ARK 500 LOADER REBUILD ON A 522XI

[KrazeyOlDave 860]

Any updates? I hope you’re doing well, I look forward to seeing it completed.

[Pullstart 62,831]

4 hours ago, KrazeyOlDave said:

Any updates? I hope you’re doing well, I look forward to seeing it completed.

Thanks for the bump.  I have not touched this in a while.  I need to finish welding some stuff that’s torn apart, clean and paint, then find and assemble hydraulic lines.  Unfortunately, life has been too busy for much tractor work.  

[Pullstart 62,831]

It’s been too long!

 

 

[Pullstart 62,831]

I need to cap the bumper, then this piece is complete!  Why have I waited so long?

 

 

[Pullstart 62,831]

[Pullstart 62,831]

The subframe was mostly done!  I’d like to go through the build a bit and make sure I’m ready to cap the main 2” tubes.  It seems like I left the rear long.  I might cap the front, then do one last fit up before painting.  
 

 

[Pullstart 62,831]

 

[Pullstart 62,831]

It’s been a while since this was rolling on aired up tires!

 

I figured that after all the welding, and lost time, I should do another fit up.

 

 

[Pullstart 62,831]

Subframe and loader tower are on.  The tower went into place much easier when I realized the cables were pinched between the bumper and the battery tray!  

 

 

[Pullstart 62,831]

 

[The Freightliner Guy 1,327]

I like what you said looks aren’t important function is and looks good great job Kevin 

 

Kollin

[Pullstart 62,831]

I did some measuring today.  The soft hoses would allow more serviceability over the years I suppose.  I’m not 100% keen on them, but it is what it is.

 

 

[Pullstart 62,831]

Before I pull the trigger, I need to do some other figuring and planning.  But this is way cheaper than the local farm store!

 

 

[Pullstart 62,831]

By eliminating some fittings and making the crossover hoses direct to the cylinders, I’ve reduced cost drastically.  @JoeM I know you have hoses on your FEL.  Any reason to shoot down my revised list?

 

 

[Pullstart 62,831]

 

[Pullstart 62,831]

@JoeM I see that you had dedicated hoses at some point.    Any regerts?  

 

 

[Pullstart 62,831]

@cschannuth I scanned through your build and found @WHX??’s 520H loader tractor has the same hose configuration.  No fittings on the left side, just from the tee on the right direct to the cylinders.  Anything you would have changed?  Was it good that way?

 

 

Edited October 24, 2022 by Pullstart
Photos

[cschannuth 3,816]

3 hours ago, Pullstart said:

Anything you would have changed?  Was it good that way?

It was fine that way but I would’ve preferred hard lines for the main run out with short hoses to the cylinders.

[Pullstart 62,831]

Thanks to @JoeM, I ordered my hoses and fittings from Surplus Center, instead of Hydraulic Hoses.  There was a significant savings on each item, enough so that I was able to add a 2” sleeve to the order, so I can bundle all the hoses together on the loader frame.  Woo hoo!

 

The difference was $233.76 including tax and shipping and the extra sleeve, vs. $251.92 + tax (and I think free shipping)

Edited October 24, 2022 by Pullstart

[Pullstart 62,831]

I decided some gussets in the loader arms sound be useful.  With a 2” gap, they could be used to tuck the hydraulic hoses into the corners as well!  I grabbed some triangles, welded them together, then cut another triangle off ‘em.  Added drainage 

 

I’ll soften the edges on the belt sander, then burn ‘em in.

[Pullstart 62,831]

All better!

 

 

[Pullstart 62,831]

I’m not sure about my bucket travel.. 

 

 

[Blasterdad 2,692]

Looking great! You could make another hole for the cylinder pins a couple of inches down on the bucket, it would give you the extra travel both ways you're not sure about.

( pretty sure you already know that ) 

[Pullstart 62,831]

2 hours ago, Blasterdad said:

Looking great! You could make another hole for the cylinder pins a couple of inches down on the bucket, it would give you the extra travel both ways you're not sure about.

( pretty sure you already know that ) 

I was just making dinner and playing with cylinder positions   YES, at the same time!

[Pullstart 62,831]

I’m sure some may think or say I post too much, or too many images, or whatnot.  I’ve thought about becoming a lifetime member but chose to renew my membership every 2 years to help with the server costs   with that said, I’m glad to have found this earlier, to remind myself how the pump mounted.  I’m sure I could have figured it out…. this was just easier.