Building a Loader for a MF1215

[Mith]

Go down a tractor dealer and ask if you can look through theirs.
I've had all sorts of fun 'discovering' what is on the shelves at the back of the stores.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I'm getting quite a bit of help with the fittings over in the hydraulic forum.

While I was waiting for an epiphany on the hydraulic fittings, I tinkered with the subframe a bit. I tried the old subframe just to see if I could adapt it to work on the new tractor. I came to the conclusion that the effort to modify the old subframe was more than the cost and effort to build new. New will give me the chance to make a subframe that will someday support a mini backhoe.

I have the first set of brackets fabbed out of cardboard, and I've made the first few cuts in the steel. I'm going to need to buy some more steel. Here's hoping that new steel has started following the scrap prices.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I paid $96 and got the hose thing figured out for me. Now I'm back in business with the hydraulics. I also bought a heaftier piece for the main cross member of the subframe. That was $57. If I keep it up at this pace, I'll spend as much as if I'd just bought a loader and had it professionally installed.

Here's hoping I can make some time to fabricate this weekend.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I cut and drilled the front mounting brackets for the subframe. You'd think I'd be able to post more progress than that for a whole Saturday, but life happens. Besides, cutting 1/2" steel with an angle grinder is not exactly quick.

I've included pics of the left and right mounting brackets. In the first picture (the right bracket) you can see the new hose to the left of the bracket under the fuel filter.

I actually spend about 2 hours yesterday helping a neighboor dig out of the snow. I was running the 3 pt. up and down constantly the whole time since I was using a back blade. Everything ran great. That tells me that the hose is working okay.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I cut out the main cross member of the subframe that will hold the loader uprights, and tacked it in place. It's pure luck that the front wheels clear it. I didn't even think to take that into account. As it is, though, there's enough clearance to be comfortable with it.

In the pictures you can see the clearance at its nearest point. You can also see where I've tacked the beam in place.

In addition I've jacked up the rear end and taken off one of the wheels so that I can get to the ROPS mounting bolts. I'm going to mount the back of the subframe into these bolt holes.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I got the subframe put together. I am amazed that I was able to negotiate all of the pipes, pedals, and levers under the tractor with a straight tube. I thought for sure I'd have to Jerrymander around. Don't mind the mis-matched rust patterns. I used what I had handy. The only piece that I had to buy was the main tube going accross at the front.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

No pictures this time, sorry. I was too late getting out of the shop last night to get pictures.

I have the loader put in place on the tractor now, but I don't have it bolted down. I had an issue with the bolt pattern to connect the loader to the subframe. The original subframe on the old tractor was made out of 3" square tubing, and this new one is 3" X 4". I measured the holes in the loader uprights, and I had plenty of clearance. But, I forgot to account for space for the nuts.

I think I have the problem solved, now. I bought some longer bolts to go the whole depth of the subframe such that the nut will actually be beneath the subframe. This has the added advantage of putting the stress on the system in such a way that the weak link is not my amateur welding skills.

I also had an issue with hooking up the hydraulics. The hose on the tractor bent so sharply around a corner that the stress made it so I couldn't get the QD's apart. I ended up removing the whole hose and putting in an elbow. It goes together slick as a whisle now.

The good news is that I was able to play around with the hydraulics enough with the tractor running to know that I have the hydraulic connnections right.

I'm so excited to get this thing done!!

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I've got all the fabrication done!!!

I have the mounting plates that hold the loader to the subframe tacked on, and I'm going to have to take the subframe off to finish welding. (Sorry, I'm not good enough to weld upside down yet.)

Actually, I just remembered that I want to make one more attachment point from the subframe to the tractor. That shouldn't take too long, though. I think two more nights in the garage and I should have it.

It was -10 F when I came in from working on it tonight. My detached garage is not insulated, and the only heat I have is a couple of kerosene heaters.

 

[jimmer2880]

Keep it up. I can't wait to see the finished product

 

[joes_427_vette]

WOW !!! Where are you at... Alaska ? I just finished for the day working on my loader bucket for a 4110 JD. Northern Wisconsin and its 12 above zero at 6:45 pm. I'm lucky to have a new shop that is huge, well lite and heated by a hanging furnace.
The loader you have looks in good condition. So basically all your doing is building a frame to mount it. That shouldn't be too bad. You best take a break and head for the hot chocolate.