Looking for loader

[WHMike 2]

I have a Wheel Horse (Toro) MDL# 78375; "Attach-O-Matic;" 52" hydrostatic deck and drive, Eaton rear powertrain, KAW FD620D liquid cooled v-twin.

 

Looking for a loader. Anyone? Used? Build one? Retrofit?

[WHX?? 48,801]

 Mike 

Sounds like you have an 5xi model. Be advised if you do put a loader on it it will be a single purpose tractor. The sub frame will not allow the use of a deck and loaders do not come on and off easily.  

A used one with subframe is going to be hen's teeth. A used one and build a sub is more reality. Been done here by a couple guys. 

[Pullstart 62,812]

Here’s a loader build series I’m working on for my 520Xi…

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOJBTShBNzI&list=PLxC90Yn7WAFoMqUlhJe7eSjkRe2FdCWxS&index=2

 

[Pullstart 62,812]

it would be a good idea to check your front axle pivot too 

 

https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/topic/92609-xi-series-front-axle-pivot-repair/

 

[sergeant 291]

9 hours ago, WHMike said:

I have a Wheel Horse (Toro) MDL# 78375; "Attach-O-Matic;" 52" hydrostatic deck and drive, Eaton rear powertrain, KAW FD620D liquid cooled v-twin.

 

Looking for a loader. Anyone? Used? Build one? Retrofit?

As far as Build goes, Most People think this Place https://compacttractorandcomponents.com/index.htm only makes Loaders for John Deere, But they will also build a custom Loader. Though, you would need to Bring Your tractor to them In southern, WI. Only thing I suggest if You go that route, tell Him to use a Minimum of 3 set screws for Holding the Drive sheave On the Pump. That has been the One Nice thing about Deere Garden tractor with Loaders since the 140 Came On the Market in 1968 Deere either contracted out or Made In house or aftermarket loader. The Loaders and deck have been able to be On at the same time, Same for the Simplicity Legacy XL in the Last 20 years. That has always sort have been the downside with Wheel Horse sine the early/ Mid-1980's the Tractor's Become a Loader Platform instead of a Jack of all trades(D series was and exception to that). It's really too Bad Don M sold Kwik-way to Hitch Doc, as they would be More than Happy to help You out with retrofitting One of their Loaders to a different tractor that the Loader wasn't originally for

 

There are Two other Loaders You could adapt

PF Engineering which is Just Plans for a Loader https://www.loaderplans.com/. There is a Member Here that has some of their Kits On His wheel Horse

CAD Plans, which are Plans But they also offer raw Material Kits https://cadplans.com/collections/loaders

 

[Sailman 1,291]

Here is another totally different option. I saw several u-tube videos on people converting ATV bucket kits to their garden tractors. I know its NOT A TRUE FEL. But I was trying to avoid all the hydraulics, weight, etc and just wanted to move some material around. It requires some metal fabrication and linear actuator. My parts list is about $1000 including a used bucket for $350. Unfortunately I broke my leg before I could tackle the project so its on hold for 6 weeks   Here is a picture of the "mock up" I did with wood to get the right dimensions. Also picture of completed one off the internet. If interested I can send more details.

[WHX?? 48,801]

Yes they are called Johnny buckets and they have their uses. 

https://johnnyproducts.com/

[Sailman 1,291]

I am aware of the johnny buckets. The option I am using is similar but uses the ATV products. https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200150824_200150824

 

[oliver2-44 9,714]

You could also look for a used loader of any brand of Sub Compact Utility Tractor SCUT and retrofit it to your tractor. 

[Handy Don 12,177]

23 hours ago, Sailman said:

The option I am using is similar but uses the ATV products

I find pictures showing a loader lifting the front of a tractor kinda humorous. I'm a lot more interested in what it can lift, and how high, in the loaded bucket.

[Sailman 1,291]

6 hours ago, Handy Don said:

I find pictures showing a loader lifting the front of a tractor kinda humorous. I'm a lot more interested in what it can lift, and how high, in the loaded bucket.

This was the only picture that showed the whole set up.

The one I am building has a bucket rated at 350# and linear actuator rated at 1000#. I expect it to raise bucket about the height of the tractor hood but no more. It will also go a couple inches lower than flat for digging power. Definitely not a FEL but if I wanted an FEL I would use a real tractor. Just want to move material around without wheel barrow and shovel!

[Handy Don 12,177]

32 minutes ago, Sailman said:

This was the only picture that showed the whole set up.

The one I am building has a bucket rated at 350# and linear actuator rated at 1000#. I expect it to raise bucket about the height of the tractor hood but no more. It will also go a couple inches lower than flat for digging power. Definitely not a FEL but if I wanted an FEL I would use a real tractor. Just want to move material around without wheel barrow and shovel!

We are definitely on the same page with our idea of a "garden bucket". I'm also working on a scoop with similar design goals. It'll use hydraulics, though, as actuators are just too slow and vulnerable for me to use in this sort of application. I also wanted something I could get on and off the tractor without major surgery (to the tractor or to me).

Edited October 15, 2022 by Handy Don

[Sailman 1,291]

 

14 hours ago, Handy Don said:

We are definitely on the same page with our idea of a "garden bucket". I'm also working on a scoop with similar design goals. It'll use hydraulics, though, as actuators are just too slow and vulnerable for me to use in this sort of application. I also wanted something I could get on and off the tractor without major surgery (to the tractor or to me).

 

I like that...."garden bucket"! A good name for it. Simplicity and low cost are my goals. Good luck with your project.