Bent loader frame

[JHurt]

Anyone ever have any luck straightening a loader frame? I bent/twisted mine trying to move a HUGE concrete slab that is left over from a cattle waterer in our pasture. It's far to big to pick up, so I was trying to push it to a back part of the pasture. i was going along real slow when it shifted/caught and sort of "rolled" one corner of the bucket. Now the arm on the loader left side is noticeably lower (and maybe back) and the bucket doesn't sit parallel to the ground. Its not a huge amount, but it noticeable, and certainly causes issues when trying to use the bucket to scoop. The biggest issue is I can't see anywhere on the loader that is bent, so it's hard to tell where to try to pull it back at. We have an automotive frame machine here at work, and I'm thinking I may able to use it to pull on the loader. It's over 2k for just the loader frame, and I would really don't want to buy it if I don't have to. Thoughts, ideas?

 

[RNeumann]

Funny- as I was reading the first thing I thought was an automotive frame straightener. Once it’s in there, you will be able to measure where the Bend is. If you have the time and skills the job shouldn’t cost too much.

But for most without a jig to measure and pull like you have it would be tough to do.

 

[Thomas]

Do you know of good welding shop for they might have the tool or idea.

 

[AllDodge]

Going to be tuff, have seen some backhoes bend the arm, and they cut the bent sectioned off, then welded one off another junk yard loader arm.

Kind of hard to say without pics, but maybe take the bucket off, place a chain around a tree to that side of the arm. Then use a torch to heat it up and might be able to bend it back. I used a number 10 rose bud torch with propane and oxygen to bend my track loader edge back in place

 

[ruffdog]

If you use the frame machine, take the loader off the tractor. Tie the rear mounts and unbent side to the plate and jack up the low side.

 

[oldballs]

IIRC...I tweaked my bucket/FEL by about 1/2 inch by lifting (the opposite side) the FEL under a low tree limb. That leveled it out again, but was on a small Kubota BX2660. Good Luck.

Mike

 

[ovrszd]

IIRC...I tweaked my bucket/FEL by about 1/2 inch by lifting (the opposite side) the FEL under a low tree limb. That leveled it out again, but was on a small Kubota BX2660. Good Luck.

Mike

Yep. Try that first. As others said, hard to tell without knowing how bad it is. I've twisted mine several times and corrected it as Mike suggests.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Anyone ever have any luck straightening a loader frame? I bent/twisted mine trying to move a HUGE concrete slab that is left over from a cattle waterer in our pasture. It's far to big to pick up, so I was trying to push it to a back part of the pasture. i was going along real slow when it shifted/caught and sort of "rolled" one corner of the bucket. Now the arm on the loader left side is noticeably lower (and maybe back) and the bucket doesn't sit parallel to the ground. Its not a huge amount, but it noticeable, and certainly causes issues when trying to use the bucket to scoop. The biggest issue is I can't see anywhere on the loader that is bent, so it's hard to tell where to try to pull it back at. We have an automotive frame machine here at work, and I'm thinking I may able to use it to pull on the loader. It's over 2k for just the loader frame, and I would really don't want to buy it if I don't have to. Thoughts, ideas?

Just did the same thing to my fel quick attach. Was pushing large loads of brush with my grapple when a branch came through and popped the right lever up. Grapple came off on the right but stayed attached on the left while I was still pushing and didn't see it. I could tell right away I wonkied it and dropped the grapple and took it back to the shop. The quick attach plates were 2 inches out of level with each other. After much discussion and *&%^$#, we removed the unit and my son took it home to his shop. He cut the round bar steel between the two and that allowed them to line back up. Then he welded a new 1/4 inch steel pipe inside of the one he just cut. Painted it up and put it back on yesterday. Works like a charm.

 

[ovrszd]

Just did the same thing to my fel quick attach. Was pushing large loads of brush with my grapple when a branch came through and popped the right lever up. Grapple came off on the right but stayed attached on the left while I was still pushing and didn't see it. I could tell right away I wonkied it and dropped the grapple and took it back to the shop. The quick attach plates were 2 inches out of level with each other. After much discussion and *&%^$#, we removed the unit and my son took it home to his shop. He cut the round bar steel between the two and that allowed them to line back up. Then he welded a new 1/4 inch steel pipe inside of the one he just cut. Painted it up and put it back on yesterday. Works like a charm.

Yep. Worst case that might be required. I'd try loading the high end of the bucket first.

What you described is typical damage caused when one side unlatches.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Yep. Worst case that might be required. I'd try loading the high end of the bucket first.

What you described is typical damage caused when one side unlatches.

I didn't want to try and "force" it back and do more damage. Lucky for me my son is really good at these types of things and has the right equipment I paid for anyway...