Loader for John Deere 5303

[Dizno]

This loader would be fine, if the quality control was better. BUT, inadequate, poorly written, and hard to follow installation instructions, pieces that don't fit together properly, way too many totally unnecessary fittings on the hydraulic lines, and just plain poor workmanship on other than the actual loader assembly itself, makes for a disappointing unit. The main structure of the unit is built like a battleship, too bad they couldn't of finished the total package off as good.

Dan, you are an honest man. Some people would defend what they did and never let on. Just so you know, testing with "centre mount frames" has been done very successfully for many years by John Deere. I still hope things go well for you. Remember, you might be able to return this loader if it is too much "will fit".

I purchased a 1030 John Deere and at the last moment lost my nerve to purchase a different brand. There are no new JD loaders for this tractor. I was fortunate enough to find a 145 JD loader that was used and I am so very thankful everyday.

Finally, John Deere does not guess whether something will be strong enough. Companies like John Deere work hard at testing - they use engineering computer modeling to analyze stresses and also use field testing to verify. Other companies do not have the luxury of a John Deere engineering model of the tractor to predict what will work or will not work. So they throw a bunch of steel at it and the result is difficulty to access service points like checking oil or removing oil filters, opening hoods sometimes, and an ill balanced tractor loader as this "will fit" loaders could fit many tractors.

Regardless, it was good of you to provide feedback. Please post a picture when you are done. I would be very fascinated to see the result.

 

[Dan Dargeloh]

Well Dizno, it gets even better! When my son and I tried to mount the skid steer adapter to the loader arms it wouldn't go on, as the distance between the outside of the loader arms was at least 42 3/8+" and the distance between the inside of the outer tabs on the adapter was 42". The factory rep asked if I could "spring" the loader arms together to get the adapter on. I replied to him that if I could (which would be very difficult the way this beast is built), it would mean their loader wasn't worth a (censored)! He didn't say anything more about that idea, as I think he realized how ridiculous that sounded. I measured my neighbors loader which is on size bigger than mine and determined that my adapter was the problem as his would have went right on my loader. The company called the next day and said they had determined my adapter was wrong. They sent another to the dealership from which I purchased the loader. Problem is they sent another one EXACTLY like the first one, 42" tab width. The look on the salesman's face was one of complete disbelief! I told him that no one at the factory must be capable of running a tape measure. What he said is not printable! Hopefully I'll have the right one by the end of the week, but I'm not counting on it. I'll post pictures when it is done, if my youngest will show me how. It's going to turn out decent in the end, whenever that time comes! Drama is a good thing, it keeps one from becoming bored with life! ;-)

 

[Dizno]

Well Dizno, it gets even better! When my son and I tried to mount the skid steer adapter to the loader arms it wouldn't go on, as the distance between the outside of the loader arms was at least 42 3/8+" and the distance between the inside of the outer tabs on the adapter was 42". The factory rep asked if I could "spring" the loader arms together to get the adapter on. I replied to him that if I could (which would be very difficult the way this beast is built), it would mean their loader wasn't worth a (censored)! He didn't say anything more about that idea, as I think he realized how ridiculous that sounded. I measured my neighbors loader which is on size bigger than mine and determined that my adapter was the problem as his would have went right on my loader. The company called the next day and said they had determined my adapter was wrong. They sent another to the dealership from which I purchased the loader. Problem is they sent another one EXACTLY like the first one, 42" tab width. The look on the salesman's face was one of complete disbelief! I told him that no one at the factory must be capable of running a tape measure. What he said is not printable! Hopefully I'll have the right one by the end of the week, but I'm not counting on it. I'll post pictures when it is done, if my youngest will show me how. It's going to turn out decent in the end, whenever that time comes! Drama is a good thing, it keeps one from becoming bored with life! ;-)

You are right - you are living life on the edge and doing the right things. I am happy for you that you did not settle for "springing" the arms together. Ridiculous. I am quite familiar with your 5303. It is a good tractor and a few years ago had the prize for best price retention. Looking forward to seeing the final result.