How do you attach a front end loader to a tractor?

Camo said:

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I've ordered a Bush Hog FEL for my Kubota B, a QT to be exact. The dealer wants $300 to install it, and being a mechanic in my job, I'm wondering how hard it is to install one as a DIY project. I do some hydraulic work as in replacing lines and cylinders on fork trucks, so I have some basic knowledge of them, but am no means a tractor guru. The dealer says it takes them approx 5 hours to put one on. Would I need a hoist or any specialty equipment to do this myself? For unforseen reasons am I better of to pay the money to have them do it, or is this a pretty straight forward install? Tips and advice are very much appreciated.

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I have installed several FELs on tractors and here is what I learned:
I have a hoist and other tractors to lift with, but I did not need them. The
only thing you may need help with is getting the loader off your truck or
trailer and you have to set the main boom down on the ground. They often
are shipped vertically on a pallet and need to be tipped over 90-degrees, if
that makes sense. 2 burly guys can do it. (Or burly women, not to be
sexist.)

Next, to install the brackets on your tractor, you will be using existing
threaded holes in various castings on your Kubota. These will be full of
dirt or rusty, so you will be strongly advised to chase the threads with
a bottoming tap, ideally, or a homemade thread chaser (a bolt with cut slot).
These brackets are a bit heavy, so you need to hold them in place with
some help. I use multiple scissors jacks for this purpose. Hopefully Bush
Hog has drilled their holes accurately. If not, you will need to fix that. I
use a die grinder with carbide cutter if needed. Lube bolts before installing.

Attach hyd hoses and valves according to instructions and you should be
able to connect the loader up before it is mounted to its supports. You
will prob have to pin the bkt on first as the curl action of the bkt is
needed to help with positioning. You then drive the tractor into the loader,
using the FEL valves to position the loader boom. FEL makers have removable
legs on their loaders to help with positioning.

The job is completely DIY doable if you are mechanically-inclined as you say.
You must check for bolt tightness after first hour or so of operation. I spent
maybe 4-5 hr the first time I did it, but I am slow. Having a new tractor
and well-made well-fitting loader is a big plus.

I have installed several FELs on tractors and here is what I learned:I have a hoist and other tractors to lift with, but I did not need them. Theonly thing you may need help with is getting the loader off your truck ortrailer and you have to set the main boom down on the ground. They oftenare shipped vertically on a pallet and need to be tipped over 90-degrees, ifthat makes sense. 2 burly guys can do it. (Or burly women, not to besexist.)Next, to install the brackets on your tractor, you will be using existingthreaded holes in various castings on your Kubota. These will be full ofdirt or rusty, so you will be strongly advised to chase the threads witha bottoming tap, ideally, or a homemade thread chaser (a bolt with cut slot).These brackets are a bit heavy, so you need to hold them in place withsome help. I use multiple scissors jacks for this purpose. Hopefully BushHog has drilled their holes accurately. If not, you will need to fix that. Iuse a die grinder with carbide cutter if needed. Lube bolts before installing.Attach hyd hoses and valves according to instructions and you should beable to connect the loader up before it is mounted to its supports. Youwill prob have to pin the bkt on first as the curl action of the bkt isneeded to help with positioning. You then drive the tractor into the loader,using the FEL valves to position the loader boom. FEL makers have removablelegs on their loaders to help with positioning.The job is completely DIY doable if you are mechanically-inclined as you say.You must check for bolt tightness after first hour or so of operation. I spentmaybe 4-5 hr the first time I did it, but I am slow. Having a new tractorand well-made well-fitting loader is a big plus.

New member

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Hello friends. I'm new here and I have a couple of questions. I just bought 3.5 acres in Missouri and I'm looking at a Satoh S650G Bison. It has hours, inline 4, 3 point hitch, runs well according to the seller, and it's $. So, 1) is that a good deal? and 2) Is there a list of loaders somewhere that would fit that tractor with little or no modification? Thanks in advance for the help.

This is a gas engine tractor. 6,000+ hours is quite a lot of use for a gas engine tractor.

Are you adept at troubleshooting and mechanical repairs? Do you have metric tools?

Parts for 40+ year old orphan-brand tractors are very thin.

Can you operate equipment with a traditional clutch and gear transmission? Shop tractor clutch rebuilds are $1,500 in low cost, rural Florida.

Manual steering gets old fast.

2-WD tractors often lack the necessary traction to fill a loader bucket with dirt.

Aftermarket Loaders are available for most tractors. I will guess your cost at $4,500 delivered.

LINK:

You would likely need a new, higher capacity hydraulic pump, joystick and plumbing, +$2,000.

Plus labor for installation.

CAVEAT EMPTOR

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Satoh Bison S650&#;

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Compact Utility tractor Series:S550 &#;Bison S650 ProductionManufacturer:SatohType:Compact Utility tractorFactory:Japan MechanicalChassis:

4x2 2WD

Final drives:spur gearSteering:

manual

Brakes:differential mechanical internal expanding shoeCab:Open operator station.Transmission:

6-speed unsynchronized gear

This is a gas engine tractor. 6,000+ hours is quite a lot of use for a gas engine tractor.Are you adept at troubleshooting and mechanical repairs? Do you have metric tools?Parts for 40+ year old orphan-brand tractors are very thin.Can you operate equipment with a traditional clutch and gear transmission? Shop tractor clutch rebuilds are $1,500 in low cost, rural Florida.Manual steering gets old fast.2-WD tractors often lack the necessary traction to fill a loader bucket with dirt.Aftermarket Loaders are available for most tractors. I will guess your cost at $4,500LINK: Front-End Loader - Compact Tractor Aftermarket Loader Suppliers You would likely need a new, higher capacity hydraulic pump, joystick and plumbing, +$2,000.Plus labor for installation.

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