Fabricate a homemade front loader from scratch vs. buying an old rust one for $500.00

[EKlee]

I haven't even got my new to me IH 454 all fixed up, and I'm thinking about a front loader... That is, wishing to have one. Just the idea of moving trash around, with a loader gets me excited. The truth is, I won't use it a lot, but find a tractor to be less of a tractor without a front loader.

The question becomes; should I build one from scratch, from plans, or should I buy someone else's ragged out one that's been sitting in a field or whatever type of abandonment and decay its been undergoing. I have gobs of projects, that I never seem to complete, and the cost of building one is going to put me around $1500.00 at a guess. On the other hand, if I buy one that has rust on it, probably needs new hydraulics (an unknown) and possibly some weld repairs and some adaptation to make it match my IH 454 frame, I will probably spend less and get a well designed, albeit well used one.

The question to support buying and cleaning up / fixing up a used one, is whether or not a front loader of similar size that may have gone on a ford or Massey Ferguson, Kabota or Deere, to mention a few, Can relatively easily be altered to fit on my frame?

If any of you guys know about front loaders and fabrication and want to give me your thoughts, I would appreciate it. I am leaning toward buying on for $500.00 or so and "making it work". Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[/pine]

I haven't even got my new to me IH 454 all fixed up, and I'm thinking about a front loader... That is, wishing to have one. Just the idea of moving trash around, with a loader gets me excited. The truth is, I won't use it a lot, but find a tractor to be less of a tractor without a front loader.

The question becomes; should I build one from scratch, from plans, or should I buy someone else's ragged out one that's been sitting in a field or whatever type of abandonment and decay its been undergoing. I have gobs of projects, that I never seem to complete, and the cost of building one is going to put me around $1500.00 at a guess. On the other hand, if I buy one that has rust on it, probably needs new hydraulics (an unknown) and possibly some weld repairs and some adaptation to make it match my IH 454 frame, I will probably spend less and get a well designed, albeit well used one.

The question to support buying and cleaning up / fixing up a used one, is whether or not a front loader of similar size that may have gone on a ford or Massey Ferguson, Kabota or Deere, to mention a few, Can relatively easily be altered to fit on my frame?

If any of you guys know about front loaders and fabrication and want to give me your thoughts, I would appreciate it. I am leaning toward buying on for $500.00 or so and "making it work". Thanks in advance for your input.

Think "subframe"...you'll need one either way...

Good Luck...

 

[TractorGuy]

I think you would be better off buying a tractor fitted with a loader or at the least built to accept one.

I bought a JD4310 without a loader in December. It was designed with a loader in mind and had the SCV and controls. I got lucky and found a junk loader for $1200. I have a couple of grand in it but that is with all new generic cylinders and new hoses so I came out okay. A new loader and mounts from JD would have cost me 5 grand.

 

[fried1765]

I think you would be better off buying a tractor fitted with a loader or at the least built to accept one.

I bought a JD4310 without a loader in December. It was designed with a loader in mind and had the SCV and controls. I got lucky and found a junk loader for $1200. I have a couple of grand in it but that is with all new generic cylinders and new hoses so I came out okay. A new loader and mounts from JD would have cost me 5 grand.

I realize that this may not be particularly helpful, but buying a tractor WITH a loader will work the best, and will make your life more enjoyable.

 

[EKlee]

So, it sounds like common wisdom is to get a tractor already with loader. Hmmm, that would be too easy wouldn't it? So, maybe I'll fix my pto, paint my 454 and sell it and get one with a front loader on it. How can I determine if this tractor has the requisite subframe or whatever is required for it to accept a loader or determine if it ever had a loader.

 

[hiddentacocatneddih]

It should have big brackets on the side where it would mount if you had the mounts. There is one for sale on tractor house with mounts but no loader. Prices ranged from 3-5,000 it looks without loaders. I have a mahindra licensed built international and it came with a wood loader. I imagine something like mine a duAL 195 would bolt up with all the parts.

 

[farm boy00]

I would side with buying and then modifying. Worst is that you have to run C-channel along your tractor to mount the loader onto.

Look for a loader off a farmall. They have a good subframe that attaches to the rear axle and are good heavy duty loaders. You will have to convert it to hydraulic down pressure and add cylinders for curl function. They were gravity down and trip bucket.

 

[EKlee]

I would side with buying and then modifying. Worst is that you have to run C-channel along your tractor to mount the loader onto.

Look for a loader off a farmall. They have a good subframe that attaches to the rear axle and are good heavy duty loaders. You will have to convert it to hydraulic down pressure and add cylinders for curl function. They were gravity down and trip bucket.View attachment 600833

I started thinking along these lines. I suppose even an old one from the late 50's would be fine. So long as the design is good, rams can be replaced and steel can be welded. Is that your farmall in the picture? What kink of loader is that? looks newer than the tractor.

Thanks for the idea and letting me know that it would be a pretty easy project. By the way, where would I run the hydraulic juice from? Is there a power beyond point in this ol' 454.?

 

[EKlee]

That's a good find then and even better that it works and you save a good amount.

 

[Dfixit1]

Westerndorf makes one for it, albeit their customer service can be better. Long story...
Loader Selector | Westendorf