Kubota LA526: Specs, Problems, and Durability

The Kubota LA525 is a front loader designed for use by the famous Kubota L series tractors. The loader comes loaded with hi-tech specs that give the L series, and by extension the Kubota tractors a big edge over the competition. In this article, we will explore the specs, problems, and durability of the Kubota LA525 loader.

To begin with, front-end loaders are purpose-built solid material movers. They are designed to be more efficient to move large volumes of load compared to skid-steers or other types of tractors that have bucket attachments. They come in a range of sizes and have detachable buckets which can be replaced with other attachments to extend their range of functions. 

The Kubota L Series

To fully analyze the Kubota LA525, it is important to have a preview of the Kubota L series tractors that carry the LA525 front-end loader. The L series in the Kubota family is a compact tractor that is purely based on the original tractor principles of yesteryears that we all know. The Kubota L series carry with them the core principles of a tractor-

• Durable
• Easy to operate
• High performance
• Extra power

The L series comes with different horsepower models with optional hydro-static or gear-drive options to suit your individual or work needs. Moreover, they are packed with a re-designed cab that offers greater visibility, and state-of-the-art auxiliary components that work better and faster than the rest. The L series front loader and backhoe are specially made for efficiency and optimized operations. 

The Kubota L series has the following specs

• Powerful (3-cylinder and 4-cylinder) diesel engines with great drive-trains and large lifting capacities that adapt to all situations. The engines have an impressive fuel economy.
• A synchronized 8-Forward/8-Reverse or HST manual gearbox that offers unmatched quality performance.
• Spacious and comfortable operator platform/cabin with greater visibility.
• Powerful hydraulics for a variety of applications.
• Optional loaders that bring a whole new world of possibilities.

With this in mind, one can only imagine what the Kubota L Series tractors can achieve when the LA525 Front end loader is fitted onto this tractor.

The LA525 Front-End Loader

The Kubota LA525 Front End Loader was designed to work with three of Kubota's flagship tractors- the Kubota L2501, Kubota L3301, and Kubota L3901. For your information, the two numbers after the series letter (L) denote the horsepower of the respective engines. For instance, the Kubota L3301 means it is a 33 HP engine. The LA525 is fitted with boom hydraulic cylinders and a double-acting bucket.

Generally, the LA525 Front Loader has a special curved boom that is designed to handle extra-large load tasks that are commensurate with the design of the Kubota L Series tractors. The curved nature of the boom provides improved power to lift heavy loads and a higher height than most of the other booms. The loader has a slanted hood that offers the operator an unmatched vision for ease of operations. Additionally, the loader has a spacious cabin with ergonomically designed apparatus for comfort and ease of operation. 

The loader has a feather step Hydro-Static Transmission (HST) which has a more responsive pedal for easy operation and smooth performance at all times. Additionally, it has a curved boom that boom provides exceptional durability.

Lifting

• The LA525 loader can lift a load to 2394 mm (94 inches) and has a bucket dump clearance of 1936 mm (76 inches). The maximum lift under the level bucket is 2224 mm (87 inches) while the maximum dumping reach is 645 mm.
• The loader's maximum pivoting/lifting capacity is different depending on the carrying tractor and ranges from 491- 513 kilograms. The loader is capable of lifting 1082 pounds (490 kilograms) for the Kubota L2501 and 1131 pounds (513 kilograms) for the L3301 and L3901 tractors.
• The forward lifting capacity at 500mm at maximum height is 388 kilograms (855 pounds) for the L2501, while the forward lifting at the height of 1500mm is 676 kilograms (1490 pounds) for the L3301 and L3901 respectively.
• The bucket roll-back force at maximum height is 9685 N (2177 pounds), while it stands at 1198 N (2697 pounds) from a height of 1.5 meters. The bucket roll-back angle is 31 degrees while the maximum dumping angle is an impressive 40 degrees.
• The breakout force when the loader bucket is on the ground is 2373 pounds and 2462 pounds (1079 kilograms and 1120 kilograms) for the L2501 and L3302/L3901 tractors respectively.

Lifting Time

• The time taken by the boom from the ground height is 4.1 seconds with the Kubota L2501 and 3.5 seconds with the Kubota L3301/L3901 tractors.
• The loader comes with a standard 60-inch material pin-on bucket with a depth of 1468 mm, a width of 1525 mm, 1559mm high, and 1511 mm in length. This bucket is standard for the L2501 and has a capacity of between 0.22 m3 and 0.29 m3 when the bucket is struck or heaped. The buckets for the L3301 and L3901 are slightly bigger

Dumping

The Front Loader is dumped in two seconds for the L2501 series and 1.7 seconds for the L3301 and L3901 series. The lowering time is approximately 2.4 seconds and 2.3 seconds for the L2501 and L3301 respectively. The bucket dumping and bucket rollback time is 2.0 seconds and 2,6 seconds respectively in the L2501 tractor.

Other Specs

• Net weight: 365 kg / 805 Pounds
• Bucket cylinder bore: 45mm/ 1.77inches
• Boom cylinder stroke: 476 mm /18.7inches
• Boom cylinder bore: 45 mm /1.77inches
• Bucket cylinder stroke: 476 mm /18.7inches
• Digging depth: 176 mm /7 inches

Adaptation

One of the greatest specs available in the Kubota L series tractors is the option to attach new front-end systems with ease. This option allows you to quickly attach new buckets or mount skid steer-compatible attachments onto the LA525. The new attachments enable the LA525 to a new world of opportunities and versatilities. 

This option is possible through the Kubota quick attach loader frame which allows you to change the brackets and the pin-style mountings of the LA525 bucket and attach a new plate that enables the operator to switch between the loader attachments and the skid steer attachments with ease.

Problems

Front-end loaders are not immune to problems that may arise from time to time. This may result from long operation hours, heavy workloads, harsh working environments, age, mechanical failures, or lack of proper maintenance. Some of the most common problems with the Kubota LA525 front-end loader include:

1) Overheating

The front-end loader may suffer from overheating which comes about as a result of friction brought about by poor maintenance, blocked hoses, and low lubrication. Debris may accumulate in the hydraulic system blocking normal fluid flow that leads to increased temperatures and accelerated wear. This causes the front-end loader not to operate as required and may even suffer total failure.

2) Hydraulic leaks

These can be caused by worn or defective components within the system, blocked valves, poorly installed hose fittings, excessive heat emanating from valve backlash, faulty cavitation, or inadequate system pressure relief. Another common cause of the hydraulic leak is lack of or poor maintenance of parts, especially fluid filters. 

Leaks can be detected through keen observations as well as reduced efficiency or failure of the loader at different times. Increased noises and loose parts are good indicators of these problems. The leaks must be treated and any defective parts repaired or replaced to put the loader back to normal operations.

3) Faulty Control Valve

The control valve regulates the flow of fluid in the hydraulic system that enables the movement of the different loader components. If the valve becomes faulty, most of the loader functions will not materialize. Corrosion, wear, or blockages are some of the key culprits in this malfunction. The control valve functionality must be restored for the loader to operate as required.

4) Hydraulic Fluid Contamination

Can be brought about by dirt, water, or air that stray into the hydraulic system. These contaminants can get into the system through leaks in valves or through open cavities.

Metallic debris and other particles from corroded or worn parts can also contaminate the fluid. These contaminants may block filters leading to a drop in hydraulic pressure, thus affecting the operations of the loader. The contamination can also lead to the destruction of some critical parts like seals and valves.

5) Loader Failing to Lift or Lower Bucket

This is mainly caused by a damaged coupler within the hydraulic lifting system. The coupler is damaged by corrosion arising from moisture entry which weakens and destroys the metallic parts. Moisture can get into the coupler through leakages or exposure to rain or snow. When the coupler is damaged, the loader will have difficulties lifting or lowering its buckets.

The hydraulic system is the most critical in a front-end loader, and it is bound to suffer from different afflictions in the course of the loader's operations. It is critical to understand how the system operates and have proper maintenance routines to avoid frequent breakdowns.