Waldon 5000 loaders

[cstamm81]

Curious if anyone has any experience with Waldon articulated loaders? I ran into some for sale on craigslist, like this one here: Waldon Loader

It seems like the 5000 series would be what I am after. Curious if they are a suitable replacement for a skid steer? Or if they have the hydraulics to run skid steer attachments? I want a machine for moving material around my property faster than my Terramite, loading a single axle full size dump truck, and putting forks on to move large pallets of firewood. I like that fact that these wont rip up the lawn near as bad as a skidder. Let me know if anyone has any info or experience with them.

 

[Bison]

I got this old Waldon 500 allready for 15 yrs(looks similar to yours)
build like a tank,strong as an ox.
Like you said they are easy on a lawn and more agile than a skidsteer.

I got right now a 6.2 GM diesel in it(soon to be replaced with a 3054 cat).
you can like i did change the hydr pumps with a commercial stackable one if you want to up the flow(mine are a 50 and 35 gal/min)(see pic)

A good solid loader as long as you're not in a hurry on rough terrain(bumpy like h3ll).

 

[cstamm81]

can a 5000 load a single axle full size dump? I like the old tank style machines, easy to work on and get parts for, would be perfect around my property if I could find one cheap...

 

[Bison]

can a 5000 load a single axle full size dump? I like the old tank style machines, easy to work on and get parts for, would be perfect around my property if I could find one cheap...

Don't know if the 5000 has a higher reach,ask the guy that has it for sale.

My 500 loader arms can just reach over te side of the box on a tandem gravel truck.I think 9'

 

[Villengineer]

As far as using skid steer attachments is concerned, the bigger problem than hydraulics is that it doesn't have the skid steer coupler.

 

[Bison]

Well ,that is easy enough to solve with a attachment blank,some steel,a drill press,a cutoff saw and a welder.

 

[Bob Rooks]

Well ,that is easy enough to solve with a attachment blank,some steel,a drill press,a cutoff saw and a welder.

You forgot: Sledge hammer :laughing:

 

[Villengineer]

Well ,that is easy enough to solve with a attachment blank,some steel,a drill press,a cutoff saw and a welder.

Except that he'll need the male side of the coupler which is just a wee bit more involved than scabbing a mounting onto the back of an attachment.

 

[Bison]

Well,i ain't gonna argue,skills differ.
But I would have no problem building one from scratch.

 

[Bob Rooks]

I believe he was referring to something like this:
Universal skid steer adapter Adjustable rollback on eBay!

 

[Bison]

I believe he was referring to something like this:
Universal skid steer adapter Adjustable rollback on eBay!

Something like that anyway.

Personally i think the skidsteer quik couplers suck big time,not enough hook in the top and a lousy latch.

IMO this one i build from scratch is superior to that.I build it originally for my tractor but made it to fit the waldon as well.

the coupler fits this fork, a snow blade( i build both from scratch) and a bucket.

You be the judge

 

[Bob Rooks]

Well I must say it looks pretty skookum. Problem is, it only fits your stuff - kinda proprietary in my book, while the Universal Adapter adapts almost anything to anything. Personally I find the skid steer attachment system very robust and I've never had a problem with mine or any I've rented.:thumbsup:

 

[Bison]

Well I must say it looks pretty skookum. Problem is, it only fits your stuff - kinda proprietary in my book, while the Universal Adapter adapts almost anything to anything. Personally I find the skid steer attachment system very robust and I've never had a problem with mine or any I've rented.:thumbsup:

I have an ASV tracksteer with a mulcher and a brush cutter ,both have a original skid steer attachment,both are a PITA to hook up and its almost impossible if not on perfect level ground and both have been rewelded and re-enforced a zillion times.It might work for people that never used anything better just fine,but that crap is coming off mine an replaced with my design this winter.
That way i can use all my other attachments as well and swap between the tractor and compact loaders.
I'm the only one using it anyway.

 

[cstamm81]

Anyone know how the Waldon's compare to the Swinger loaders? Seems the Swingers can be found much cheaper. Need something to load my old 500 series dodge stake body dump and to attach forks to and move full pallets of firewood...
There are two nice Waldon's on CL right now, too bad one is in IN and one in NE, those are a bit of a drive.