Adding FEL to Iseki 1610 2WD

[beltfed]

I'm interested in getting a FEL on my little Iseki 1610 tractor. 2WD, not 4wd. As of right now I use the tractor for grading a 1300 foot driveway with gravel. The only way to move gravel around a distance is to get a load of gravel in a truck and shovel it out at certain areas. Or use a wheelbarrel. Also I have about 4-5 acres, mostly trees.

I looked at Koyker because someone here said they are pretty good and attach right up. I'll have to contact them to make sure the "kit" has everything I need to hookup including hydraulic stuff. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Here is the URL to the FEL. http://www.best-used-tractors.com/loaders/Koyker_110_Loader.html

Not sure if we on this forum are allowed to talk cost but I'll say how much it will cost me. CASH PRICE of only $2,246.45 plus $228.64 shipping from Koyker Mfg. Co. in South Dakota.

With the FEL I could keep a pile of gravel and spread it more easily on the areas needed. Also, I collect firewood from some downed trees on the property. As of now I have to cut the tree and maul to a smaller size. Then loadup a truck by hand and dump it in my splitting area. With the FEL I could scoop up some larger cut pieces of wood and either dump that in the truck or drive to the splitting area and dump via the loader.

So, I'm just trying to see if the cost of 2500+ is worth all of this to me.

1. Is it justified to put 2500 into this little tractor?

2. How hard is it to mess with the hydraulic lines? I know 0 about this and don't want to fubar anything. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

3. Should I go with 4' wide loader or 5'? I currently have a 5'
back blade. I'm leaning towards 4' for ease.

Thanks for everyones time.

 

[SteveM]

Let me throw in my two cents:

1) I am very familiar with the 1610, almost bought one once
2) I have a 2wd Mitusbishi 370 with FEL, a very similar set up to what you are envisioning.

Based on this background, I think it is possible that you will be happy with the loader. First, the negative - with only 2wd you will find that even with weight on the rear (blade or other ballast) it is very easy to spin those rear tires. And pushing into a pile of gravel or dense dirt will be hard with only 2wd. Also the 1610s often have very skinny front tires, this will make steering quite hard. Although I have wide from turf tires on mine, with the loader full of dirt, I cannot turn the steering wheel when the tractor is sitting still.

However, I have moved ALOT of dirt and mulch with my rig, despite what people might say about 2wd small loaders. Certainly beats the heck out of a shovel! BTW, my bucket is less than 48" wide, so I would recommend a 4' bucket with your tractor, as it is a hair bigger than mine.

Finally, cost. Adding $2,500 + installation (you are going to have to hire help to either tap into existing rear hydraulics, or preferably add a front pump) to your tractor will probably be money you cant get back....I often see 2wd 1610s for sale for about $3,000. Add the loader, and you are up to about $6,000 - I dont think you could sell a small 2wd tractor loader for 6 grand...something to consider.

So, before plunking down the money, perhaps you should consider selling your existing tractor and putting the 2,500 + towards a 4wd tractor with loader.

Just my two cents.

 

[beltfed]

Good points. I never thought about 2wd not having the traction to push into a dirt/gravel pile. My solution to that would be to take smaller chunks or sideswipe the pile. I wouldn't think it matters too much about moving the steering wheel while the bucket is full.

And I do have the skinny tires in the front. Would I require more air pressure with a FEL attached?

I hate selling items and I don't think I'd have too much luck selling this tractor in the area I live.

Thanks.

 

[htiek126]

I have both 4WD Yanmar tractors and Koyker loaders. I am getting ready to purchase a load of Koyker loaders that will be delivered to Northern VA (I belive the same address where you purchased your tractor and will save you some shipping costs). I can also install or help you install your loader. The biggest problem with 2wd and a loader is it will be more difficult to steer in close quarters and you will not have brakes (especially going downhill) if the rear of the tractor is not sufficiently weighted. The Koyker mounting and hydraulic kit is made specifically for your tractor and is not difficult to install. Call or email me. I am in Southern Maryland (www.eastcoasttractor.com) and my email is htiek@netzero.com.