Kwik Way Front End Loader

[Hydro 131]

I have an opportunity to buy a FEL which was made for the Wheel Horse. What should I be looking for in terms of condition? The bucket is straight and looks to be in good shape. I'm told the loader is early 90's. I know about pins and bushings wearing and exterior hydraulic hose condition but beyond that I have no experience.

Also what would a good used one be worth in the States? Any other tips pro or con would also be appreciated. If I buy this I'm thinking a foot control for the tractor.

Thanks for your help

How much weight do they add to the tractor? Just concerned about the overall weight for my trailer as I would probably install it there and trailer it home.

Edited April 27, 2012 by Hydro

[rexman72 210]

if you have the money and its a good price buy it because they dont come around often

[MalMac 1,331]

Your on the right path about checking the hoses and pivot pins. Look for wear where the pins go through. Again look at the hoses for not just leaking but dry rot. You say the bucket straight but also look at the arms and frame of the loader for being sprung or stress fractures. Look for small spider cracks along the welds. Does it have a good pump? All the things I mention can be overcome but prices can start to add up quick. Especially if you got to start replacing hoses. As far as price I have seen the price on these things all over the place. I guess it comes down to what the buyer will pay. I have seen them go here in the states from 500 to 1500. The bad thing about these loaders is they are not made any more and they don't come up for sale very often. I have got a FEL and it is in use constantly. One of the best things I have ever bought.

[bowtiebutler956 650]

If the price is reasonable, and its in decent shape, I would jump on it.

Matt :flags-texas:

[dennist 139]

The weight of the Kwik-Way loaders are that not that much. I am a bigger guy, and have loaded them on a trailer myself when needed, and with another guy it is a breeze. It is just that they are bulky. I agree with above that they are fairly hard to come by, but when they do, they have been anywhere from 400-1500 for the ones I have bought. The 1500 ones have been JD models and I would not pay that for a Kwik-Way, just because I have had a bunch and have found them closer to the 800-1200 range. I did just see an ARK loader for sale in Maine this past week for 1000 and I never even called on it(still wondering why)?

If you have never had one in the past, you will REALLY enjoy it!

[Kelly 1,029]

I like my Kwik way loader, i'd have to say complete bucket and all, 400lbs, around me they sell fast in the 1000-1500 range, I paid $2000 for mine on a 520 but sold the 520 for $1500 but that deal don't come around often. I've called on a few before I got mine and all were sold before I called.

[can whlvr 993]

good luck gary,check the pistons(cylinders) for leaking and scoring,rust,and if they are staight,over all condition,obviously its hard to check the pump till its hooked up and its hard to see bad leaks till its running,but you will see hydro oil if its been leaking,i priced one about 20 years ago and the dealer wanted 4500 installed,i said ill buy a skid steer for that and did,let us know how you do,i saw one earlier this year for 1000 bucks and it was in pretty tough shape

[Hydro 131]

Thanks Don and everyone esle who responded. The guy is buying a skid steer and he is on the North side of $1500.00 but not that much. It's been for sale for a while but up here the whole picture is a lot different. Not that many Horses and even less attachments.

It's not mounted to a tractor presently, it's just sitting indoors. I really appreciate everyone's input. This would be a totally new piece of equipment for me to use. :eusa-think:

[AMC RULES 37,127]

Did you get it?

Did you get it?

Did you get it?

Yet?

:ychain:

[Hydro 131]

I'm still thinking... I will likely go to see it tomorrow.

[dennist 139]

If you have wanted one you will never regret getting it. They are a blast to play around with and you will find many uses for it. They are pretty simple to put on and have up and running.

[massey 118]

A loader would be a fine accessory for you, then a three point, then a swept front axle, then a backhoe, then tracks....................

[Kelly 1,029]

I pulled the loader off a 520 and had it on my C-195 in less than a hour, and I had to swap some mounting brackets from one location to another as the 195 is a bigger tractor, but it was all a direct bolt on, see if he has the weight box to mount on the rear of the tractor, you will need it, I have about 350lbs in my weight box.

[AMC RULES 37,127]

I'm still thinking... I will likely go to see it tomorrow.

Mind if we go with?

Don't forget your camera Gary. :wwp:

[Hydro 131]

A loader would be a fine accessory for you, then a three point, then a swept front axle, then a backhoe, then tracks....................

Yes and I would play in the mud and get it dirty!

It does look at little lonely

[can whlvr 993]

ya that tractor is beggin for a loader

[Hydro 131]

Did you get it? Did you get it? Did you get it? Yet?

Went to look at it today. It was not in very good shape. Someone was doing a lot of stick welding but only on the surface. Welds were pile up. Every hose I looked at needed replacing. Not for me at $1650.00.

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,300]

Yep, ya gotta know when to walk away!

Mike.........

[AMC RULES 37,127]

Price was not for the timid, that's for sure.

I can't blame you for walking away from a complete rehab.

Your's is still out there waiting for you to find it Gary. :thumbs:

[can whlvr 993]

good move,if what you see is bad the pumps probally not great either

[Rooney 5]

Quick question. I have a 1984 C-195 with a factory FEL. Just wondering how much weight I should put in the ballast box and how much air pressure in the front tires. It's very hard to steer. Thanks.

[ThreeHorses 20]

I have a 520H with the gear assisted steering and swept front axle with a Kwik-Way loader.

Have 6 40 lb suitcase weights hanging on a weight rack on the back of the tractor plus approximately 90 lb wheel weight.

You need some weight behind the axle to counterbalance the weight of the loader and anything you're carrying in it.

I've got a weight box but opted for the weight rack and suitcase weights, easier to load and unload to use on other tractors.

I currently have tri-ribs on the front running 30 lbs of pressure.

It steers good even with a load in the bucket if you are moving.

I have a spinner on the steering wheel and it steers easily with one hand.

Steers much easier than a C145 I had with the a snow blower on it running similar weight but with turf tires and regular steering.

You might talk with Kelly since he has a C195 with loader also.

He might be able to help you as to swapping in a gear assist steering system or power steering of some sort.

Seems like he was working on power steering for his C195.

[Rooney 5]

Thanks for the info ThreeHorses. I have 280 pounds in the weight box but only 20 psi in the front turf tires. I'll pump them up to 30 psi. I also have wheel weight's. Traction is not a problem, I just need to figure out how to get it to steer easier. Thanks again.