Front-End Loader Front End Loaders

[tkcomer]

Hey all. I’ve been thinking about a front end loader. I have a Case-IH DX-33, hydro with no remotes. I also have a Case-IH 2WD 685 with 1 rear remote. I like the idea of the loader on the DX-33 but the lift capacity with a factory loader is less than 900 pounds. But to be honest, the little loader would see a lot more time and be a lot hander. But I also have round bales that weigh about 1200 pounds. Too much for the little DX I think. The 685 could handle the round bales but anyone who has driven this tractor knows it won’t back up on wet grass up hill. And the size is really a factor for any type of yard work. The loaders for both tractors seem to be in the $5000 range installed around here. I’m still not sure if I “need” a loader or if it is a “convenience” item. There is no way I can afford this now but I’m thinking that in the future, I might be able to swing it. I’m leaning to equipping the DX with one. I’m just not sure if it will be enough loader for the 92 acre farm.

 

[Glenn9643]

A loader on the DX will be enough to make you realize that you NEED a FEL, but I don't believe it will satisfy your needs.
That said, it'll beat the tar out of what you have now.

 

[tkcomer]

If the 685 were 4WD, there would be no argument. But I’ve had to drive through some pretty muddy spots because I couldn’t back up. And that’s with a round bale on the back. And it has 18.4X30” fully loaded tires. I have a 484 I’m trying to sell and the rear travel performance on that one is horrible. I always hopped on the 685 if I was going to do anything. But this little DX is so handy and maneuverable. Now, the 685 sits. I’m still not quite convinced I need an FEL. I keep thinking I’ll end up with a $5000 boom pole that puts gravel on the driveway once every 4 years.

 

[jinman]

I think if you really want to handle round bales on the FEL, you need to step up to the DX35-DX45 range. Even then, you'll need plenty of rear ballast. For a DX33, I'd only get the loader if I had lots of other tasks for it that did not include handling round bales. Even the newer LX114 loaders would be stressed to the max with a round bale.

Your 3PH should handle it with no problem, but you'll also have to have some front ballast. Hey! Maybe you can use the FEL for ballast. That's another use besides spreading gravel. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[tkcomer]

One of the reasons for my confusion is I have more hay than I can use. I’m thinking about selling the excess instead of letting it lay. But, no real way to load it on to a wagon or truck. The simple 3-point hayfork won’t lift very high. I’ve thought about a hydraulic scissors type hayfork. That should put it on the trailers. But those are probably what? 800 bucks? For a single use item. So then I thought maybe I could use the DX to just load the hay. I like the thought of a loader on the DX. That little thing is handier than I ever dreamed. But I think I might be asking too much out of it. Even with the 685, I’d probably have to spear the bale with the rear fork to get the bales out of the storage spot (It gets real muddy in the winter) and swap to the loader fork if I put a FEL on it. If I decide to stick a FEL on the 685, what would be a good one? I’d probably have to add a second remote so I don’t tie up the back one. Decisions. Decisions.

 

[jinman]

I think for a one-time use of loading hay, I'd either rent a tractor with a bale spear or pay someone to do it for me. I unloaded 10 round bales recently stacked 2-high on a flatbed trailer and it was all I could safely handle with my TC45D and 16LA loader. My advice is based on that experience. I just think a TC33 with a bale up that high is asking for a rollover to occur. You may be able to do it, but I just can't recommend it.

 

[tkcomer]

My thoughts exactly. A little tractor can roll pretty quickly. But then, so can a big one. With the loaded tires, the 685 weighs about 7000 pounds. I think I’d be better off putting a loader on it. Use a round bale for ballast. I’m asking too much of the DX. It’s just that the wife loves the DX and the hydro tranny. She would use it for yard work. The 685 is a beast to her. So, anyone know of a good FEL to put on the 685?

 

[ThistleKop]

I have a Bush hog model 2425 fel on my Allis 175 (63 hp). I put out hay for my cattle with one roll on the frt and one on the rear. The 685 will handle it fine just use good judgment about pulling in places you can't back out of. You'll wonder how you ever got along without a fel after you have one.

TK

 

[tkcomer]

Can I be nosey and ask how much the Bush Hog FEL cost? And how much for the bale spear? Gang at work said it would take about 5 grand to equip the 685 with a loader. I think the local Case-IH dealer pushes the Woods brand. Do you leave the FEL on? They look like a pain to take on and off, but I know nothing about them. Seems like they would be hard on front wheel bearings. Of course I knew nothing about a CUT until this gang talked me into one. Now I love that little tractor.

 

[ThistleKop]

In 1997, the dealer took my tractor to his shop, mounted the loader and delivered back to my home for less than $3800. The loader is quick attach and has the quick attach bucket and separate hay spear. I leave the frame attached and simply drop the bucket or spear when I'm using the tractor for other purposes. Works well for me.

TK

 

[MMM]

685 with loaded tires will handle 1200lbs in mud, let alone wet grass. Main concern with round bales is front axles. if you have tubular adjustables as they tend to fail.doing a lot of round bale work in lumpy pastures. Some 685s came with the HD cast axle. I believe the IH2150 loader was common install for that tractor and can be found for half price of BH one.

 

[tkcomer]

The 685 is a row-crop model. I got some pics with the hood off so I could clean the radiator: http://www.pixagogo.com/7000025205 Click on the pic to make it bigger. Click on original to make it even bigger. Are these the tube type axles? Going forward is no problem. Unless you try to blast through a snowdrift and bury it. No fun digging that thing out. The 484 couldn’t move it at all. $3800 doesn’t sound bad for a Bush Hog brand. I don’t even know where to look for a used one. I never see those for sale.

 

[MMM]

That's the tubular, but can't see holes to tell if it's the adjustable or not. 1200lbs is a smallish bale and you may get by ok. I think the HD axle requires a different bolster fabbed from steel plate instead of cast steel.

 

[tkcomer]

Axle is adjustable but the bolster is cast. When the axle fails, do they break off? That would be a disaster at 15 MPH hauling 2 bales.

 

[MMM]

Keep tread width narrow so holes aren'texposed and there's less leverage. lThey usually fold from cracks at holes Either way would be a disaster at 15mph.. There is a non adjustable axle that is stronger and will work with cast bolster.
15mph is too fast for me to pack hay bales around, even on blacktop. My loaded tires get kinda squirrely. If you're looking to save time, get a hay trailer and you can pull it 60mph if needed, with 2-5 times as many bales depending on truck.

 

[tkcomer]

I just priced a Bush Hog brand loader (244QT) for $5500 plus installation. This is with a 72” bucket and bale spear. They are not sure what it will take (Or cost) to install it. And this is at a Case-IH dealer. I stopped by a friend’s place and looked at his John Deere FEL. He recommended to not get the self adjusting loader if I have 2WD. He mentioned that you couldn’t get yourself out of trouble with a self adjusting loader. He also recommended against putting a loader on the DX for what I’m wanting to do. Except for the round bales, he said the DX would be fine, but because of the round bales, he could not recommend a FEL on that tractor. Is this a good price on the Bush Hog brand FEL? And is he right on the self adjusting loader?

 

[MMM]

That\s about right for the BH model and why I suggested the 2250. They're quite common and mount right up. with no special installation (may need power beyond plate for remote valve) required for 2500 bucks or less.

 

[tkcomer]

I never see a loader for sale in my area, much less a specific model. Very rare to see one in the KY edition of Fastline. The 2446QT is for 2WD and 4WD tractors. The 2426QT is for 2WD only. I keep thinking if I buy a new one, I’d want a model that I could swap over if I trade tractors down the road. But it would be a long time. The 685 only has about 1600 hours on it. It has a lot of life left in it.

 

[MMM]

I read in your original post about can't afford one. I normally see loaders at auctions or salvage and not many in classifieds.
You don't have to break the bank. The Ford industrial (3000lb lift. 5000lb BO force) I mounted was 800 bucks and maybe 500 more in new hoses and good bit of steel. (It is mounted on fabbed 4X4 rails that extend back to axles for extra pushing strength). Cylinders can be repacked for near nothin if they leak.

 

[tkcomer]

Well I did see a used FEL on a Case-IH 495. That thing was rough. It looked like it needed all new hoses and the joystick was flopped over to one side. All for about $2000 installed. If they could install it on my 685. I passed on that one. I think I’ll wait and save for a new one, hence the new post, unless I stumble on to a good used one. Thanks to all for the info. I’m slowly learning.