ADD LOADER OR REPLACE TRACTOR

[deere5105]

Well after much thought and shopping around, I took the plunge and placed an order for a John Deere 512 loader today. I did an initial discing of our food plots over the weekend with our heavy 8' 3PT disc. I had no problems handling it and only lost traction with it buried to the axles in very loose soil. This is the heaviest implement I will use and was pleased with the overall performance. I encountered several situations where I needed the loader to move some dead trees. I considered the quick attach model, but decided against it since I don't forsee needing to remove the loader frame. I checked around and most people I know don't take the loader frame off. Loader was in stock, but mounting brackets were gonna either have to brought in from another store or ordered. Gonna attempt to post a pic of the tractor before the loader and another after I get it installed. Thanks for all the advice and recommendations.

 

[deere5105]

First attempt to post picture.

 

[MarkV]

Well after much thought and shopping around, I took the plunge and placed an order for a John Deere 512 loader today. I did an initial discing of our food plots over the weekend with our heavy 8' 3PT disc. I had no problems handling it and only lost traction with it buried to the axles in very loose soil. This is the heaviest implement I will use and was pleased with the overall performance. I encountered several situations where I needed the loader to move some dead trees. I considered the quick attach model, but decided against it since I don't forsee needing to remove the loader frame. I checked around and most people I know don't take the loader frame off. Loader was in stock, but mounting brackets were gonna either have to brought in from another store or ordered. Gonna attempt to post a pic of the tractor before the loader and another after I get it installed. Thanks for all the advice and recommendations.

Deere5105, does that loader have the skid steer type of bucket quick release system? I'll tell you, being able to switch to a set of forks or bale spear easily sure is a nice thing. I never thought I would use a set of forks as much as I do.

MarkV

 

[deere5105]

Deere5105, does that loader have the skid steer type of bucket quick release system? I'll tell you, being able to switch to a set of forks or bale spear easily sure is a nice thing. I never thought I would use a set of forks as much as I do.

MarkV

Mark V, The Deere quick attach system is standard for this loader. I stayed with that instesad of the skid steer type system. The Deere system is very easy to use too. You just hook the loader arms under the hook system on the attachments, pick up and pin the attachment on. Since I don't have any skid steer attachments, I figured I would just pick up attachments that fit this system. I can go back and make it skid steer compatible if the need arises.

 

[deere5105]

After what seems like an eternity, my loader finally came in and I had it installed yesterday. Have been able to use it a little to move a large Hickory limb out of a road and tighten up a brush pile. So far it looks like this is going to be a handy tool. I was at the dealership yesterday prior to their opening and stayed until the installation was complete. Was interested to see how it all went together. Run into one problem in that the brand new bucket, I watched them uncrate it, had a misaligned connector on one side. The pin would not go through and latch. Fortunately my dealer had several of these buckets and quickly brought another in and it worked perfectly. After studying on bucket hooks, I ordered some of the 5/16" weld-on grab hooks and they arrived prior to the FEL coming in. I was able to get the shop foreman to weld three of them on for me while I was there. The new general purpose buckets replaced the heavy duty and materials buckets of the past. This bucket seemed to be plenty sturdy and braced well. I had him weld the hooks straight to the top of the bucket. I was able to get the salesman to "throw in" a can of paint for touching up scratches and a hat. Overall my experience has been great and I look forward to many years and many projects to come. I am going to try to post a few pictures of before and after.Thanks for all the advice and suggestions. I am sure more questions will come.