The shim increases the system pressure a bit, so the hydraulics can exert more force.

25 years old for a loader just means it's old. It really depends on how it's been maintained and used.

Perhaps include what tractor you are going use these loaders on, that may make a difference.

 

Oh apologies. I have a 445 that has had an engine replaced with a Vanguard 23.

 

It is the Nature of the design with the 40 Loader. I had a 40-loader on my JD 425. Until it was shimmed, I couldn't Pick Up more Than 215 pounds to Max Height. At 36 inches, the 40 Loader will pick up about 350 lbs. When it was shimmed, I could Pick Up about 650 to 700 pounds to Max height. I traded My 40 with my 425 in 2003 On a new X485 with a 45 Loader. I still have my 45 loader. It's now On an X748.

But the 45 loader Non-shimmed will pick up about 650 pounds at 36 inches and 365 pounds at max height. I know it will actually lift about 400 pounds to max height, I have never shimmed My X485 or X748 with a 45 Loader.


If You can swing it, get the 40 loader. When I was buying the X485 back In 2003, I was originally looking at an X465. But Deere informed me that the sub-frame on the 45 loader interfered with the air cooling on the air-cooled Kawasaki on the X465. But Deere said I could mount the 40 loader on the X465. But I liked how the sub-frame was for the 45 loader. So I bought an X485 with 45 loader and never looked back.

I live within 20 miles of the LBL company. I think they build a fine product for a Pop & Son shop. Two Local friends have the LBL, one on his 445 and another on his 318. The 318 owner had a CTC loader that just wouldn't fit on his 318, But that's another story. The LBL is not really meant for excavation, it's meant for transporting loose material from A to B and filling your dump cart. Member PA319 Guy has one, and he has done some excavation with the LBL, and it's been fine for his needs