Articulated loader build

roygage · Nov 14, 2011

Thought I would share some pictures of a articluted loader I have been working on for some time. Last year been busy so not much progress.

The basis of it is a Fuel injected, 90 Grand Prix, 3.1 Gm V6 with 125 three speed trans-axle with welded spiders feeding a big four speed from a old 69 C-50 Chevy truck. Final drive is a 80 chain from the four speed to a one ton Chevy differential which in turn is coupled to another matching differential on the front half.

Had it running and seemed to work quite well, got greedy though and dropped it into gear on high idle with the shop door shut. Hit the brakes, in panic, and the chain pulled the transmission towards the differential causing the ears to break off the trans. where it bolts to a 3/4 steel plate.

The transmission rear support bearing, a bearing and frt. hub off a 90s Chevy 4WD, was the next project. Haste makes waste, have another transmission case but my haste sure made me some work.

Anyway, here is a link to a set of pictures on Flickr.

articulted loader - a set on Flickr

On some of the pictures I have comments explaining different features

During my short test drives it worked well, steering I cheaped out on unwilling to drop the money on a Char Lynn steering valve until sure rest worked out.

Lot of work done, much still needs to be done. Regards, Roy

Scooby074 · Nov 15, 2011

Looks good. Reminds me of a Kubota R series.

chad22 · Nov 15, 2011

I'm loving it. :thumbsup: I'm thinking of building one as well. Though it will probably just be a regular loader backhoe. I probably won't make it articulated though. I'm gonna be swapping my v8 engine out of my 1992 Chevy truck and will probably use that in the loader backhoe.

Along with an automatic transmission. I'll probably build it so I'll have heat and ac in it as well. That would be so cool. Hoping to get started on it next summer.

I know I could just go out and buy one someday. But heck where's the fun in that? :thumbsup: :laughing:

I just love to weld and build things. I got the engine and transmission so might as well.

Chad

mjncad · Nov 15, 2011

That's one ambitious project, and I'll bet all the plans were done in BrainCAD and stored there too. :thumbsup:

babypp2 · Nov 15, 2011

Great thread! Also my favorite view.

roygage · Nov 15, 2011

Scooby074 said:
Looks good. Reminds me of a Kubota R series.

Really? A Kubota R series? Your one sharp fellow, to see the R series in this under all the rust and bare metal. Dad had a 520 R series and most of the dimensions have been lifted from it.(-:

There is a poop sheet on the R series which gives all the dimensions, lift height, turning angle and oscillation angle ect. It was my bible.

At the time I started this project i was badly in need of a loader having to load all my horse manure by hand onto my old C-50 truck, long ways up there. I have since Kubotaed up and now have a L3000 DT and a M5040 both with loaders.

The need for the homebuilt has faded but still would like to finish it up, built a cab for my 3000 last winter so now confident I can do the glass and finish the cab up properly. With the rear engine hoping the cab noise level will be tolerable.

Once I get the loader fleshed out there is a ton of final welding, lot of it is just spot welded, and trim to do. Back differential housing warped when I welded it, likely will need to be redone. Was not happy with my welding on the hyd. tank ect. In short several things are done well enough to get it going but would likely be redone if I start to use it. Did get a quick attach end built to hook up to the bucket last winter, that I was very happy with. Priced new and were from 750. to 1000.

Again, sharp eye on spotting the 520, Regards, Roy

roygage · Nov 15, 2011

chad22 said:
I'm loving it. :thumbsup: I'm thinking of building one as well. Though it will probably just be a regular loader backhoe. I probably won't make it articulated though. I'm gonna be swapping my v8 engine out of my 1992 Chevy truck and will probably use that in the loader backhoe.

Along with an automatic transmission. I'll probably build it so I'll have heat and ac in it as well. That would be so cool. Hoping to get started on it next summer.

I know I could just go out and buy one someday. But heck where's the fun in that? :thumbsup: :laughing:

I just love to weld and build things. I got the engine and transmission so might as well.

Chad

Chad, sounds like we are brothers in arms, here is a link to the Kubota 520 spec sheet, lot of good info.

Kubota Tractor Corporation - Construction Equipment | R520S