730 Front Loader Compatibility

supton · Jan 29, 2023

I have a 1970 Ford 3000 and I'm looking to drive a distance to pickup a 730 front loader to help with some light work around the property. The loader came off a 3400 tractor and has a component number 19-529. (serial number is D-5T3749)
Before I make the long drive for the loader (and pay for it), can somebody confirm this will fit my 3000. My understanding is that it will but I'm second guessing since it came off the 3400 and this seems to be an industrial variation of the 730. If it still fits perfectly, may I ask what are the main differences with this loader and the non-industrial variations?

shaun wallace · Jan 29, 2023

Front mount that goes on bolster will have to be modified. Was driven of crankshaft so make shure get pump, drive shaft and coupling that bolts to front pulley. Bottom of nose tin will have to be cut out for drive shaft. That loader is a little too heavy for 3000, but have seen them on them.

supton · Jan 29, 2023

My 3000 previously had a loader before I acquired it, so there is already a cutout in the nose tin. My tractor also has weighted front wheels and ballast in the rear wheels, plus the heavier 5/8 power steering hydraulic cylinders. I'm guessing with a loader, it might be a good idea to remove the front wheel weights though.

The loader comes with the the pump, drive shaft and the brackets. I've uploaded pictures to my Google Drive, with the link here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1SMmoZ-VUQsX_glH2Ay84C6rWJ68bQH-u?usp=share_link

So when you say the front mount will need to be modify, how extensive? Will it need a metal shop to fabricate?

Just trying to figure out if this will be worth my time to make a long or if I should just pass on this loader for something better fitted for my 3000. With it being a bit too heavy should I just pass then? Like I said, I won't be doing too much with it but looking for something that I can attach to my tractor without too much difficulty.
Untitled URL Link

Ultradog MN · Jan 30, 2023

I'm pretty sure the 730 loaders were built for the older 1955-64 tractors which were narrower but Ford did build the brackets to install them on the 3 cylinder models and there were more than a few 3000s that wore them.
My pal Kenny bought a 730 and it was a real bear to put on a 3600. We had the tractor all prettied up with new paint, etc and dinged it up a lot getting it on.
It was VERY tight along the sides of the nose and fuel tank cowel.
We had the foot boards off and IIRC even the clutch and brake pedals off to get it to fit onto the rear axles.
Once on it was a great loader.
If I were you I absolutely would rehab the pivot pin and bushing in the front axle as yoh sure don't want to pull the loader again to do that job.

The one on the ground is the one we installed. The one that is mounted is on a 3400. I bought the tractor. Someone else bought the loader.

Andy Wickiser · Jan 30, 2023

I respectfully disagree, 730 loaders were designed for the 3 cyl Fords. The 55-64 four cylinder tractor loaders were mostly 703-series or related derivatives.

Sean in PA · Jan 30, 2023

The parts site claims that the 730 loader was actually made at the same time as the 3 cylinder x600 series:

730 Series - Ford Loader (01/75 - 07/80)

So I would say that it should fit fine on a 3000, but you may need to modify the mounting brackets if it came off of a 3400.

shaun wallace · Jan 30, 2023

I have a 72 3400 that I took 730 series loader off of, pretty shure it came on it. There is several 3400s around here with loaders on them.

RedGreenGuy · Jan 31, 2023

My understanding is a 3400 is a 3000 with heavier front axle and fixed wheel width.

Sean in PA · Jan 31, 2023

(quoted from post at 08:14:20 01/31/23) My understanding is a 3400 is a 3000 with heavier front axle and fixed wheel width.

That is correct, but it also uses a different front axle support (bolster) than the ag chassis 3000, so the front mounts for the loader will be slightly different.

Ultradog MN · Jan 31, 2023

The 3400 has a longer wheel base because
the the axle is not swept back but the
loader will fit.
The loader in the photo below came off a
335 which was the 1976 replacement for the
3400. The early light 2/3000 bolster, the
later heavy 2/3000 bolster and the 3400
bolster all had two 5/8 bolts in front
where loaders (or snow plow) attached.
There may be like a 1/2in thick spacer
needed on one of them but the 5/8 mounting
holes are all the same.
In other words it will be a direct swap.

Fordfarmer · Jan 31, 2023

Yes, designed for the 3 cylinder models. Probably compatible with the pre-'65's with minimal work, though.

dtatum · Jan 31, 2023

I put a 730 loader on my 3000. It fit without any mods but I got tired of breaking spindles so I found a salvage 3400 and changed out the front bolster, axle, radius rods, drag links, spindles, hubs, steering arms, put in a cast iron oil pan, and repaired the steering cyls. I know this might not be possible for you but be aware that the original 3000 spindles cannot handle a real heavy load (in my case 5X6 round bales). I busted 2 spindles - so be careful.

supton · Jan 31, 2023

Thanks for the info. I've told the guy I'd take it. Especially with including the pump and brackets, I can't pass it up, even if it would need some minor fabricating to get it to fit, that's fine. Below is a link to an image of the bolster on my 3000. I just want to avoid another major project right now. Last year I replaced the spindle bearings and installed the heavier 5/8' steering cylinders, so I'm hoping my front end will handle this 730 beast until I get around to swapping it out with a 3400 front end. But with it being used to clean stalls and other light farm work, it shouldn't tax my 3000 too much.
Untitled URL Link

Ultradog MN · Feb 1, 2023

Yes,
That is the heavy one.
Here is a photo of the light one - from the left side.
I used to have photos of all that stuff on photobucket. But now they are holding them hostage unless you subscribe (pay) to get them back.

730 Front Loader Compatibility

supton

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shaun wallace

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supton

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Ultradog MN

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Andy Wickiser

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Sean in PA

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shaun wallace

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RedGreenGuy

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Sean in PA

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Ultradog MN

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dtatum

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supton

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Ultradog MN

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