C85 loader

[Firebug 267]

Just wanted to share a few pics of my latest acquisition. Got it in November as an unfinished project. The loader is now complete, just have some cleanup work to do, paint, routing the lines etc. anyway, it’s a c85, has in a swapped k341. Run great but it’s loud, baffles are rusted out. Address that later. The loader is home made, 2x2 heavy wall tubing.  3000 psi pump, mounted underneath right where the original mower spindle goes so it uses the original length belt. Aluminum reservoir out back for ballast and one stick control lever. The loader operates smooth with no issues. Will be perfect for work around my 2 acres. Rear fenders are all cracked but I have a set from a work horse to go on after they get a coat of red. The weak spot I see is going to be the 3/4 inch spindles. Thinking at swapping in a 1 inch axle to help remedy that. Also need to move my fittings to the inside, I know me and I’ll end up schearing them off where they are. Any thoughts from the masses on changes that need to be made are appreciated

[Firebug 267]

For some reason it doesn’t met me load all the photos, here’s more

[Firebug 267]

Won’t let me up load any more, not sure why

[Achto 27,505]

19 minutes ago, Firebug said:

Won’t let me up load any more, not sure why

 

You may be out of member space for photo's. You can delete some of your past photos to obtain more room or become a supporter & all of your photo space issues will go away. 

[Super-C 4 me 612]

In the classified adds on here, there is a 520 front axle and reduction steering for sale

Both would go nicely on that tractor

[Firebug 267]

520 axle a direct swap?

[Firebug 267]

Pretty sure I had seen that axle for sale at one point but heck if I can find it now

[roadapples 6,983]

2 hours ago, Firebug said:

520 axle a direct swap?

The axle is, but you'll need longer tie rods if you don't have the whole set up...

[Achto 27,505]

2 hours ago, Firebug said:

520 axle a direct swap?

 

I believe so, may need to make some minor alterations for the tie rods. Oh ya, you'll want the tie rods with it they are much heavier. The gear reduction steering would be a nice addition also. I believe that the 520 axle is the only close fit with 1" spindles.

[elcamino/wheelhorse 9,296]

@Firebug Check with @richmondred01 I think he has the axle etc that you need.

[Achto 27,505]

Bamm!! Your name looks good in red @Firebug. Thank you for becoming a supporter!!

[Firebug 267]

for The help I’ve recieved on the site becoming a supporter is well worth it. This kind of experience and expertise anywhere else would cost a fortune. Here are the rest of the pics I wasn’t able to load earlier

[wallfish 16,985]

4 hours ago, Firebug said:

Any thoughts from the masses on changes that need to be made are appreciated

Nice Setup!

You can turn the end cap on those type of cylinders so the fittings are facing up or down. Just loosen the 4 long bolts to spin the end cap and turn it 90 deg. I'd be concerned with all that hose underneath catching something. It could easily snap one of the fittings at the pump if it does snag on something. Also a good idea to add a hydraulic oil filter, usually on the return side. And make some kind of lock for the suction hose ball valve to hold it in position. If it gets knocked close by mistake with the pump on, it will ruin the pump. (even a zip tie would work). Add more weight to the rear like wheel weights and/or filling the tires. It'll get light in the rear with a heavy load.

[Firebug 267]

Thank you, I had planned on turning the fittings up. That was on the list to do when I pull it apart for paint. I have a filter for it but contemplated the need since it’s a closed system, how much dirt will get in there? I also have plans for routing and securing the lines. I plan on running them along the frame rail for protection

[Firebug 267]

I have mounting block on order from fastenal but they are on back order till the end of February, similar to the green ones in the picture

[wallfish 16,985]

8 minutes ago, Firebug said:

I have a filter for it but contemplated the need since it’s a closed system, how much dirt will get in there?

The ARK factory FELs didn't come with filter but it sure couldn't hurt. Some dust will get past the wiper seals on the rods but most would get in through the reservoir as breaths air in and out during the fluid level changes. There's plenty of info out there on the web to read up on and make a decision either way.

[JoeM 7,871]

you will get more use out of that then you think. I use mine for just about anything, I even use it as a mobile saw horse!

Looks pretty good, that is one super cool oil tank.

All those ideas are real good. The filter is just not for dirt but will catch any metal in the system,  especially if something fails the tank will stay clean. Not too much of a need to change the filter very often, probably 3, 4 years or so.

One thing to keep an eye on is the bars running from the towers to the frame at the front wheels. Make sure the pins, or you may have bolts, holding those on are secure, that is a critical part of the structural strength. Mine uses bolts and they worked loose, I double nut them.  

I had my pump on my D loader mounted that way, worked out good.

[Firebug 267]

Those are bolted to factory holes in the frame. Grade 5 bolts and I used nylock nuts to help keep them from loosening up

[MalMac 1,331]

As mentioned, you need to convert to the 520 swept axel with steering reduction. I have used a loader on a C141 with just the HD front spindle kit. Still was way to hard on the stock fan gear set up. You will eventually break or put extream wear on your fan gear. The steering reduction will eliminate that and make way easier to steeer. It is more or less a straight bolt on. You may have to grinde a little off one of the arms of your lifting bell crank. It’s just a tad to long and will hit the bevel gear on the steering reduction. 

 

I did all this when I switched my Ark loader over to a 414-8. The C141 just got wore out from the loader use. The loaders are hard on the front ends and steering. If your going to be using it a lot you will be glad you did convert it. 

[Firebug 267]

After the switch will I be able to use a little bit smaller steering wheel. It’s pretty cramped up there. Having to reach inder the wheel to shift. Is there a way to move the seat back maybe a 1/2-1 inch

[roadapples 6,983]

Shouldn't be a problem moving seat back. I put complete 520 steering on a C160/W loader. Big difference, and well worth the effort. But it's still not power steering. I added trailer hubs, wheels, and 6 ply tires that hold 70psi which really helped steering also...

[MalMac 1,331]

roadapples is right. It’s not power steering. Because it’s mechanical that translates into more revolutions of the steering will to get the job done compared to standard steering. Well worth the conversion as mention. I also put 6 ply tires on. That helped tremendously. I would like to do the trailer hub conversion, but have yet to round the parts up. 

[Firebug 267]

What is the trailer hub conversion?

[Super-C 4 me 612]

Just put a 520 swept axle in my C160 

I’m using it with a 2 snow thrower this winter and did not like the flex with the 3/4 spindles. 

[Firebug 267]

I have a set of 1 inch spindles, access to an axle, just would need the tie rods. Is the gear reduction steering necessary?