If “500” is the correct number than you should contact your “connections” at Bell and tell him to replace their product specifications (february 2017) which can be downloaded here:PDF
On page 31 it states:
Part number sls-030-800-005 landing gear SLL = 3000 FH / 18.000 SRIN
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Thanks for posting that, it appears that they have, obviously, substantially 'upped' the number. I was told the 500 number quite a while ago by numerous Bell employees, including someone in sales.
I certainly don't want to see it fail, the useful load numbers make it look pretty appealing for use in the agricultural sector, where range and endurance aren't quite so important.