, fertilizers, gravel, or straw, as well as to move heavy objects like hay bales or wood, stones. Loaders can also be successfully used for fertilizing, moving debris, or assembling and disassembling construction elements, proving useful in the transport and unloading of agricultural machinery and other equipment, or in soil preparation – front loaders are helpful in plowing, earth moving, and leveling the terrain. With this equipment, heavy items like beams, bags, or barrels can be moved, and even cleaning tasks such as snow, leaves, or branches removal can be performed.
Due to their wide application, three main types of front loaders can be distinguished:
- Telescopic front loaders – with an extendable handle allowing reaching difficult-to-access places.
- Compact front loaders – smaller machines characterized by greater maneuverability. They work well in confined spaces and are most commonly used in agriculture and construction.
- Universal front loaders – as the name suggests, they have a wide range of applications and can be used for various tasks, such as moving heavy objects or transporting bulk materials.
- How to Choose a Front Loader?
The front loader has a wide range of applications and significantly enhances the functionality of the tractor, often replacing loaders on farms. Therefore, when choosing a front loader, it is worth opting for efficient, powerful equipment that will be fully adapted to the specific nature of the work and tasks you want to perform with it, as well as the tractor you have. So, how to choose a front loader that will allow you to streamline work in the field and around the farm? What should you pay special attention to?
- Loader Capacity: As the name suggests, it is the value that determines how much weight the loader can lift. The tractor’s power has a direct impact on this value – tractors with low power and hydraulic efficiency may not be sufficient for smooth loader operation. When selecting a loader based on tractor power, the rule is simple – the more powerful the tractor, the higher the loader capacity it can have. However, besides tractor power, one should also consider the maximum permissible load on the front axle of the tractor – the sum of the front loader’s weight and the maximum load value must not exceed the allowable pressure on the front axle of the tractor.
- Maximum Lifting Height: If the front loader is intended for loading or other tasks performed at a height, an important parameter will be the maximum lifting height. However, it’s crucial to note that this height is not equivalent to the loading height (which is the nominal height measured from the ground to the discharge line of the load from the equipment when the loader arms are raised to the maximum point, and the bucket or other equipment is in the loading position, i.e., tilted).
- Self-Leveling Option: This is an automatic system that adjusts and maintains the angle between the tool and the ground, ensuring stability and balance when maneuvering the load. This option contributes to work efficiency and safety, especially when lifting loads to a significant height, transporting loads on pallets, or handling bulk materials with a bucket. When choosing a front loader, pay attention to the type of self-leveling system, as it comes in two variants – mechanical (simpler in construction and easier to use but less precise) and hydraulic (based on a complex system of hydraulic actuators and valves automatically adjusting the tool’s position during lifting or lowering. This system is more precise and has greater regulatory capabilities, which is useful for tasks at considerable heights).
- Number of Hydraulic Sections: To equip yourself with an efficient front loader, it’s advisable to choose one with three hydraulic sections, allowing the use of accessories such as bale grabs or forks with a crocodile.
- Hydraulic Quick Couplers: If you aim for maximum work efficiency, hydraulic quick couplers are an addition that should be included in the front loader. This convenient solution allows for the quick connection and disconnection of hydraulic lines, usually without the need for tools. Additionally, hydraulic quick couplers minimize the risk of hydraulic fluid leakage and pressure drop.