Front end loader

[diesel life 42]

Ok guys I need some input, I am getting ready to order the PF Engineering plans to build a front end loader for my 520h. For those of you who have a loader and can help what other mods should I do to the tractor before putting the loader on? I am also thinking of converting to a foot controlled throttle as I dont use the 520 to mowe with. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also do I need another hydro pump just for the loader itself? Thanks guys.

[oliver2-44 9,709]

Yes, the loader will have its own hydraulic pump/system.

Extend you subframe past the rear wheels to mount a weight box on.

Does your 520 have the swept front axle and gear reduction steering?  The gear reduction steering will really be helpful with the weight of the loader and also the larger spindles

keep us updated with pictures.

[roadapples 6,983]

@wallfishmay be able to help with the pump...

[Pullstart 62,807]

I’m super close to being done with my 520Xi loader, but have been too dang busy to get it back into the shop..

 

here’s my build… where Duke left off.

 

 

[diesel life 42]

20 minutes ago, oliver2-44 said:

Yes, the loader will have its own hydraulic pump/system.

Extend you subframe past the rear wheels to mount a weight box on.

Does your 520 have the swept front axle and gear reduction steering?  The gear reduction steering will really be helpful with the weight of the loader and also the larger spindles

keep us updated with pictures.

Yes I do have the swept front axle, the gear reduction steering I am not sure about.

[diesel life 42]

13 minutes ago, roadapples said:

@wallfishmay be able to help with the pump...

I will keep that in mind

[diesel life 42]

3 minutes ago, pullstart said:

I’m super close to being done with my 520Xi loader, but have been too dang busy to get it back into the shop..

 

here’s my build… where Duke left off.

 

 

There is a ark loader on here for sale I have thought about buying, looks like it has no frame so I would have to fab one up, and its here in Indiana. Thanks for the link i will read up.

[Handy Don 12,167]

1 hour ago, diesel life said:

Yes I do have the swept front axle, the gear reduction steering I am not sure about.

They are a package, unless someone messed with your tractor. 

 

Look for the steering support Part #22 (the callout lines in the diagram don't line up--22 is NOT pointing to the frame!) at the bottom end of the steering column. If you have it, you have reduction steering.

 

[Bill D 1,913]

6 hours ago, Handy Don said:

They are a package, unless someone messed with your tractor. 

 

Look for the steering support Part #22 (the callout lines in the diagram don't line up--22 is NOT pointing to the frame!) at the bottom end of the steering column. If you have it, you have reduction steering.

 

I saw a 520HC recently that had a forward swept front end but did not have the gear reduction steering.  Appeared to be stock.

[Handy Don 12,167]

29 minutes ago, Bill D said:

I saw a 520HC recently that had a forward swept front end but did not have the gear reduction steering.  Appeared to be stock.

Excellent point.

I forgot about how those HCs got some of the good stuff a year or two early that later migrated to the H--notably the swept axle, 1" axle spindles, better wheel bearings, optional thrust bearings, and sturdier/adjustable tie rods. By the time this got to the H, it came with it all (except the lower transaxle final drive ratio for the higher speed, dang it!)

 

So you really do need to look for part #22 to be sure! 

[lynnmor 7,302]

5 minutes ago, Handy Don said:By the time this got to the H, it came with it all (except the lower transaxle final drive ratio for the higher speed, dang it!)

 

I think that was driven by the safety nazis.

 

[cschannuth 3,816]

9 hours ago, diesel life said:

Ok guys I need some input, I am getting ready to order the PF Engineering plans to build a front end loader for my 520h. For those of you who have a loader and can help what other mods should I do to the tractor before putting the loader on? I am also thinking of converting to a foot controlled throttle as I dont use the 520 to mowe with. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also do I need another hydro pump just for the loader itself? Thanks guys.

I used the PF plans to build the loader for my 520 and the gentleman from whom I purchased it was very helpful along the way. There were many times that I would email him questions and he would get back with me in a timely manner to help me through the process. Those plans are based around a cub cadet so you will need to design your own sub frame. It’s a fun experience and if I can ever assist in anyway just let me know. 

[diesel life 42]

7 hours ago, Handy Don said:

They are a package, unless someone messed with your tractor. 

 

Look for the steering support Part #22 (the callout lines in the diagram don't line up--22 is NOT pointing to the frame!) at the bottom end of the steering column. If you have it, you have reduction steering.

 

Ok I will have to look on my days off this week, thank you.

[diesel life 42]

38 minutes ago, cschannuth said:

I used the PF plans to build the loader for my 520 and the gentleman from whom I purchased it was very helpful along the way. There were many times that I would email him questions and he would get back with me in a timely manner to help me through the process. Those plans are based around a cub cadet so you will need to design your own sub frame. It’s a fun experience and if I can ever assist in anyway just let me know. 

That is good to know, glad he was helpful. I will keep this in mind, thank you

[diesel life 42]

1 hour ago, Handy Don said:

Excellent point.

I forgot about how those HCs got some of the good stuff a year or two early that later migrated to the H--notably the swept axle, 1" axle spindles, better wheel bearings, optional thrust bearings, and sturdier/adjustable tie rods. By the time this got to the H, it came with it all (except the lower transaxle final drive ratio for the higher speed, dang it!)

 

So you really do need to look for part #22 to be sure! 

Mine is 1996 520H came with a 60" deck, my dad bought it brand new. It could use some more speed.....

[JoeM 7,871]

One of the most important pieces is the front tower brace. It transfers a lot of the load to the frame.

Match the cylinders and the pump gpm to the speed you want. 2 inch work good with 6-8, 1 1/2" work good with 4. It gets hard to even "feather" the lever for control when the load is small and slow speed is required.

The PF guy is okay, but the plans are generic and some amount of custom engineering on your own is required. i.e. I changed the bucket roll back to make it better when the bucker is low it will not spill while traveling.

If your welding and fab skills are good it will be a good project. 

This drawing will help it is an xi but I have used about the same on 520 machines. 

 

520 .

 

520 bucker mod

 

 

 

Edited September 8, 2021 by JoeM

[diesel life 42]

5 hours ago, JoeM said:

One of the most important pieces is the front tower brace. It transfers a lot of the load to the frame.

Match the cylinders and the pump gpm to the speed you want. 2 inch work good with 6-8, 1 1/2" work good with 4. It gets hard to even "feather" the lever for control when the load is small and slow speed is required.

The PF guy is okay, but the plans are generic and some amount of custom engineering on your own is required. i.e. I changed the bucket roll back to make it better when the bucker is low it will not spill while traveling.

If your welding and fab skills are good it will be a good project. 

This drawing will help it is an xi but I have used about the same on 520 machines. 

 

520 .

 

520 bucker mod

 

 

 

Thank you for the info and pictures.

[diesel life 42]

If i could get the guy in the classifieds to respond I might just biy the Ark loader he has and build a frame for it and restore it, if i can get it at a decent price. Which is the better option buying the ark or custom building one? All welding and fab will be done in my uncles welding and fab shop so the fab and all isnt a huge deal.

[roadapples 6,983]

I have an Ark 550 and it is very well built...