2000-06-09
[BTW, although the tractor came from MI, I'm in VA. 2nd best--my PTO! Sorry about the picture, thought I did it right]
Let me try to talk about both Wen and Bird's comments.
Here is the big one.
I agree with you on the OEM issue, even though the undistinguished rep of SMC that makes NH loaders does not warm my TimTaylor heart. Only one problem, NH does not make a loader for this tractor! You heard right! The 33LA that fits the TN/TNS, et al, will not work, they say. So it is 3rd party or none.
The 7108 factory loader on my Ford 1720 is faultless after 12 years.
Much is not detailed on the www site beyond basic specs as you have seen. The Alo/Quicke guys sell complete hydraulics kits that tie into the power beyond capability on the TNF just past the pump, providing up to 4 scvs. The OEM remote setup is 2 lever controlled scvs in the rear, with no factory joystick and very little room for one in this cab. There is a Bosch pump with implement flow of either 17 or 19 gpm, depending on whether you go by the manual or the sales literature.
On the specs, I believe most mfrs now use either the SAE (automobile engrs) or ASAE (ag engrs) stds, with ASAE resulting in slightly higher numbers if I am not mistaken. Careful reading is definitely important I agree.
I believe the issue with Alo and my tractor is one of stability due to its narrowness at minimum setting (about 58 inches!). As I said before, the TNF is lower, heavier (6300#) and longer (about 150 inches) than the TN/TND/S series, but the narrower is what worries their lawyers I'll wager. Alo and Woods both say they have had the TNF in their shops and that they make specific subframes for it, though I noted in the dealer's book that Alo specifies the same one for the TN and TNF tractors.
The 4 in one bucket has become popular around here, esp on compacts, but it is only a consideration at this point, not definite. You are right, it is not a bulldozer, but for clamshelling things up from the ground it is reputed to work well. And with 2500-3000# of full height lift capacity, a few extra #s does not worry me too much. Further comments?
Wen, are you saying that bolts have actually been sheared due to too high a load on a loader frame? Wow, but better bolts than blocks or bell housings (saw one of those busted in the dealer's shop, ouch).
The TNF wheels can be set from 58 to about 70+ inches, so I plan on a 72 inch bucket. For safe loader and backhoe work, all the folks I have spoken to say keep the tires out more so than in. The Supersteer (turns 76 degrees) front axle presents its own set of issues for a loader as well.
Anyone have any experience on the Woods loaders? Bush Hog is not making any loaders that fit the Supersteer New Hollands, but the product manager there was really helpful on cutters, etc.
I'm gonna try the picture again. Thanks, gentlemen,
Jim
