Ford / NH 545D Industrial Tractor - looking for owner experiences

[ovrszd]

Good find!!!! Most older models had both. I find the joystick button more user friendly allowing easy use of the brakes.

You are an experienced operator, it'll quickly become natural. I have a hydraulic shuttle, a mechanical shuttle and now a torque converter. I struggle for a few seconds when jumping back and forth.

 

[TSO]

Yeah thanks... Time will tell! There are other machines that I've considered, but i can find NOTHING that has this amount of power for the size (keeping under 94" height with a cab). And for the foreseeable future, i need to keep under that height to access all areas of my barn.

The exception would be the (no longer in production) New Holland TNxxDA series tractors, made in Italy. That machine comes in 60, 65, 70, 75 HP variants and claims to stay around 91" in height with cab. That loader is fairly respectable too, around 3500 to 10.5'.

But those aren't easy to find for near this price (most are around $30k and that's for 10+ year old models!).

 

[City Farmer]

Where are you getting the quick attach for $900? I’ve looked and called around. I’ve been told that the loader is to strong for a standard QA. I emailed EA and they told me that their strongest grapple my not take the abuse that loader could put on it.

 

[ovrszd]

Where are you getting the quick attach for $900? I’ve looked and called around. I’ve been told that the loader is to strong for a standard QA. I emailed EA and they told me that their strongest grapple my not take the abuse that loader could put on it.

Eddie Walker converted his 555E to a QA. I'm not sure if/where he bought it or had it built? Also not sure it's a SSQA style but I believe it is. He also uses a purchased Grapple but not sure what brand? Not sure he's following this thread.

 

[TSO]

New Holland 445D & 545 Loader to Skid Steer Attachments

They claim these are rated at 5000 lbs.

 

[TSO]

I've been using the machine with my 7' HD Land Plane to move gravel and grade some other dirt areas.

Still need to figure out the draft control. Also, wish the 3pt lift moved faster... I can list and lower quickly with my Massey, which comes in handy when trying to shake off dirt that is sticking to the grader.

I still haven't used the loader to lift anything ... Although I did try to put it in Float by throwing the lever forward and it did not go into float. Can anyone comment on how to put the loader into float?

I also ordered a hydraulic top link... should be here in the next couple days. It's been a few years since I have been without a hydraulic top link, it's really annoying and impractical to use implements on the rear without hydraulic top link! I almost don't even want to use the machine without it LOL

 

[City Farmer]

New Holland 445D & 545 Loader to Skid Steer Attachments

They claim these are rated at 5000 lbs.

Thanks, I’ll look into it.
There’s a valve on the right side of the machine you turn. It’s the pump flow, it’s good for 10gpm. Top link and 4 remotes was the first thing I added. I don’t have the loader on yet so I can’t help with the float.

On edit: The flow control knob is on the right side under the rockshaft arm.

 

[ovrszd]

New Holland 445D & 545 Loader to Skid Steer Attachments

They claim these are rated at 5000 lbs.

That one definitely looks beefy. I think the failure, if any, would be the SSQA attachment, i.e., Grapple, bucket, etc.

I remember reading a very informative article about quick attach types on here several years ago. Had a lot of technical data such as lift capacity, etc. Claimed the European type are rated higher. JD claims that's why they prefer them on their heavier framed Utility class and up.

 

[ovrszd]

I've been using the machine with my 7' HD Land Plane to move gravel and grade some other dirt areas.

Still need to figure out the draft control. Also, wish the 3pt lift moved faster... I can list and lower quickly with my Massey, which comes in handy when trying to shake off dirt that is sticking to the grader.

I still haven't used the loader to lift anything ... Although I did try to put it in Float by throwing the lever forward and it did not go into float. Can anyone comment on how to put the loader into float?

I also ordered a hydraulic top link... should be here in the next couple days. It's been a few years since I have been without a hydraulic top link, it's really annoying and impractical to use implements on the rear without hydraulic top link! I almost don't even want to use the machine without it LOL

I never use Draft control when using smoothing implements such as a BB or rear blade. I'd say just keep practicing.

I don't think you are going to see fast 3pt speed like newer tractors. My 3910 is slower by nature. It does have a speed control adjuster though. Not sure if the 545 does.

I absolutely agree about hydraulic links. I'm so spoiled I want the side link as well.

 

[TractorGuy]

Eddie Walker converted his 555E to a QA. I'm not sure if/where he bought it or had it built? Also not sure it's a SSQA style but I believe it is. He also uses a purchased Grapple but not sure what brand? Not sure he's following this thread.

Here is Eddie's thread on his grapple install.

I PMd Eddie for some questions on his conversion. I was considering doing it to my 575E. He said if he did it over he would probably go with a construction type QA rather than the skid steer type. He said he ended up modifying his extensively to get strength out of it.


The Euro Global attaching system may be an option.

I have read that skid steer QA is not good for back grading but have no personal experience.

New Holland offered a Quick Release system for my 575E. The tractor part is over 3 grand and I haven't found the corresponding bucket or other attachments.

Here is what that looks like in the parts breakdown.