Thoughts and Questions on an FEL

Stoneman44 · Oct 29, 2018

Gentlemen, I have the opportunity to by this FEL on the cheap.

I'm wanting to afix it to my DB885 and had some questions for the experts.

First, is the god-awful subframe necessary? The frame of my tractor is pre-tapped where the uprights would mount. There is also another spot on the frame forward of this where it has been pre-tapped. My thoughts were to fabricate "pocket-brackets" to attach here. I would then sit the uprights in those brackets and secure them w/ a pin. I'd then angle a stabilizer to the front "pocket-brackets" and again secure w/ a pin. Would this be stable/strong enough to use the loader and not risk damage to me or my tractor. I'd also considered running a bracing bar/tube over the hood between the uprights, if needed. Also, I could run a tube under the tractor, between the "pocket-brackets".Again, if needed.

If the above scenario would work, I'm thinking I could make this into a quick-disconnect loader, am I right? I could at least hang it from a chain hoist over an I-beam?

If there's anything I've missed, please feel free to add or comment.

Thanks!

JMS/.MN · Oct 29, 2018

Much better to have some structure going back to the rear axle, to distribute the stress to the strongest part of the tractor. Mid-mounts are tough on the frame. That being said, you could still fab some brackets to mount the loader to a subframe that goes between tractor side and rear axle. JD 148 was a mid-mount FEL that caused major problems on 3020s...including engine block replacement. On mine, I fabbed structure back to the rear axle, over 30 years ago, and haven"t had that problem since.

Stoneman44 · Oct 29, 2018

Thanks JMS for the reply, I'm not trying to argue, but could you explain to me how this loader is tied into the rear axle? I see no subframe like the one on my prospective loader, nor so I see a frame around the front of the tractor. Like I said, not disputing w/ you, I'm just trying to learn.

Is this maybe one of the mid-mount loaders you were referencing?

https://youtu.be/vfKvw23yQU0

Aaron SEIA · Oct 29, 2018

You can clearly see the yellow tube running horizontally back to the axle. It would bolt there and distribute the force from pushing back to the axle. I'm a visual guy, you'd have to draw me a picture of what you hope to do.
AaronSEIA

Stoneman44 · Oct 29, 2018

Aaron, if you'll copy the link to the video and paste it into your search bar, you'll see something like I'm wanting to do.

My question to JMS was pertaining to the tractor in the video. If you'll pause it @ 2:10 there is a side shot of the tractor you can study.

Aaron SEIA · Oct 30, 2018

I'm following now. You are correct, there is no frame back to the axle on that one in the video. I did a search last night and it looks like most modern loaders don't have a frame back either. That said, they are all going on tractors built far heavier than our old antiques. I'd say you would be ok making something like the video has. Just remember, you have a loader, not a bulldozer.
AaronSEIA

Stoneman44 · Oct 30, 2018

(quoted from post at 04:03:47 10/30/18) I'm following now. You are correct, there is no frame back to the axle on that one in the video. I did a search last night and it looks like most modern loaders don't have a frame back either. That said, they are all going on tractors built far heavier than our old antiques. I'd say you would be ok making something like the video has. Just remember, you have a loader, not a bulldozer.
AaronSEIA

I'm w/ you on the antique thing, however, I have the same model tractor as is in that video and mine's nearly brand new. I just turned over 840 hours. Whatever loader goes on the tractor, as I've decided against the Freeman in the pic, will be used mainly for handling hay, manure and loose dirt/mulch/gravel. NO BULLDOZING!!

farmersamm · Oct 30, 2018

On the older tractors, you simply cannot mount a loader to the frame. Period (at the risk of sounding like a lecture). They weren't built for it.

When I built my front end loader, I took this into consideration. It's carried by the front, and rear, axles. Not the tractor frame.

It's been 21yrs since I built the thing, and never documented the build. However, I had to put the loader on another tractor some time back, and the swap process shows how it's built.

http://www.farmersamm.com/welding-3/swapping-a-front-end-loader/

If I were to ever think about mounting a loader on my Oliver, I'd design it the same way. The bath tub frame isn't strong enough for the abuse a loader gives.

Thoughts and Questions on an FEL

Stoneman44

Member

JMS/.MN

Well-known Member

Stoneman44

Member

Aaron SEIA

Well-known Member

Stoneman44

Member

Aaron SEIA

Well-known Member

Stoneman44

Member

farmersamm

Member

Similar threads