Front-End Loader Ordered New 1026, question on loader

[Dirtworker]

I recently ordered a 1026r from l local dealer. I can provide price break down if anyones interested.
I am curious what to expect with the loader (H120).
I am currently trying to level the terrain which is bushes, small trees,
open field etc. into trails. Will I have the power to dig down and scrape 2-3"D
in stripes? Just thought I would ask...
Thanks!

[jcmseven]

I do not have that loader but one similar on my 2320 (200cx). The loader is pretty strong and would fairly easily dig up shrubs, ground likely deeper than 2-3" and small trees. From what you describe, an H120 and 1026 should do similarly and adequately for your goals. The key IMO for the digging part is ballast. The 1026 has a powerful engine but is fairly light so adding ballast both on wheels and hitch is essential to doing much ground engagement. Although on paper the 1026 and the 2320 seem similar, the 2320 is a much larger tractor and is heavier. I would count on adding 100-200 pounds on ON WHEEL ballast and probably 300+ pounds on hitch to be able to accomplish your tasks without difficulty. I would also investigate a tooth bar for your loader as it really helps digging up dirt and or greenery you want to move or extract. I do not know if there is one available for your loader yet or not, but you can always have one fabricated. Having run larger tractors than the one I have now, I can say you will be surprised by what your machine will be able to do. The loaders on the small 1000 and 2000 machines (except the 2520 and 2720) are slow relative to the 3000 series and up but they will lift a lot and perform just as well albeit on a smaller scale. I would argue for tight quarters such as making trails, they may be better than the larger tractors. There are many places I comfortably take my 2320 that I would have never taken my 3720 or my 4520 prior.

John M

[Dirtworker]

Thanks John!
I don't believe they have the tooth claw for the FEL, only for the backho currently.
My neighbor has the same as yours and yes it is bigger all around. I would have preferred
That one, however cost and size was an issue. Moving that in 6-10'w trails would be difficult.
Well I will have it Monday, so we will see how it goes.
I did get the tires loaded today, I figured I would need the ballast in back..... And the cost keeps coming.... LOL.
The delivery person at deere dealer told me he though the loader was too big on the 1 series, I tend to agree.
I am happy to hear that I will be able to scrape without an issue.

[Sawdust102]

Hr Long makes a tooth bar for almost any size bucket.

[zoomerii]

With a toobar you should have no worries. Cut a new trail through the woods with my similar model 2305.

[Dirtworker]

With a toobar you should have no worries. Cut a new trail through the woods with my similar model 2305.

Looks great! Any tips you can provide???

[Dirtworker]

I do not have that loader but one similar on my 2320 (200cx). The loader is pretty strong and would fairly easily dig up shrubs, ground likely deeper than 2-3" and small trees. From what you describe, an H120 and 1026 should do similarly and adequately for your goals. The key IMO for the digging part is ballast. The 1026 has a powerful engine but is fairly light so adding ballast both on wheels and hitch is essential to doing much ground engagement. Although on paper the 1026 and the 2320 seem similar, the 2320 is a much larger tractor and is heavier. I would count on adding 100-200 pounds on ON WHEEL ballast and probably 300+ pounds on hitch to be able to accomplish your tasks without difficulty. I would also investigate a tooth bar for your loader as it really helps digging up dirt and or greenery you want to move or extract. I do not know if there is one available for your loader yet or not, but you can always have one fabricated. Having run larger tractors than the one I have now, I can say you will be surprised by what your machine will be able to do. The loaders on the small 1000 and 2000 machines (except the 2520 and 2720) are slow relative to the 3000 series and up but they will lift a lot and perform just as well albeit on a smaller scale. I would argue for tight quarters such as making trails, they may be better than the larger tractors. There are many places I comfortably take my 2320 that I would have never taken my 3720 or my 4520 prior.

John M

I agree with the ballast, I did have the tires done but have not yet purchased the rear. I am looking to get a box blade, perhaps that would suffice?
I purchased a tooth bar from Barlow made specifically for compact tractors, looking forward to trying it out next week.

[zoomerii]

Looks great! Any tips you can provide???

One thing to watch out for when using a box blade for balast in the woods, is that it sticks out more then you might think. Scrapped more bark then I intended from a number of trees. Don't be in too big a hurry, can't always tell whats under the brush. Keep the loader low to the ground. I made myself some quick turn around areas that came in handy. I incountered a lot of old fallen trees that I needed to drag out, so have a chain handy. Have fun, I know I did. Almost forgot, I mounted a skid plate to keep the small stumps, sticks and so on out of the low hanging hardware under the 2305. Your 1023 does not have the same issues with exposed filters and fans like the older models did.

[Dirtworker]

One thing to watch out for when using a box blade for balast in the woods, is that it sticks out more then you might think. Scrapped more bark then I intended from a number of trees. Don't be in too big a hurry, can't always tell whats under the brush. Keep the loader low to the ground. I made myself some quick turn around areas that came in handy. I incountered a lot of old fallen trees that I needed to drag out, so have a chain handy. Have fun, I know I did. Almost forgot, I mounted a skid plate to keep the small stumps, sticks and so on out of the low hanging hardware under the 2305. Your 1023 does not have the same issues with exposed filters and fans like the older models did.

With the tooth bar coming, I am sure that will help! I tore up my old X500, rebuilt the deck twice. This will be a nice change of pace. Want the backho to help with stumps, but with the toys and tractor i am running out of indoor storage. LOL

[zoomerii]

Since I don't have a backhoe, I cut the smaller trees about four feet above ground level and used the remaining stump for leverage to pull them out of the ground. Works pretty good for the small stuff - up to maybe 8 inches in diameter. Went around the larger stuff.