Front-End Loader Need help finding a loader for my 1970 MF-31

[buckm]

If anybody knows where I can find a loader and a shredder for my tractor at a good price, I would appriciate your help(used preferably). I just purchased the tractor today, and it has the pto shaft and looks like it has mounting available for a loader in front. Thank you for your help.

Buck

 

[Ken45101]

For most use, a loader on a 2wd tractor is a total waste. If you get a decent load in the bucket, it takes too much of the weight (and traction) off of the rear tires.

As a minimum, you will need your rear tires loaded and a heavy counterweight on the rear, and even then....

I had a loader on a 2wd Kubota M4700. It had very limited usefulness.

Ken

 

[Grandad4]

Check Craig's List for the shredder (bush hog type mower). You'll probably want at least a 6 footer, and you could go larger. May not look pretty, but if the gearbox is OK and the deck isn't rusted out or bent to pieces, it should work. Be sure there are proper shear bolts or a slip clutch.

Ken's right about the loader. Sorry to bring negative news, but good used ones for sale are rare and need to fit your specific tractor, making them even more rare. You might find something at a tractor salvage place, but it might need some major fix-ups. New aftermarket ones are very spendy and, after dropping something like $4k to buy one, you'd probably not be doing backflips in celebration of how great it works on your tractor.

 

[buckm]

Thank you for yalls comments. I appriciate the honesty. I will be looking on craigslist today.

 

[kebo]

I occasionally see some loaders for older tractors on the local craigslists (in my area anyway). You could get lucky and score one, but you may need to be willing to travel some distance. After all, the odds of one coming up for sale in your neighborhood are pretty small. One thing to consider with that FEL, does your tractor have power steering? IF not, a fully loaded bucket (coupled with the weight of the FEL itself) could make steering somewhat difficult on hard packed surfaces. Good luck.

 

[buckm]

It does have power stirring, but unlucky findings a loader on craigslist for my model. Does anyone know if most old loaders would fit, or does it have to be for a mf 31?

 

[ModMech]

For most use, a loader on a 2wd tractor is a total waste. If you get a decent load in the bucket, it takes too much of the weight (and traction) off of the rear tires.

I have never heard of that problem with an Ag tractor.

As a minimum, you will need your rear tires loaded and a heavy counterweight on the rear, and even then....

Hmm, I should run out and tell all our neighbors to remove their loaders then, none have counterweights, but seem to have no trouble with the loader use.

I had a loader on a 2wd Kubota M4700. It had very limited usefulness.

Ken

An M4700 is a 42 PTO HP tractor that weighs about 4000lbs , compared to the MF-31 weighing in at 4400# (unbalasted), that's a 10% difference. I matters most where the weight is, rear biased for a loader is best, front biased for drawbar use is best for that, but not for a loader.

You should not operate a FEL w/o loaded rear tires for safety sake, the traction is a side benefit.

 

[Grandad4]

I'm thinking you'll need to find a factory loader for your MF or one from Woods, Rhino, Westendorf, etc. Problem is, even on a 2wd tractor, the loader is a really handy addition (maybe it's not the latest and greatest setup, but it sure beats a shovel and wheelbarrow!), and not many owners have a reason to get rid of one once it's been installed on their tractor. So unless the tractor is being parted out, the loader and tractor stay together.

As for the 2wd + loader thing, you've got a couple of things going for you: a) you already have power steering, b) yours is an industrial model, I think, and may have a heavier front axle. You'd still need to load up the back with all kinds of weight (tire ballast, weight box, etc.). That was the way things were back in the day, and it worked, but the newer 4x4 setups have an advantage. If you can score a good used or salvage loader, go for it, but a new loader would probably cost more than the tractor.

We don't have much in the way of tractor salvage places in our area, but there are some big ones scattered through the Midwest (Texas to North Dakota) that might have something. Maybe some of the antique tractor forums or others here on TBN can give you some names.

 

[Bob Ha]

If anybody knows where I can find a loader and a shredder for my tractor at a good price, I would appriciate your help(used preferably). I just purchased the tractor today, and it has the pto shaft and looks like it has mounting available for a loader in front. Thank you for your help.

Buck

Wow! I better sell my 2wd tractor that can perform 80% to 90% of my loader requirements that my 4wd tractor can. If you have a 2wd and it's a total waste then it's the tractor or something else. Yes, I do agree the 4wd is better for loader use but to state "For most use, a loader on a 2wd tractor is a total waist" is just not accurate.

Both our tractors (one 4wd and one 2wd) are 62hp @ PTO and use them for different purposes. This weekend I hauled a 1700lb load of palletize bricks to the farm. When it was time to get them out of my truck bed which tractor did I use, the 2wd. I transport 1600lb hay bales with my loader all the time with both tractors and almost rolled over the 4wd twice and never the 2wd. Luckily the tractor was lodged between other bales and didn't go all the way over.

If you are doing loader work in mud then the 4wd is absolutely required in my opinion. Couple weeks ago we were digging around our almost dry pound and the 4wd did much better and even pulled the 2wd out a few times. I've taken our 4wd places that I was shocked it would even go.

I think the statement "2wd is not quite as good" or "4wd is a little better" would be more accurate.

We have a Bush Hog FEL on our 2wd and no issues to date.

 

[buckm]

I appreciate all yalls comments and will take good note of all the knowledge given. I hope that I am able to make things work out well and hope it is affordable. Thanks again.