What HP is running your FEL?

[chipwitch 73]

I'm considering installing a hydraulic pump on my C-125 for a 3 pt hitch with the intent of using it for an FEL in the future.  After running some numbers, it would seem 12 HP is probably just about the minimum size to run the pump practically.  Certainly, one could operated an FEL with just about any HP with the trade-off being speed or pressure.  So, I'm just wondering what you're using to power your FEL.  Are there any compromises you've had to cope with (such as speed)?  What kind of speeds do you get in full extension?

 

While I'm at it, are there any structural or drive train differences between my C-125 larger C-models (excluding the C-195, of course)?  Something besides the power-plant that would be a deterrent to installing an FEL?

[bmsgaffer 2,053]

Nothing different except horsepower.

 

I think an FEL would run fine from 12hp. You may lug it if you are driving uphill and lifting at the same time but the kohlers are pretty torque heavy.

 

Worst case is you can eventually swap in a higher HP engine, which is pretty easy.

 

They DO make heavy duty spindles for FEL use, but personally I would swap in the swept axle front end and steering from a 520. I have seen several for sale reasonably priced.

[wallfish 18,072]

Mine's 16 hp but you should have no problem with a 12. Garden tractor pumps are small and run 10 GPM or less. Plus, you can always change pulley sizes on the pump to adapt.

[JackC 617]

I Have an 8 horse power C-81 with a Kwik Way Loader.  The 8 horse power is more than enough to power the pump.

 

 

[chipwitch 73]

I can't help but to shake my head at these tractors... amazing.  I don't know how many times I watched the video of that lawn ranger wrestle some unidentifiable object twice its size.  So, there are at least 2 8HP tractors out there with FELs.  Thanks... I feel better.

[boovuc 1,090]

Hi Chipwitch,

 

I have seen posts and pictures of loaders on the roundhoods with single Kohlers at 6HP to 8HP. The loaders were smaller than the Kwikways and my Ark Loader but the pumps were probably comparably.

I have to agree with the comments made earlier by bmsgaffer on the HD front spindles. WH and later Toro/WH required the HD front axle kit with the loaders if you wanted to keep a factory warranty. I have seen C series tractors that ran FELs and what those front spindles looked like and stories of how many broke. The gear reduction steering on the 520's make a world of difference when lifting and turning with a bucket full of material. Even with an empty bucket, they are hard to turn with a mounted FEL. 

[tbarnhart 240]

Chip, I think you understand electricity to some extent. Hydraulics translate well to electrical terms. Pressure=volts. Flow(gal per min)=amps. Power (flow x pressure)= watts. As a gereral rule of thumb, 1 gal per min. at 1500 Psi will require 1 Hp. That is referencing gasoline engine power. Electric motors seem to do better per hp. Everything in that equation is linear. If you double the flow or the psi you would double the required hp. If you doubled both, it would take 4 hp. You do the math. Most small FEL pumps are probably not over 5 gpm and the system is probably set to relieve somewhere below 1500 psi. Probably a max of 5hp required for the loader.