Waldon 5100 loader no full bucket in dirt

[Bob up north]

Any idea why a Waldon 5100 mini articulated loader will not get a full bucket when digging into a pile of stockpiled dirt, that a CAT 236 skid steer has no problem going into and getting a full bucket? Both machines at same job site and both worked the same location of the stock pile dirt.
Waldon 7100 lbs, CAT 236 7000 lbs
Waldon rated at 1700 lbs CAT rated at 1950 lbs
It was surprising the difference between the mini articulated loader and skid steer in loading a bucket in a stockpile of dirt. The Waldon did not get a full load when it went a little ways into the pile its tires just spun a hole, while the skid steer drove forward into the pile to fill its bucket. What do you think the difference in performace is between the mini articulated loaders and skid steer loaders?

 

[BCnT]

gotta be center of gravity and weight transfer.

 

[Anonymous-0]

The skid steer has true 4 wheel drive. The loader probably has a 2 differentials. Were all 4 wheels spinning on the Waldon or only 2? The skid steer would also have more weight directly over the rear drive wheels. I think that makes a difference too because when the bucket is on the ground, it takes some weight off the front drive wheels. More weight is transfered to the back tires on a skid steer. Most of the weight of the front half of the loader is lost. Don't know if it's the same principle, but a lot of people say to hook as close together as possible when pulling someone out that got stuck because you'll be able to pull more. Dave

 

[Roger in Iowa]

Could be the operator. Roll back the bucket or slightly lift as you go in transfers weight to tires. Helps.

 

[bison]

I would slap a set of tire chains on that Waldon,he'll grab with all 4 then, instead of spinning with 2.That's what i did with my Waldon 500,it digs as good as a skidsteer and i got a 8'wide bucket on mine(it came stock with an 4'bucket)
And like been said,roll the bucket and raise the loader while moving into the dirt.

 

[Anonymous-0]

He's digging into dirt, not snow. Putting chains on when working in dirt could put too much stress on the drive line components.

"he'll grab with all 4 then, instead of spinning with 2." If your only grabbing with 2 wheels, chains won't change that. Chains will give more traction to the 2 that are digging though. Dave

 

[Bob up north]

[Gotta be center of gravity and weight transfer].
Are you sugggesting that the front end of the Waldon is too light - thats why the wheels spin out rather then the loader going into the pile.
The bucket just enters the pile then the resistance the bucket encounters causes the wheels to spin digging holes. As I recall its the front wheels that spin, although I am not sure if not all four wheels were spining.
The hydro motor is mounted on the two speed transmission and both front and rear Dana Model 60 diffarantal axles are powered via yoke connections the front axle from one side of the tansmission and the rear axle from the other side. Have to look at it again in the warm weather to see which tires are spinning.

Most of the loader weight is on the rear tires, the Deutz engine and fluid tanks counter weights and frame. On front axle are cab, the operator and front half of frame, the transmission and loader arms, bucket.

It was really surprising the difference in performance between the two loaders, with the skid steer sooo much superior to the mini articulated loader in digging into a stock pile of dirt. I am tryiung to get a handle as to why this is the result, one would think same weight of machines would get similar results between each machine

 

[BCnT]

look at skidsteer bucket and see how close it is to drive wheels...weight of load is almost instantly transferred to traction when you start lifting.
the wheel loader bucket is further away from drive wheels while loading and doesnt get full weight of load on tires till bucket is at full lift.

 

[bison]

works fine on mine in snow or dirt for yrs already.
I never broke nothing yet.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Unless both differentials are full lockers, that's the difference right there. A skid steer has 100% power to all 4 wheels. Dave

 

[MK in Ontario]

If the front tires are spinning, then you've got the boom/bucket down too low, carrying the front of the machine. Lift the boom and/or roll back the bucket enough to get full weight back on the front wheels. Once it moves on in continue to lift and roll back.

 

[gmd]

Do they both have the same size bucket, or is the skid loaders smaller? Also is the operator familiar with the machine and experienced? That could account for the differences.