Finally bought an L5450

[lonestar382]

Man I tell you what. I used my new JD MX6 cutter this weekend behind the new L5450, and I must say, I am very impressed with both machines. Honestly, I feel that the 5450 could easily swing an 8' cutter in all but very thick and tall grass. This tractor has gobs of power. Here's a morning pic of it at my house. About to tear into her and try and repair the 3pt hitch.

 

[wmonroe]

Nice pictures. Sounds like you have a solid machine.

 

[john25mm]

My L5450 is used more than I would have imaged when I bought it 3 years ago with 200 something hours. Very solid tractor. Replacing fence posts in the attached picture.

Tom looking at your tractor I was wondering what your hydraulic setup is. If you have any photos that would be great. I have a base line 5450 with the 1150 loader and I like the idea of the front hydraulics to run stuff out front.

 

[TomSeller]

Tom looking at your tractor I was wondering what your hydraulic setup is. If you have any photos that would be great. I have a base line 5450 with the 1150 loader and I like the idea of the front hydraulics to run stuff out front.

I set up a 3 spool valve above the right fender. I tapped in between the power beyond port of the FEL and where the line was that would go to either the 3 point or the backhoe. Then ran a line to the tank. I painted the spool body before it got moisture on it to prevent rust. Make sure you get a spool with a power beyond ability. A lot of people use a 3rd function setup but I like things simple and versatile.

 

[john25mm]

Thanks for the info. Being a little slow on the uptake is there anyway you could show some pictures? No rush, when ever you can. My motto is why reinvent the wheel if you don't have.

 

[TomSeller]

Thanks for the info. Being a little slow on the uptake is there anyway you could show some pictures? No rush, when ever you can. My motto is why reinvent the wheel if you don't have.

Here is about all I have for a picture showing the spool. That particular tractor is on a remote property otherwise I would just take some pictures for you. How do you like your L5450? Any pictures of it?

 

[john25mm]

Thanks for the picture. Some close ups of it in place and how you mounted would be great but obviously no rush. I know what you mean about remote, mine is roughly 600 miles from where I live normally. Anything I want to do to it I plan well in advance and have all the supplies with me when I go on leave. I have changed the front end to a universal skid steer attachment. I welded on an attachment plate to the bucket and have a set of forks for it. I will try and find some pictures and post them here. As to how I like it I love this tractor. It is at the wife's family farm and there was pretty much nothing but green machines here when we brought it up. However shortly after it arrived it was being used for all kinds of things. We are on the hilly side of Ohio and given its low center of gravity and four wheel drive it is going where the other stuff wouldn't dream of going. We bought it in 06 for a little under 9 grand and I have gotten every penny of that out of it and then some repairing roads and building new ones. Can you tell I am kind of fond of it? Again thanks for the picture and please some more when you can.

 

[TomSeller]

Okay. I do recall that I used 2 of the bolts that hold the ROPS down. I removed them and drilled matching holes in a plate I cantilevered to mount the spool on. You are right abiut that tractor having a low center of gravity. I have much taller tractors but like my low riders.

 

[rbargeron]

.......I plan well in advance and have all the supplies with me.......

Adding a valve usually means several trips to the parts store for fittings & getting hoses made up, etc.

I added a 2-spool valve to my L5450. Here are some basics: The new valve will be powered from the power-beyond hose from your FEL valve - closest to oper, has green tape. Parker 60 series QD's are compatible. Good source for fittings here. The new valve, hoses and fittings can be 1/2" size or even 3/8" and will work ok. The fender top is stiff enough for mounting the valve - place it where it is easy to reach for you. Run a 2nd hose from the new valve's PB port back to where the loader's PB hose was connected. Run a 3rd to send exhaust flow to the tank (can Tee into the exhaust at the FEL or adapt to the filler cap). The work ports can be plumbed direct, or, if you put QD's on the valve, it will be flexible for other uses down the road.

Hope this helps - any questions fire away. Good luck with this job - and the 3ph o-ring replacement. Take care, Dick B

 

[TomSeller]

Run a hose from the new valve's PB port back to where the loader PB hose was connected. Run an exhaust hose to the tank (can T into the exhaust from the FEL or can be adapted to the fill port).

Also a hose from the PB output of the new spool to where the loader PB output was previously connected (to the 3 point or backhoe if you have that). This keeps the circuit intact.