FEL Build Questions.

[Mowens]

So I'm looking to build a fel for my mitsubishi mt160. The biggest question I have is the feasibility of crafting this out of round pipe? I have access to oil field pipe for next to nothing.

Thanks.

 

[jaxs]

The pipe is more than up to the task on that small tractor or a much lighter weight one can be built with square tube. You are only limited by your ability to cut fish mouths and notches in round stock.

 

[Mowens]

Yea the weight of the pipe was a concern. Assuming 2-3/8 pipe shouldn't be to terrible on weight. I don't need heavy duty usage so.

Making the cuts might be finicky but doable.

Thanks for everything!

 

[jaxs]

Honestly,I'm not just trying to rain on your parade but here's food for thought. In case you never incounterd it,oil field pipe some times has a liner and often is magnetic. Fence builders deal with it because of the quanity required add's up when looking at profit. If your bargin source has unlimited quanity and isn't cutting price as a personal favor,consider this. Make a deal to sell pipe to a fence builder and use profit to buy the small quanity of new square tube to build the loader.

 

[Mowens]

Appreciate the perspective. It is a friend, builds fences, giving me the scrap rate on a few sticks.

I talked to another fellow he has 2x3 and 4x3 square nearby. I think that will be an easier route.

 

[jaxs]

Appreciate the perspective. It is a friend, builds fences, giving me the scrap rate on a few sticks.

I talked to another fellow he has 2x3 and 4x3 square nearby. I think that will be an easier route.

:thumbsup: And save doubling hydraulics capacity to compensate for fel weight.

 

[Mowens]

Since you mention hydraulics. I was contemplating if I should use the bottom support tube 4x3 for extra oil?

The current system holds 3.5g and shares 3point with transmission.

 

[/pine]

even on a small tractor...one of the first considerations when designing a loader is the SUB FRAME...!
A decent fabricator should not have too much trouble adding angle plates to pipe where flat mounting points are required...

Good luck and be sure to take lots of pictures...

 

[jaxs]

Hydraulics are above my pay grade:jester: but I figure psi,gpm and temperature control are first considerations. If tractor pump has sufficient psi and gpm,I would think a supplemental cooler and filter is all that is required. I would'nt share oil stored in fel tubes with that in trans due to condensation from long term storage. Most hobby fels with dedicated pump store's oil in loader tube but pump and oil usually see's far less use than that in tractor. Plus if and when pump need's attention (A) tractor doesn't have to be out of use during repair (B) parts and labor are less than tractor system. Once again,this isn't in my wheelhouse by a long shot.

 

[Mowens]

even on a small tractor...one of the first considerations when designing a loader is the SUB FRAME...!
A decent fabricator should not have too much trouble adding angle plates to pipe where flat mounting points are required...

Good luck and be sure to take lots of pictures...

Subframe was and is my first concern. I'm modeling it after the factory fel. 2 long supports that go from front bumper over the front axle, mounts right at motor mounting, and then extends over the rear axle, and mounts on 2 ears at the back differential.

I will do my best to take progress photos. I'm confident I'll be back for advice as I engineer this.

And yes I plan a wood mock up just for good measure.