Loader DK45 w KL1470 with bent frame advice

[5030]

Several times I've bent and/or broken the forks for the caster wheels on my finish mower. There is a local steel fabrication and welding shop that straightens the shafts and re-welds them for less than the shipping cost of a new fork. At the risk of being redundant, I would consider repair unless the old loader isn't up to your needs.

So would I but I'd do it with the loader off the tractor completely. I've seen combines straightned out with mangled frames, tractors straightend, all it takes is a competent frame shop with the correct equipment, usually a set of hydraulic cylinders under the floor with ti down points in the concrete on steel plate and a competent frame man. The loader can be tied down and pulled into alignment with no resulting issues, I've seen it done before. You'd be suprised how many vehicles get their frames tweaked and straightned. Farm equipment too. All it takes is somone that knows the trade and the proper rig.

 

[holeycow]

There you go; another vote for a proper frame shop. There may be options other than a new loader...

Maybe that tyrannosaurus needs to hit it from the other side.

oh, and I think that loader is a KMW loader out of Kansas. You might wanna contact them if you need that frame.

 

[Coyote machine]

What's price to your door for a KL-401? With 27++lbs lift capacity at the pins if it fits your older DK that would be way to go for your bale work. Otherwise straighten the old and reinforce critical points to reduce failure.
Welding can make broken things better than new or at least as good as. I wouldn't be worried if done by qualified welder. It's not a skyscraper after all. Could save a big pile of $$$.

 

[TomSeller]

I would have a local shop capable of bending the frame back do the work and reinforce it at the same time. Then make sure you square up to your loads and not bounce the heavy ones once you have them in the air. I am not sure of your loader rating but I am not a fan of 2500 lbs on this size class of tractor. I would rather take two picks than overdo the loader with one pick. Your 1100 pounds bales should not be an issue unless you are doing two at a time? What is the 1470's lift capacity?

Edit
Here are the loader ratings
KL1470

 

[Shawn B]

Thanks gentlemen. Been pondering it all week.

I'm gonna go stop by a house with a sign out front that reads "Arc Welding, tractor repair, blah, blah, blah..." It was the first two that caught my eye, drove right past his farm.

I will do some additional serious looking this week at local shops who might repair the unit, tweak and welding.

I would have a local shop capable of bending the frame back do the work and reinforce it at the same time. Then make sure you square up to your loads and not bounce the heavy ones once you have them in the air. I am not sure of your loader rating but I am not a fan of 2500 lbs on this size class of tractor. I would rather take two picks than overdo the loader with one pick. Your 1100 pounds bales should not be an issue unless you are doing two at a time? Was is the 1470's lift capacity?

Edit
Here are the loader ratings
KL1470

Thanks for the link.

Have not hear from Westendorf via email on who is the local dealer. Will call Westendorf on Monday, just to check those prices. See if I have another heart attack.

Kioti does not have a current loader to fit. The Kioti guy is calling around to see if there is a new 1470 available. If so, they may be eager to move old stock.



I only do one (1) bale on the front forks and one (1) bale on the rear forks. Pick up the rear one first, then the front bale. Put down the front bale, then put down the rear bale.

Otherwise I would have to have something out back any way, like a bushhog, to balance the weight. Correct? Remember I am still a total newb to farms and tractors.

I'll update after I check out the local fix-it welding/machine shops. See what I can find.

 

[holeycow]

and call those KMW guys in Kansas. If anyone has that loader "laying around" it is probably them. You gotta get creative man.

it sounds like you are starting to do that now.

 

[Xfaxman]

Website for KMW: KMW Loaders - OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturers

 

[holeycow]

I guess I need to be creative too. Darn computer stuff anyway.

 

[Coyote machine]

It's always a good idea to have a counterbalance weight on the rear of a tractor, (ballast). Especially with the weight of the round bales. Too much weight on front, with little or none on the rear means you could easily loose control of the tractor by having it's rear wheels lift off the ground. This could cause a rollover or similar. Rear ballast, keep center of gravity low on your front and rear loads. Wear your seatbelt with ROPS up.

Life is short- find a good welder, fix the loader, back to farming.:thumbsup:

 

[TJP89]

6K for a loader on 45 HP tractor? Maybe I'm out of the loop but that sounds at least 2K high. Also, you don't need a loader valve, as the DK has a nice integrated one standard that works just fine. If the loader was SSQA, you also have a bucket. I would poke around and see what you can turn up, and see what you can do with a local repair job, which sounds like what you're doing. I know time is of essence, but have patience and see what turns up. As a last resort, you can always go new. Also, if I remember correctly, the loader in Korea was the older one. You could see if the current loader fits, then that would probably be a easier cheaper option with the same capacities.