148 vs 158 loaders

Husker 50 8n · Nov 26, 2020

I've had a Farmhand 258 on a 4440 and a 4020. Worked well on both tractors. Farmhand 248 and 258 somewhat a copy of the JD 148 and 158 loaders I believe. We had a JD 158 on a 4020 when I was in HS. Recently purchased a 3020 and wanting to install a loader. Thinking the 148 or FH 248 would be ok. Also looking at Westendorf possibly a TA26. Easier on/off than the Deere loaders from what I'm reading. Anyone have a JD 158 or FH 258 on a 3020? I know the bucket is a little further out in front of the tractor compared to the 148/248, and a little more weight in the loader itself. I've heard (not sure if it's correct) the mounts for the 148 and 158 are the same. Just light acreage work at this time. No livestock. Opinions?

David G · Nov 26, 2020

I think the 148 would be fine on 3020, I have TA26 on my 6610 it is a brute.

Mike(NEOhio) · Nov 26, 2020

I just put a 148 on my Oliver 1550. Worked out nicely. The 158 I believe is just a longer reach on the booms. My 148 came off a 4020.

Mike(NEOhio) · Nov 26, 2020

The mounts are the same but the 158 uses 7/8 bolts on the mast steps, 148 is 3/4.

Mike Aylward · Nov 26, 2020

I have a 158 on a 4020. The wheelbase of
the tractor and the distance from the
front hubs to the bucket edge are almost
identical. A 3020 isn't recommended for
a 3020 because of stability issues with
it's shorter wheelbase. The mounts for
both the 148 and 158 loader appear
identical but the larger loader mounts
use somewhat thicker steel.

JDIH · Nov 26, 2020

I have a 148 on a 3020. They're a good match. My understanding is that the 3020s, and maybe 4020s, have weak front axles. If you're going to max out the loader capacity, which we all do sooner or later, the front axle weakness may be an issue with the further extended 158.

Mike M · Nov 27, 2020

Have a 158 on a 4020 and really like it. That extra long reach has came in handy. Now that being said I do
not think a 158 would be a good match on a 3020. For a 3020 I'd look for a 148 or something similar size.
Have to have the rear tires filled with fluid and also hang a 115 blade on the rear of the 4020 to get it
counter weighted to be safe. This makes for a really long outfit !

Mike(NEOhio) · Nov 27, 2020

I can't comment on the front axles but I recall some posts here a while back that there are problems with frame cracking on 3020s due to having one bolt where the 4020s
had two. I'm not sure exactly where those bolts are.

MSM · Nov 27, 2020

48 or 148 is a good match
pn a 3020. 58 or a 158 is
not a good fit. They put
the bucket too far
foward, causing stability
problems. The 158 mounts
have a different bolt
pattern and size. But if
you cant find 148 mounts,
the 158 mounts can be
drilled and tapped to
accept a 148 and the
mounts will have to be
shortened as they are
for a 6 cylinder tractor.
Either one will require
fluid in the tires and
wheel weights for
traction and stability

Al Baker(pumpman) · Nov 28, 2020

I have a KD 5000 loader built in Tx. Dont know if they are still in business. I bought it new and installed it on a 4020. It is a
knock off of a 148, but everything is a little heavier. Even painted JD green. I have done nothing but pound on this thing for
over 20 years. No cracks, still straight. I do grease it often. Back when I bought it Stamm Equipment was a dealer and could sell
you a new unit cheaper than you could buy a used Deere. It is one of the best buys on this farm. I would google K D Loaders and
see if they are still available.

David G · Nov 28, 2020

They are still in business, looks like sturdy loaders.

148 vs 158 loaders

Husker 50 8n

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David G

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Mike(NEOhio)

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Mike(NEOhio)

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Mike Aylward

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JDIH

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Mike M

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Mike(NEOhio)

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MSM

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Al Baker(pumpman)

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David G

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