New front end loader

[Ronster]

Has anyone mounted a new front end loader on their tractor recently? I've got a model 7234 and I need a loader for it. The Cub dealer wants about $4000 for one. I think that's a little steep.

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

See if there is a Woods dealer around. They are the same thing as a Cub Cadet. I have a Bush Hog loader on mine (factory painted Cub Yellow). I like it very much. Just do't plan on putting it on and off allot.

 

[MajMac392]

Ronster I have a 7234 as well, good tractor. I have a Bush Hog loader on mine that the dealer put on when I bought it. It was cheaper than the CC loader and I have had no real complaints. It is tough as nails but the color is a little off from my tractor and paint isn't perfect, just functional. As I remember the specs on it were better than the OEM loader. Woods makes good equipment but you'll probably pay more.

 

[Ronster]

I've found a Koyker #155 loader for about $2800 incl. shipping. Have you heard of any reports of this brand. The few I found on this site had no complaints on them. Thanks for the info. Ronster.

 

[MajMac392]

Ronster let us know how the shipment/delivery, better yet how the installation of the FEL goes on your Cub. When I take on something like that now I think twice and again about how heavy some of the components/pieces will be and how I will get them on by myself. You may be younger, stronger, and better looking than myself though, so it might not be a problem. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

One more thing on your 7234. If you don't have a torque wrench you will need one. Search back on some of the CC posts for loose bolts on the engine/transmission. There are I believe 8 bolts, 4 on each side that mount the engine to the transmission and also to the frame area that can loosen up. One or two horror stories where the castings broke at the mounting points so the tractor tried to bend/twist during operation. I have never had a problem and I think I've used my Cub pretty hard although not a lot, so keep an eye on them. You will see by the posts some folks have had a lot of trouble with the bolts loosening.

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

Thanks! All summer long, I keep looking at my Cub knowing there was something I needed to do, but couldn't remember what. Those dumb bolts! My dealer warned me about it last Spring, but it slipped my mind. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Ronster]

MAJMAC392, do you know the torque values for those bolts? I don't have a service / parts manual and need to get them.It's Monday the 27th of Sep, I ordered the FEL two weeks ago today and I expect it sometime this week. I'll keep everyone posted on how it goes.

 

[MajMac392]

Ronster, sorry for the delay in answering. Page 43 of the Owners Manual lists those bolts as (M12 X 35), 83 - 93 NM or 61 - 69 lb ft. They also want you to torque the wheel lug nuts, and Lower Link Bracket Bolts.

 

[Ronster]

Thanks for the info MAJMAC, I ordered a set of service and parts manuals this week. The loader came last Tuesday. I guess I spent a total of about 7 or 8 hours putting it all together. Everything went very well except it was a little hard moving the loader into position by myself. I just took my time and used whatever jacks and wood blocks I had lying around. The finished product looks real good. Koyker did a great job of matching the paint, and they delivered the loader with all the hardware and hoses. I just had to add a little hyd fluid. Ron I'll send a picture if I can find a Digital Cam.

 

[MajMac392]

Glad the loader install went ok. I think you will find the manuals helpful when you need info for research and repairs. Get us some pictures of the FEL/tractor when you get time. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif