Hi HDmstng and others,
To specifically answer your question, I will say that it lifts to the top of your hood if you are using something like a 318, 322 or 332 tractor. Or another way, it lifts to the top of the open tailgate of a normal, 2 wheel drive 1/2 ton pick-up truck--not those moster mothers that require a ladder to get into.
This thread has gone so long, I feel that I need to restate the reason(s) why I bought and stand behid this unit.
First, I needed a loader to carry snow from the front of my property to the rear. Why? That is not important for this discussion. However, for many years, my 54" blade did just fine, but circumstances changed.
Second, I could not obtain a John Deere loader in my area of the country. Besides the cost for even a "used" loader was cost prohibitive. I believe that I can state that this loader was made utilizing some of the parameters that John Deere used in the developement of their loader.
Third, I wanted a loader that would not inhibit my winter cab in any way.
Fourth, I wanted a loader that was easy to mount to the tractor without the use of additional plumbing and hardware.
And Fifth, it needed to be safe to operate. Remember, the higher a loader goes, the less stable the tractor/loader is. I am not the only person operating this tractor, therefore, safety is an issue.
I feel that this loader will handle anything I wish to use it for. I feel that it is the tractor's power and adhesion factor that will limit the tractor/loader's ability.
I am not an engineer, nor a representative of the Buford Loader. I am just a satisfied customer.
Thank you,
Doug Brown