70A loader .... and other loader options for 955

[Mechanos]

I've been looking around for a loader and the 70A's seem to be hard to come by. Looks like the options for loaders are the 70A, 300cx, and an aftermarket CTC 9050. I haven't seen any used 300cx loaders, but they are available new from JD. The 955 mounting brackets and oil line conversion kits, etc. are pretty spendy and adds up quick to make the 300cx a costly option.

I see that CTC is now offering a loader for the 955 (model 9050) but it's so new, I haven't heard anything about it. I've read about some people having some problems with CTC loaders, but those seemed to all be problems with the PTO aux. hydraulic pump & pump mount on the smaller garden tractors. Since the 9050 uses the tractor's hydraulics, I don't think there'd be an issue.

So, trying to compare the options, what is the rated lifting capacity of the 70A loader on a 955? Also, was is the lifting capacity of the 300cx on 955? I got the specs for the 9050 off of the CTC website and wanted to see how the other two options compared.

 

[JD755]

The spec sheet from the operator manual for the 70A loader is attached. The far column is for the 955. The other sheet is numbers from a brochure for the 300 series loaders. However, some of those may not correlate directly to a 955. Also, JD Parts only shows a 955 mounting kit for the 300X, not for the 300CX.

 

[kebo]

Dang, can anyone read those spec's? Or, are my eyes getting that bad???

 

[kennyd]

Used loaders are hard to come by...people just don't sell them without tractors because it adds so much to the resale value. If you do find one-it often wrecked anyway.

I have never heard of CTC loaders.

 

[JD755]

Dang, can anyone read those spec's? Or, are my eyes getting that bad???

After you click on the thumbnail to make it bigger, your curser should show a plus symbol meaning if you then click on the full size image it will get bigger still. At that point you will need to scroll to see everything. Since the print was small, I made sure they would expand to a large enough size to read.

 

[Mechanos]

Here's a link to the CTC website for those that are interested. I would appreciate it if a few of you could look at it and respond with your thoughts of the loader. I'm new to the loader game and could use some experienced, objective opinions.

Note: I have no affiliation with CTC whatsoever.... I'm just a guy looking for a loader for his tractor.

 

[arrabil]

That loader doesn't look half as strong as the 300cx. Still, it might be just what you're looking for. Only you can make that decision. I'll tell you I would never buy your tractor with that loader on it if you were selling it at a later date. Does that change anything for you?

 

[kennyd]

Have you looked at any of the other brands? Like:

bushhog
quicke
westendorf
woods

I still would be partial to the JD model...

 

[Mechanos]

Thanks for the suggestions Kenny. I checked into the Westendorf TA 111. It was quoted to me within a few dollars of the price of a 300CX. I know where one 70A is for sale, but I think it's a bit overpriced. I know of another that might be for sale, but the owner hasn't decided if he wants to sell it or not.

 

[dsmau]

I don't know if you are aware but between the 70A and the 300cx, JD adapted the 420 loader to the 855/955. I am not sure if the 430 is the same geometry but something like this might interest you:
John Deere 430 LOADER FITS 4005 OR 990 Tractor Loaders - John Deere MachineFinder

 

[dsmau]

I don't know if you are aware but between the 70A and the 300cx, JD adapted the 420 loader to the 855/955. I am not sure if the 430 is the same geometry but something like this might interest you:
John Deere 430 LOADER FITS 4005 OR 990 Tractor Loaders - John Deere MachineFinder

Here is a 420 John Deere 420 Tractor Loaders - John Deere MachineFinder
and not too expensive. The advantage of these over the 70A is that they are JDQA compatible.

 

[Mechanos]

I don't know if you are aware but between the 70A and the 300cx, JD adapted the 420 loader to the 855/955. I am not sure if the 430 is the same geometry but something like this might interest you:
John Deere 430 LOADER FITS 4005 OR 990 Tractor Loaders - John Deere MachineFinder

Thanks for that... it does look like Deere has 855/955 mounting frames for the 420 and 430 loaders. I guess the options are growing.

So, let me ask this... what is the avg. going price for a used loader. I see that the one in dsmau's post is selling for $3000. Should I expect to pay more or less for 70A (since it is not quick attach, etc.)

 

[Mechanos]

Here is a 420 John Deere 420 Tractor Loaders - John Deere MachineFinder
and not too expensive. The advantage of these over the 70A is that they are JDQA compatible.

Thanks again.... the only downside I can see to the 420 is that the oil lines come off the loader on the wrong side. So I there would be some additional costs associated with rerouting the oil lines to the other side of the loader/tractor.

 

[dsmau]

Thanks for that... it does look like Deere has 855/955 mounting frames for the 420 and 430 loaders. I guess the options are growing.

So, let me ask this... what is the avg. going price for a used loader. I see that the one in dsmau's post is selling for $3000. Should I expect to pay more or less for 70A (since it is not quick attach, etc.)

From my experience, 2000$ for a decent shape loader is a good price. They are rarely below that from what I have seen in the last few years.

 

[Mechanos]

On the 70A, do the masts "attach" to the mounting frames? Or do they just "sit" on there?

 

[JD755]

On the 70A, do the masts "attach" to the mounting frames? Or do they just "sit" on there?

The masts sit on the loader bar. They are forced tightly in there during the mounting process using the loader hydraulics while it elevates the front wheels. It is then locked in that position by moving rods to close latches at the front of the tractor while sitting on the tractor seat. There is a procedure to adjust shims in the loader bar to assure a tight fit. In the procedure you loosen a couple bolts, move the shim, and tighten the bolts. It is a one time procedure other than being available to adjust for wear.

Some pics from a previous thread about 70 loader and shims.

 

[955er]

The masts sit on the loader bar. They are forced tightly in there during the mounting process using the loader hydraulics while it elevates the front wheels. It is then locked in that position by moving rods to close latches at the front of the tractor while sitting on the tractor seat. There is a procedure to adjust shims in the loader bar to assure a tight fit. In the procedure you loosen a couple bolts, move the shim, and tighten the bolts. It is a one time procedure other than being available to adjust for wear.

Some pics from a previous thread about 70 loader and shims.

JD755: Do you have the MOP for adjusting the shims? Mine bounces around a bit in the loader bars.

 

[JD755]

JD755: Do you have the MOP for adjusting the shims? Mine bounces around a bit in the loader bars.

Here is the page from the manual. Slightly lift loader from bar, loosen wedge bolts, lower wedges, tighten bolts, lower loader. Should be nice and tight then. Note the one inch dimension is at the mounting point at the front of the tractor.

 

[ironwood]

Good info on the shimming JD755, Thanks

Ironwood

 

[NHDon]

machanos, I don't mean to but in but... I also have a JD 955 and am looking for a front end loader. If one of these loaders is available I sure would like to know about it. With appreciation, Don