XI Loader Project 2020

[JoeM 7,883]

Finally got around to the XI FEL build. Opted for an combination, old school D type / xi style build. I Cabbaged materials this spring and summer, with a little reverse engineering, and got the build together.

For now it is about 85%, I need to finish the bucket and some paint. The bucket is going to be an easy mount, not necessarily a quick mount. I have a set of forks to swap out with the bucket. I actually use the forks on my 520 way more then the bucket and wanted the forks mounted to the loader frame rather then the bucket clip on ones I have now.  Keeps the load closer. 

Notes, I found a pretty nice 25 micron suction filter at the surplus center and picked up most of the hydraulic parts there. Steel tubing looks nice but is not any cheaper than hose by comparison. 

Here is a few pics I will post the completed pics in a couple weeks.   

[Zeek 2,286]

Wow, nice fabrication work! 

[WHX?? 49,791]

Real nice Joe! 

[DET 108]

Looks real good, is the hyd. pump a direct drive?

[SylvanLakeWH 26,486]

[Pullstart 63,429]

28 minutes ago, DET said:

Looks real good, is the hyd. pump a direct drive?

the PTO on the XI series is on the front of the engine.  This looks to be right underneath, so the PTO can still be utilized.

 

@JoeM You’ve done real well on this build!  

[ebinmaine 69,579]

Wicked Awesomeness

[shallowwatersailor 3,214]

2 hours ago, pullstart said:

the PTO on the XI series is on the front of the engine.  This looks to be right underneath, so the PTO can still be utilized.

 

@JoeM You’ve done real well on this build!  

 

It appears to be a mule drive from the PTO to drive the hydraulic pump. That is how the manufactured FELs for the 5xi were designed.

[JoeM 7,883]

3 hours ago, pullstart said:

PTO

I  used a belt to drive the pump,

Thanks!

[JoeM 7,883]

I got the pump mount from tom_cat for the shipping.

Pump unit and Fork Pics.

[Tractorhead 9,065]

👍 well done.

 

have a lot of Fun with it and lot’s easy work.

 

 

[DET 108]

I mounted mine in a pulley box. I didn’t realize there was a bracket for the pump.

[JoeM 7,883]

On 11/17/2020 at 7:27 PM, DET said:

I mounted mine in a pulley box. I didn’t realize there was a bracket for the pump.

@top_cat had this bracket posted and knowing i was going to build was able to snag it. It is an odd set up. The engine in the xi's set at an angle with the front higher then the back. Figure it is to align the drive shaft. 

the original plan was to fabricate some kind of pump bracket.

The pic's are when I was figuring the pulley size, alignment and belt needed.

[JoeM 7,883]

99 percent now, had to install a flow control in the tip up, it was way to fast, the rest is good. 

[cschannuth 3,817]

30 minutes ago, JoeM said:

99 percent now, had to install a flow control in the tip up, it was way to fast, the rest is good. 

Do you have any detailed pictures of how your bucket attaches to your quick attach frame? If you don’t it’s no big deal but I would like to set up something like that on my loader.

[DennisThornton 4,770]

32 minutes ago, JoeM said:

99 percent now, had to install a flow control in the tip up, it was way to fast, the rest is good. 

I've been watching and I've reviewed a time or two, and after giving it quite a bit of thought, I'd have to say pretty darned good!

Pretty darned good!  Love the joystick and the forklift/bucket mount!

 

I do have a question, and I must admit that I've not paid good attention to other FELS, in fact I've got to go out and look at my NH.  So in another post I'd like to ask that question.  For now I'd just like to admire this picture!

[JoeM 7,883]

On 11/23/2020 at 7:19 PM, cschannuth said:

pictures of how your bucket attaches

I found this picture. Welded an 1/4" angle across the top that hooks on the loader frame angle. The loader cross angle is 3" x 3/8 thick and the space behind the bucket angle is 1/2". You can't see it in the picture but there is a flat bar welded to the bottom of the bucket that hangs out over the edge an inch. This keep the bucket in place when flush up against the frame. Then I got two 3/4 pins that drop down through pieces welded on the bucket into holes on the bottom of the loader frame. I will get some pictures of this tonight when I go up to the shop. 

I did look at the skid steer style fixtures on ebay and they were reasonable. Less than $250 ish. coming out of Maryland. I already had the angle and pieces for this so went with my own plan. I would call it more of an easy attach then quick. I didn't opt for spring loaded latches. Figure i can get off and install two pins.

Edited November 25, 2020 by JoeM
Added Pics and info

[Pullstart 63,429]

Joe, I was going to PM you but figured I’d ask here.  Are your subframe mounting points only the mid mount and rear axle tubes?

[Pullstart 63,429]

Also, @JoeM did you replace the fiberglass front bumper with a fabricated piece for the support tubes?

 

[JoeM 7,883]

I used the existing bumper bolts and bolted a piece of angle iron on and welded a vertical piece to accept the tubes. You can't see it but there is a gusset underneath welded to the angle.

 

[Pullstart 63,429]

Nice!  I think I have enough 2x4x1/4” tubing, I might get crafty and see about building a bumper.