waltsuz 12 #1 Posted October 8, 2013 I am about the pull the trigger on a set of plans to build a front end loader for a 520H. I am not to much concerned about the fabrication of this but I am hoping to find an experienced opinion about the tractor. I have looked over as much as I can find here about this project but have found very little about a loader on the 520. If anyone has any suggestions about modifications to the tractor to support this structurally I would appreciate an opinion and any suggestions. Once I get going on this I will post some pictures of it as it comes along...Walt Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dieselcowboy 210 #2 Posted October 8, 2013 (edited) Mine is on a 520-8. It has done great most all summer since I have gotten it fabbed on . (no problems at all so far.) I use it to drag and scoop horse poop mostly. At least every week for a few hours. Also have lifted an outhouse with it and an 8ft 3pt grader blade to move it. I don't think if you use what is already provided (520) correctly and gently you need to do anything to it. I did add gear reduction steering to help my turning hard. Edited October 8, 2013 by Dieselcowboy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 16,980 #3 Posted October 8, 2013 A 520 should have no problem handling that size of a loader. Do the backhoe too! I use both on a 416-8 and the tractor can take the abuse. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forest Road 594 #4 Posted October 9, 2013 As for the old tried and true lil red tractors the 520h is probably the best suited. The only weak link in that machine is the Onan. Should it fail drop in any motor of your choice. I have Matt's foot pedal kit on my 314h. I can't believe I ever used that tractor with it! For a loader on a hydro it's a must. I have a 522xi with the same eaton 1100 that's in your 520h. @ 1100+ hours it's still going strong. If you ever have the chance to snag an Xi with power steering JUMP! Good luck in your build! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boovuc 1,090 #5 Posted October 9, 2013 The D series and most of the later 500 series are the only tractors that Wheelhorse/Toro designed with the intention of using a front loader from the factory.. Including XI's, etc. The front wheels use one inch spindles and use an automotive type hub. The later 520's included the gear reduction steering to help it turn "better" with a front end load. (XI's had a power steering option I believe). Factory 3rd party or "Allied Attachment Manufacturers" that Wheelhorse partnered with offered a loader attachment for all the garden tractors but they required a mandatory heavy duty front wheel/spindle kit that many didn't purchase or acquire in later years. There are some on this site that have broken front spindles in the process of working with a front end loader on their tractors. The 520 uses the Eaton 1100 hydro rear which is very heavy duty and the sub-frames for the 3rd party manufacturers of the loaders were extremely stout. (Ark manufacturing and later Kwikways). I think looking at the Arks and Kwikway loader's sub-frames should give you the building blocks needed to create your own design within the specifications and of course, limitations of the 520. (Don't expect to pickup and move a half ton with it). It will do it with enough counter weight but it won't do it too many times. The Ark loader on my 520 is over 30 years old and it is on a 1991 520-H. The only REAL honest to goodness mod I had to do was mounting the pump since the Onan overflows the frame opening where it was originally intended to mount. I think watching the weight of the overall loader structure and not building it to pickup 1000 lb. is the best way to go about building a loader from the ground up. I think the Kwikway can pickup more than the Ark is rated at, (350 lbs moving), because the Ark is just plain big and heavy. (Over engineered). That recommended maximum pickup capacity was for C series tractors ranging from the C-80 up to the C-175 at the time the Ark was built. I believe the 520 can handle more capacity but since your looking at the same frames of these tractors and not necessarily their gross weight, I stick to that maximum moving lift weight with my setup. I was told by many when I got mine hooked up to make sure you check all your bolts and fittings after you use it for awhile and it was great advice. A loader can loosen things up quicker than just mowing! I would be interested in what the PF Industries specs are for the loader plans your using. Let us know how your project goes along the way and good luck going forward! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cheesegrader 433 #6 Posted October 9, 2013 I have a kwik-way loader on a '96 520H. I have matt's hydro pedal mod, and have loaded rear tires with an additional 90lbs of weight in each wheel. I don't know how I got by without it. I move lots of wood and gravel. It handles 500 pounds with no trouble. It digs out my drive after blizzards. It maintains a quarter mile gravel road. It is a little long, and not as maneuverable as a skid-steer, but I love it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bitten 134 #7 Posted October 9, 2013 I dont know if there are spindles that are as big as the forward swept axle but with the bigger spindles and the wider stance I would make sure I had one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltsuz 12 #8 Posted October 9, 2013 Wow, thanks everybody..I doubt if I'd ever need to move more than 500lb's but was hoping it would handle it..This tractor will pull and spread gravel to maintain a driveway we are putting in. I'll order the plans today and start a scavenger hunt for parts. bitten: yes this machine does have the wide axle swept forward. I picked this 520 up Sunday. The whole tractor looks a bit heaver duty than my 518. I have pulled all the sheetmetal off and I am going over the tractor right now getting it ready and just checking it out. I would like to raise and lower a back blade also. I think I can use the lift cylinder for this..Thanks again, Walt Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 16,980 #9 Posted October 9, 2013 Keep in mind that without a weight box on the back you will need to fill the tires and also add more wheel weight. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forest Road 594 #10 Posted October 9, 2013 Keep in mind that without a weight box on the back you will need to fill the tires and also add more wheel weight. Good point!!! I run wheel weights and approx 500+ lbs in the weight box. Even with me @ 260 lbs it could use a bit more. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltsuz 12 #11 Posted October 10, 2013 Has anyone found lug tires that will work with the stock front wheels.. 16x7.50-8... I see 6.50's all over the place.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
