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Read articles →Distinctly practical, this short how-to explains the mechanical difference between radial (non-self-leveling) and self-leveling loaders, then demonstrates the two-handed hydraulic technique, raising the boom while simultaneously angling the forks, needed to safely lift and place a pallet-mounted sprayer into a pickup truck. Mike also covers why slow engine speed matters and briefly names brands that offer self-leveling. Best for new tractor owners confused by loader behavior.
Tractor Mike is a longtime tractor-industry insider with decades of hands-on experience in the equipment business. He built his channel to help first-time and rural buyers make confident decisions, and his guidance comes from that deep, long-term background rather than a sales pitch.
A non-self-leveling loader runs on a radius so the bucket or forks change angle as it lifts. A self-leveling loader uses links or hydraulics to keep the bucket or forks level through the whole lift.
You adjust the fork angle with hydraulics while raising the boom, watching the top of the load, and idle the engine down so hydraulic movement is slow and controlled.
Hydraulics work faster at higher RPM, increasing the chance of tipping the load backward. Idling down makes movements slower and smoother even though the hydraulics may sound noisier.
Bobcat skid loaders are radial, while New Holland and John Deere, some models, have self-leveling forks and buckets.
