Front-End Loader '76 2040 Deere...

dntfxr · Jul 2, 2012

Hi Folks,
I have an early open center hydraulics 2040 and I'd like to find a FEL for it. It seems like the JD 145 loader is the most common for these tractors and I've seen a few for sale online but I'm not sure how to tell if the valve is made for open or closed center hydraulics. Is it simple to convert a loader over to open center if it was originally closed? Pretty sure a brand new FEL is more than I paid for the tractor... Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance

1savoy · Jul 3, 2012

dntfxr,

To the best of my knowledge JD's from that vintage could have been closed center or open center. Therefore the 145 or 146 loaders may have been used on either type of hydraulic system. Most spool valves have a port to convert from open to closed or vice versa. I had a JD with closed center hydraulics and converted two different valves to closed from open. Take a look at the link I attached and you will see the conversion plugs listed. This is not the valve on the JD but attached for reference. I would think any of the valves from JD around that vintage would be able to be converted. You should be able to buy the parts directly from JD also, though it may be cheaper to buy elsewhere. I attached a list out of the JD catalog for the 145 loader. It shows different loader valves and part 12A shows a conversion plug. There are quite a few different JD loaders that will fit your 2040 up to the current JD offerings as you probably know. Just need to make sure you get the correct mountings brackets. Some brackets can still be found sitting around at dealers that never got used. Good luck in your search.

Surplus Center - 2 SPOOL 25 GPM JOYSTICK LOADER CONTROL VALVE

http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.HomePageServlet_Alt

Looks like the JD parts catalog link is not pulling up all the info. Type in 145 and click find. Expand farm loader and then sectional index. You will see the hydraulic valves and parts listed.

dntfxr · Jul 3, 2012

Wow great info, thanks for the reply! That will definitely help me to sort it out! Now to find a gently used one...

1savoy · Jul 3, 2012

dntfxr,

That will be the tricky part. I went through the same thing a few years back. Off the top of my head I think 145, 146, 175, 240, 520, and 521 would all fit the 2040 with the right tractor to loader brackets. I am pretty sure the 521 is the latest offering. I personally like the looks of the 520 the best. I have some pictures around of these if you need some ideas of the different models. Some may not be appealing to you. The 175 and 240 mount quite high. Have you priced the 521 just for fun?? Good luck, Russ

dntfxr · Jul 3, 2012

Thanks Russ. I didn't realize the different models would change the look that much, I'm glad you brought that to my attention. Looks do make a difference to me and my little Deere is in really good shape for a '76 model so I don't want to Frankenstein it lol. I have found pictures of all the loaders but the 520 online and there is a 175 for sale fairly close by.
It seems most of the used loaders are around 3500$ or so, and most nice ones are 500+miles away. It does make buying a new 521 seem like a better option. Best I can remember, the JD dealer told me it was around $5000+, I only paid 4500 for the tractor...! I'll call tomorrow to get a price on one, but I may still just take my time and try to locate a nice used one. If anyone runs across a deal on a gently used one please let me know.

Btw I did add something to my tractor today. The TSC sunshade is not quite the new cab tractor I've been dreaming of, but it sure is better than nothing with these 100F days!

1savoy · Jul 3, 2012

Wow!!! That is a great looking 2040. I like the sunshade. That is all the cab a tractor really needs, right??? Sounds like you did pretty well buying it. I think that series of JD's were one of the nicest they built. Sure are heavy duty and will likely last forever. Here are a few 520 loader pictures I had along with a 175 snuck in. I have a few more 175 pictures around also if you like. I also saw some 143 loader pictures. I forgot about those. They were just a single curl cylinder like some of the older loaders and some of the TLB's like the 310. From looking at the pictures I think I like all of them and would be happy with any of them if you can get a decent deal on one that is in good shape. Happy loader hunting and they are out there if you are patient, otherwise a new 521 may not be a bad alternative either.

Zebrafive · Jul 4, 2012

1savoy,
Which picture in post #6 is the 175 loader? Some I could read the model numbers, ,others, I could not.

dntfxr,
Do you want a loader that the loader quick attachs/removes? meaning whole loader, not just the bucket. If so, that would eliminate some models.
I think the 521 replaced the 520 and it was just a redesign with the front cross tube moved for better visablity of the front mounted lights on the newer model tractors. 540, 541 & 542 were designed for clearance of the larger front tires of a 4x4, but would work too.
I think a 175 would be a good match (hint to 1savoy post some pictures) and the 240 would be too big.

Good luck finding something.

1savoy · Jul 4, 2012

Zebrafive,

The 175 was the first picture. It did not show much of the loader, just the valve and joystick JD was using. I agree the 175 loader would be a good match as long as the look is appealing to dntfxr. Here are a few pictures of the 175 I had around. I think the 175 still needs 4 bolts pulled to remove the loader, similar to the 145 and 146 (6 I believe on these two). Is that correct? I think the other change for the 521 was the single plate mast loader frame on the tractor (for lack of better term) that I think is supposed to help visibility.

Well here are some more pic's. From left to right: 521, 175, 175, 521, 521, 521, 521, 520, 143, 521 520, 175. Sorry the order is all mixed up. Someday I will take time to figure out the managing attachments better.

dntfxr · Jul 4, 2012

Thanks for the complement and info fellows. Russ you are spot on about the quality of these older tractors, they are really built to last and have power to spare.
Back to the loaders, quick detach would be nice, but not a deal breaker. Which models offer that?
I must say that the 520, 521, and even 143 seem to look a little better than the 175 in those pictures. The 175 looks like it sets a little bit higher. The Deere dealers were closed today so I couldn't get a quote on a new one. But the 175 that is relatively close only has 1500hrs on it though faded some, just not sure if it has the right brackets to mount it. I'll check it out and keep looking for some of the others available. I really appreciate all the info on which models will work for me. I'm not in a big hurry so I'll keep looking until I find the right one.
Thanks again!

dntfxr · Jul 4, 2012

Btw, would anyone know how much a new 521 loader costs?

Hmmm, Deere website only show 512, 522, 542, 553 loaders as currently available...

1savoy · Jul 5, 2012

Looks like the 521 became the 522, as far as I can tell. If you look at the parts catalog link from an earlier post, you can expand the sectional index (for the 522 loader) and look at the mounting frames, masts, boom. Item #3 shows the mounting frame for the (20, 30, 40, 50 AND 55 SERIES TRACTORS). Looks like that would be the loader you would need. I think from trying to "build your own" JD utility tractor the 553 loader came in a little over $5000. I could not find a current model that uses the 522 to build and get a ball park price. Probably going to be in that general range. As far as quick attach the 520, 521, and 522 will be what we think of as quick attach. The older 145, 146, and I think 175 have to have some bolts pulled to detach. 6 bolts on the 145, 146 and I think 4 on the 175. Still would only take a few minutes to remove the loader. I set mine up to leave the control valve on the loader and just two hydraulic fittings to un-hook from tractor to loader. The newer loaders use the cable operated joystick (or at least they did) and use 4 hydraulic fittings at the control valve. The 143, 512, older 48's and the like are not quick attach. Looks like you may have to talk to a dealer to get a price on the 522. If the 175 near you is in good shape, it may be a decent way to go. Just faded paint could be somewhat easily fixed. I would just recommend using paint from JD and not TSC or the like. JD paint is the correct color and holds up much better and is only a couple of dollars more. You can also buy all the decals to make it look like new. You can get prices from the parts link. Just set up an account, then add the parts to your shopping cart to get the prices. If you have a decent dealer, they should knock a little (10-15%) off the prices listed on parts. I think I am like you and prefer the looks of the 143, 145, 146 and 520, but I would not discount looking at the 175. Sorry for the long reply. Good luck.

Zebrafive · Jul 5, 2012

The 175 has four pins to pull. the rear boom and rear lifty cylinder pivot pins. They have a lever and a quick lock pin. NOT as easy as the newer loaders, but easier than unbolting nuts & bolts of the other older loaders.

What price did you find on the 175 loader? I would think $2500
There is a new 522 listed on tractor house for $4050

dntfxr · Jul 5, 2012

Thanks again for the help. I called my local Deere dealer and he said he was pretty sure Deere wouldn't have a loader available for my tractor, then proceeded to offer a bush hog brand for 6-7 grand... I thanked him for his time lol.

That 522 for 4000 looks like a steal, quite bit north of here though, but still may be worth it. I'll check with some other Deere dealers around here on a price too. The 175 for sale here is listed at 3500, but he might take less, never can tell. After looking closer it looks like the 175 will bolt right up too, not sure on the hydraulics though. If that loader doesn't sell for a week or two he might be willing to take less. I'd be a lot more comfortable spending 2500 on it than 3500.

1savoy · Jul 8, 2012

dntfxr,

The 175 loader in LA looks pretty nice in the pictures. Like you said, a little faded, but the bucket looks straight and overall it appears in really nice shape. The 522 sounds like a great deal. Might be worth calling the dealer on that and see what it includes. If it does not have the correct loader brackets for the 2040 and does not include the spool valve and joystick, the price may not be as good as it appears. If the price does include these or for a small amount more, see if the dealer deals with any trucking companies that could ship it for a reasonable price. If not check this link for hauling schedules. I used a hauler thru these listings before and had good luck. As far as the 175 hydraulics, it appears the valve and joystick are there. Find out from the dealer if it was on as open or closed hydraulic tractor. If it was a closed, then negotiate in the correct valve plug to switch back to open. The mount of the joystick is similar to what you would see on the 145 and 146 loaders where the valve stays on the loader. Only two lines to tie into your hydraulics and you would be all set. Here are a few pictures of what the valve setup would look like. You could also change this setup to a cable operated joystick like some of the pictures I posted before if you like that better. Most everything you would need could be purchased from supluscenter.com

Hauling Ads - Yesterday's Tractor Co.