Loader DK40 Loader- ******* Application Questions

[kantuckid]

I have owned my DK40 for about 10 years and recently decided I'd like a loader but unwilling to spend too big to own one as my use will be limited.
I've seen several loaders on web sales that were the correct size for my tractor but lacked the proper brackets. The brackets in each case were either missing or for another tractor application.
Obviously these Kioti's are not mainstream machines.
The loaders from Bush Hog have changed manufacturer, as they sold out their own factory, thus their loader brackets are no longer made or stocked. New loader design, no old brackets for a DK40 for old design loaders.
I've also seen several Kubota loaders with brkts for Kubota-has anyone mounted a Kubota loader using Kubota brkts to a Kioti?
Has anyone bought properly sized loader which they were able to mount to my tractor-using the wrong brackets?
Bottom line is that there are a number of used or NOS loaders out there seemingly most of which have the wrong brackets for my DK40. The brackets are a difficult fabrication, even given that I am a skilled tradesman.
My question of using wrong brackets centers on if the fitup to a Kioti frame is that difficult to pull off, e.g., change the holes or other fairly simple operations?

 

[k0ua]

You are charting some new territory here.. I suspect there is going to have to be quite a bit of fabrication done to get a proper fit up. If you do it, take lots of pictures at each step along the way for the next guy behind you.

 

[ovrszd]

Sorry I can't give detailed answers from personal experience.

But with that said, in my world, nothing is ever simple. I have absolutely no confidence in finding brackets from any tractor than your make/model that would bolt up without modification.

So, I'd expect to have to fabricate them. I think I could pull that off. And I don't consider myself a skilled tradesman at all. I consider myself a slightly above average home shop craftsman that can fabricate within acceptable tolerances.

 

[kantuckid]

It must be snowing in MO?:laughing:

I'm looking for specific comments from people that have (or tried to) modify brackets to fit a Kioti in tractor.
It's a fact that the loaders are generic to certain size tractors and have broad applications, while the brackets are/do not.

The new Kioti tractor's are being offered with a "free" loader-maybe a dealer will make me a deal... I don't see that getting me to a price point I will like?

 

[ovrszd]

It must be snowing in MO?:laughing:

I'm looking for specific comments from people that have (or tried to) modify brackets to fit a Kioti in tractor.
It's a fact that the loaders are generic to certain size tractors and have broad applications, while the brackets are/do not.

The new Kioti tractor's are being offered with a "free" loader-maybe a dealer will make me a deal... I don't see that getting me to a price point I will like?

No, it's not snowing but it's cold as Crap!!!

I hear ya. I'll be pleasantly surprised if you find someone that has done a modification that would fit a specific FEL that you can buy to your specific tractor!!!! But ya never know!!! Good Luck!!!

 

[Hope Caper]

Go to a steel fab shop. Better to have someone with a lot of experience look over your job.
Get an estimate. You can get details settled such as load requirement and design.
Make your decision. Does it fit your budget? Maybe you change tractors?
Unless you really want to get into the engineering aspects of all this. In which case, fill your boots. We all have to have a hobby.

 

[ovrszd]

He called himself a "Skilled Tradesman". I don't think he needs a fab shop. He's got this!!!! :thumbsup:

 

[TSO]

Sell your tractor and buy one with a loader. There is alot that goes into a loader bracket. Making sure the frame connection points will be safe and strong enough for both the loader and the machine will be difficult. Most loader brackets will connect to the back of the tractor also. Without having a factory model to go off, and without the R&D done to make sure the bracket won't break, and won't damage the tractor... It's too much of a gamble.

 

[4570Man]

I think you are getting in over your head. I think I could pull it off, but I have better than average shop equipment and 3 tractors with a loader to go by. Also your resale value will be crap with a cobbled up loader. A agree with TSO to sell your tractor and buy one with a loader.

 

[ovrszd]

I'm surprised you guys are so pessimistic. I looked at my M9540 Kubota brackets today. I could replicate them fairly easily. Even easier if I bought an FEL with brackets that I could simply modify. There are some critical measurements that are needed. Will take some time researching to find an FEL that meets those needs. From there it's just modification.

4570Man, kinda egotistical for you to claim the ability while saying the OP is over his head. Do you know him or something??

 

[TSO]

I'm surprised you guys are so pessimistic. I looked at my M9540 Kubota brackets today. I could replicate them fairly easily. Even easier if I bought an FEL with brackets that I could simply modify. There are some critical measurements that are needed. Will take some time researching to find an FEL that meets those needs. From there it's just modification.

4570Man, kinda egotistical for you to claim the ability while saying the OP is over his head. Do you know him or something??

Hey I like fabricating my own stuff too, and if I was that determined, and had the time, I could do it also.

But it sounds like the OP might not have your experience, or even mine, and without having a model to copy, it will be a risky, and potentially expensive, undertaking. Machinists aren't going to work for free, and they'll have a decent amount of hours into this

 

[ovrszd]

Hey I like fabricating my own stuff too, and if I was that determined, and had the time, I could do it also.

But it sounds like the OP might not have your experience, or even mine, and without having a model to copy, it will be a risky, and potentially expensive, undertaking. Machinists aren't going to work for free, and they'll have a decent amount of hours into this

How do you and 4570Man know this?? Do you personally know the OP?? :confused3:

Again, a post where a member clearly states their personal ability is greater than the OP. I don't get that. Unless you know him??

 

[TSO]

Read his post, he spells out... He has valid concerns

 

[ovrszd]

Read his post, he spells out... He has valid concerns

And he stated he is a skilled tradesman. But the part you and 4570Man concentrate on are his valid concerns. :confused3:

 

[TSO]

And he stated he is a skilled tradesman. But the part you and 4570Man concentrate on are his valid concerns. :confused3:

Ok I'm not going to argue with you... Maybe you should go make the brackets for him

 

[ovrszd]

Ok I'm not going to argue with you... Maybe you should go make the brackets for him

Didn't know we were arguing?? Just trying to understand how you, a man who likes to fabricate his own stuff too would be so against this adventure??

 

[TSO]

Didn't know we were arguing?? Just trying to understand how you, a man who likes to fabricate his own stuff too would be so against this adventure??

For me, currently (a rarity) I have more money than time. And I'm not saying it to boast, I enjoy fabb'ing. But now when I fab, it's because of immediate need. I don't have time these days for fun fab projects.

I think this is a fairly involved undertaking. If the OP is already having reservations about it, he might know that his skill and time level isn't up to the task at this time

 

[4570Man]

I don't know him. He very well may be able to pull it off. The reason I stated that is I could go take measurements from my neighbors DK40. He would be taking a shot in the dark unless he has really done his homework. I never said he couldn't do it. Just because I think I could pull it off doesn't mean I wouldn't be in over my head. Being in over your head doesn't mean you couldn't do it. Money wise it wouldn't be a worthwhile project.

 

[Xfaxman]

Getting it mounted is the first part of the project.

Getting the hydraulic system bought and working may be the hardest part, depending on what comes with the loader.

 

[mj007]

Find a DK40 with a loader and see how someone else did it.