FEL ladder frame question

[mmmmmdonuts 274]

With a front end loader for these tractors how important is a ladder type subframe? Does the cross piece in the front have to connect where the towers are? Can the frame where the towers are just mount to the frame and go back to the transmission or is that cross piece critical where the towers mount? Could it be set further back with the same effect or would it not be the same? I know it is important to go back to the transmission so if you hit something you don't snap the frame, but how critical are the cross members?

[953 nut 55,087]

If the front and rear portions of the sub-frame are not connected you will twist the tractor's frame. You will find that the sub-frame is heavier than the tractor frame and without it the forces exerted by the loader would all be transferred to one point at the center of the tractor.

[mmmmmdonuts 274]

Okay so both ends need to be connected at the very front and very rear correct? Not offset correct? Would 2x2x1/4 tube be sufficient or am I better off with 2x4x3/16 tube? 

[cschannuth 3,816]

1 minute ago, 953 nut said:

If the front and rear portions of the sub-frame are not connected you will twist the tractor's frame. You will find that the sub-frame is heavier than the tractor frame and without it the forces exerted by the loader would all be transferred to one point at the center of the tractor.

 

I agree. My subframe dwarfs the tractor frame. I have mine connected to the tractor in 6 separate locations - 2 in the front, 2 in the center, and 2 at the rear axle. 

[Shynon 7,459]

Here's the one I made for my 520 it's a copy of a Wheel Horse loader frame. Mounts to the mid mount and rear axle, has connection points to front of tractot for the tower stabilizers. 

[squonk 41,034]

1 hour ago, mmmmmdonuts said:

Okay so both ends need to be connected at the very front and very rear correct? Not offset correct? Would 2x2x1/4 tube be sufficient or am I better off with 2x4x3/16 tube? 

My PK loader is all 3/16'"  Use it if you can.

[mmmmmdonuts 274]

Okay this is giving me some good ideas. Does it hurt the ladder frame at all if you go vertical and then connect like in Shynon photos? Or is it better right between the rails? 

[WNYPCRepair 1,916]

9 hours ago, mmmmmdonuts said:

Okay this is giving me some good ideas. Does it hurt the ladder frame at all if you go vertical and then connect like in Shynon photos? Or is it better right between the rails? 

Mine is very similar to Shynon's for my 520xi. I am connected to the mid tach-o-matic, and U-Bolted to the rear axle. I have moved a minimum of 50 yeards this summer alone, and it has held up great. Unfortunately, I don't remember how thick the subframe is. If I remember tomorrow, I'll see if I can measure it, but I believe it is 3/16" 2x2 tubing

 

Edited September 4, 2018 by WNYPCRepair

[WNYPCRepair 1,916]

6 minutes ago, WNYPCRepair said:

Mine is very similar to Shynon's for my 520xi. I am bolted to the front, connected to the mid tach-o-matic, and U-Bolted to the rear axle. I have moved a minimum of 50 yeards this summer alone, and it has held up great. Unfortunately, I don't remember how thick the subframe is. If I remember tomorrow, I'll see if I can measure it, but I believe it is 3/16" 2x2 tubing

 

Nope, 1/4". My build isn't the prettiest, since it was also my first time using a MIG welder, but it seems to be nice and strong. 


http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/topic/61940-522xi-front-end-loader-build/?tab=comments#comment-577778

 

 

Edited September 4, 2018 by WNYPCRepair

[WNYPCRepair 1,916]

Actually, reading further, I think they are only 1/8", but I haven't had any issues at all.