Best Loader for 4020 JD? 148 or 158...others?

As I mentioned in my last post, in the next year I will be looking to purchase a 4020 powershift and want to put a loader on it.

What are the pros/cons of the 148 loader over the 158 loader? Any other tips from someone who has one?

I will be using it around my acreage, picking up implements, and general bucket loader use.

Thanks

Chuck McDonald

On the "pro" side, the 158 is a heavier loader.

On the "con" side, it will have a lot more overhang of the bucket ahead of the front axle on a tractor that size.

The 148 and 158 are similar enough to have the same user manual. The 158 has more reach, e.g. longer arms which places the load further in front of the tractor and increases the pressure on the front axle. 4020 axles do break. Sometimes a later axle gets fitted that is stronger, there are kits around for that.

Gerald J.

Thanks for both of the responses. I had heard that a 158 has a longer reach, but it sounds like a 148 would take less space/keep me out of trouble more!

Chuck

I have a 148 on a 4020 powershift, like it real well. It is plumbed via a power beyond circut. As was pointed out, the manual for the 148 covers the 158 also. It says that the 158 is about 400 pounds heavier, 5800 pounds breakout force compared to 4700 on the 148; will lift 3800 pounds compared to 3100 for the 148. It will clear about 30 inches more than a 148, is about 18 inches longer than a 148 with the bucket on the ground, will dig 3 1/2 inches deeper...
My 148 is plenty stout and all the loader I need, doing much of the same work you describe. You would need to be doing some serious work to need the 158.

I have a 158 and dad has a 148, the 158 is a bit longer than I like but it is built so much stronger than the 148. Dad's bucket bottom bends up easily all the time and depending on if your stacking bales etc the extra reach of the 158 can be handy. I like both, but glad I have the 158.
One more thing, when I park the two 4020s side by side the 158 is built with MUCH more steel, every piece is about 50% or more thicker on the 158. The bolts holding the upright masts to the frame are huge on the 158 compared to the 148. Dad has gotten good service from his 148 as I the 158. We have both broken one front spindle so I don't think the 158 is to much for the 4020. It really depends on whether you want a medium duty loader or a heavy duty one, both seem to run around the same $ from the used ads I saw when I was looking at them a few years ago.

I've got a 158 with a 8 foot bucket on a 4020- had it on a 4010 and if used hard it can be hard on the tractor, sort of a "the tail wagging the dog" scenario. But theres noway I'd go to a 148 over a 158 given the chance. Like stated the 158 is longer and I prefer that the bucket is easier to see. I bought a MDS quick tach for it and that was well worth the $700 it cost me.

Chuck, I have a 158 on one of my 4020's and it is a nice, balance unit. I would not agree that it is "too much" loader for it. I have had it for 17 years and it has caused no damage to my tractor whatsoever. If you abuse it, then sure, you can tear it up. But when is that not in play, even with something smaller? Mike

There is some other company from Canada ? that makes a HEAVY DUTY one to fit the 4020 too. They also offer a HEAVY DUTY front end to hold up to it I think also.

We have a 158 on a 4020 gas with loaded tires and a 115 blade on the back. This is just the right amount of counter weight. You need more then just the tires loaded and that blade adds just enough extra.
Never had a problem with our 158 and the 4020 has a stock wide front end. I really like the extra length for lifting and loading. For really heavy things like an old JD B complete or an A with some parts stripped off you can center the bottom of the bucket over the tractor and chain it all the way around over the frt. and back of the bucket and lift them right up and have enough reach to get them on and off a trailer. Tilting the bucket easily keeps it leveled up.
Don't forget you also get extra height too with the longer arms.
Best thing we did was to have our bucket rebuilt with a thicker heavier cutting edge and a new bottom,reinforced the top edge across inside of lip with a 2x2 box steel beam and added hooks in several spots. This cutting edge doesn't bend and if you dig dirt it really cuts !

And we also found out this combo lifts the same amount as an older JD 400 TLB loader roughly 4000 lbs. The 400 TLB has alot better power steering system as they can steer sitting still while lifting this kinda weight where the 4020 won't.

We have a newer style JD 720 loader with the single joystick on our 4020 like it alot better then 148 or 158, nice and heavy duty. Brent

I have a 158 loader in good shape for sale. Came off a 4020. Send an email if you"re interested. Devin

I am interested in the loader if you still have it...What are you asking? and where are you? Thanks.

Hi, Yes I do have the loader. I am located near Cooperstown New York. Here is a link to the listing with contact info. Thanks, Devin
http://www.external_link/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=5692184