ISO 14397-2:2007

Overview

ISO 14397-2:2007 - Earth-moving machinery - Loaders and backhoe loaders - Part 2 - specifies a standardized test method for measuring breakout forces and lift capacity to maximum lift height of wheeled or crawler loaders, and the loader portion of backhoe loaders (as defined in ISO 6165). The standard defines test set‑up, instrumentation, test conditions and reporting requirements to ensure repeatable, comparable performance data for buckets and forks.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope: Measures maximum sustained breakout force and lift capacity to maximum lift height for loader equipment.
• Definitions: Clear definitions such as breakout force (force measured 100 mm behind bucket leading edge with bucket cutting edge ≤ 20 mm above ground reference plane) and lift capacity to maximum height (load lifted to near-full cylinder stroke acting through bucket centroid or fork load centre).
• Apparatus: Requires suitable load cell/force transducer and hydraulic pressure gauges with accuracies per ISO 9248.
• Test conditions: Hard, level test surface; machine prepared per ISO 6016; standard configuration; engine running at manufacturer speed; transmission neutral and brakes released.
• Procedure highlights:
  • Apply reactive force via wire rope or device to load cell while operating lift/tilt cylinders at working hydraulic pressure.
  • Prevent unintended movement (support axle or bucket pivot with steel blocks; use loose safety chains to prevent overturning).
  • Repeat each test three times and record the arithmetic mean; note any hydraulic limiting or tipping conditions.
  • For lift capacity measure to within 10 mm of full cylinder stroke.
• Test report content: Manufacturer, model, product ID, operating mass, hydraulic pressures, undercarriage or tyre details, bucket specifications and measured forces (table format outlined in the standard).

Applications and who uses it

• Equipment manufacturers - verify loader/bucket/fork performance during development and for technical data sheets.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies - produce comparable performance certificates and verify compliance with industry claims.
• Fleet owners and procurement specialists - compare machine capabilities (breakout force, lift capacity) when selecting equipment.
• Design and R&D teams - validate hydraulic and linkage designs, counterweight or ballast effects.
• Marketing and technical documentation - back measured performance claims with standardized test results.

Related standards

• ISO 6165 - machine types, terms and definitions (referenced)
• ISO 14397-1 - rated operating capacity and tipping load test method
• ISO 7546 - bucket volumetric ratings (used to determine centroid)
• ISO 6016, ISO 6746-1, ISO 9248 - machine mass, dimensions and measurement accuracy references

Keywords: ISO 14397-2:2007, breakout force test, lift capacity to maximum height, earth-moving machinery, loaders, backhoe loaders, test method, load cell, hydraulic pressure.