Tractor assist step

Caryc · Aug 25, 2022

I was on and off my MF202 today while loading brush on a carry all on the back. At my age 75, that high step up seems to get higher and higher throughout the day. I just saw a picture of a tractor that looked like it had an add on step that would be great for me. I also have bursitis in both shoulders which doesn't help the "pull up" to the seat.

It's 21" to that loader frame rail from the ground. A cinder block works fine as a first step but kind of hard to carry around.

This post was edited by Caryc on 08/25/2022 at 02:30 pm.

Eric in IL · Aug 25, 2022

If you could find or make one that uses a couple strips of rubber belting for the sides it might be best. Then if you get the tractor stuck in the mud and loose ground clearance the step won't bend.

MF#1 · Aug 25, 2022

The 200 series had metal steps that bolted to the foot rest. Most of them were removed because of what Eric said, they would get high-centered and bend. I might have one laying around??

Caryc · Aug 26, 2022

(quoted from post at 16:11:25 08/25/22) If you could find or make one that uses a couple strips of rubber belting for the sides it might be best. Then if you get the tractor stuck in the mud and loose ground clearance the step won't bend.

I thought of something else I might try when the bad heat we've been having is over.

That is to use maybe an 8 or 9 inch piece of pipe for a step with a section of chain running through it. All I would have to figure out is how to hook the two ends of chain to the frame. I sure there are lots of ways to do it.

Tslinger · Aug 26, 2022

I will caution you on the chain setup. A step like that moves around far more than you might think. You have to put your weight straight down, or it's swinging, and taking your foot with it. If you're having trouble pulling yourself up to begin with, an unstable step is a disaster waiting to happen.

I added a rigid step to our JD300 loader for my father as his mobility declined. That's a little higher than the 202, but not much. We've never had an issue with that, but then we're not putting the tractor in a situation where that step could high center on anything. If you never put your 202 in that kind of situation, then I'd be looking at a rigid setup. Our 202 has the backhoe bracing where you step on, so it's higher than normal. I've been casually thinking about adding something there of late as my uncle's mobility has really started to go down hill now. We don't use it much, but better to have easy access than a problem.

stevieb49829 · Aug 28, 2022

The large timber skidders use lengths of large-diameter wire rope (cable) to hold the step in place. It will move when hit, but pretty stable to give you a foot up.

Keith Molden · Aug 29, 2022

On my 255 I used a length of 1x1/4 bent it so it was about 12 wide for my foot, then bent it the other way
at the top and left about 6 to fit under the running board. Drilled 2 holes in each side and bolted it to
the running board. It's been in there for 4 years now and has been great. Before I had my hips replaced it
waws the only way I could get on it. I can measure and send you the measurements if you want. Keith

Tractor assist step

Caryc

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Eric in IL

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MF#1

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Caryc

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Tslinger

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stevieb49829

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Keith Molden

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