Compact Tractor FEL build

[jetboat]

I wanted/needed a loader for my Mitsubishi D1500II and I really didnt want to spend the $3800 plus that it was going to cost to buy one and have the brackets made so...

I started with some brackets. It made from 2.5 sq x 1/4" tube with 4"x1/4" angle. It ties to the loader brackets that are welded from the factory to the bellhousing and then runs under the tractor to the back axle where the hitch was.

Next I built the uprights and the main arms. Uprights are 3"x6"x3/16" and the arms are 2"x4"x1/8".

I added some bracing at the joints and a mount for the forward lift cylinder. The bracing is 3/16" plate I salvaged from someplace...

All of the mounting holes are sleeved/slugged for the pins. At the bucket end I am using 1" black pipe so I can use 1" slavaged pins. At the cylinders and hinges I am using 1 1/4" 1/4" wall tube with 3/4" pins.

The bucket is salaged from a smaller tractor that my brother killed. Its a 40" bucket which is smaller and will hopefully keep me from overloading the tractor. The lift cylinders will be 1.5"x20"x1" and the dump cylinder is salvaged so I dont know the specs on it.

I built the front brace last night but forgot to take a picture, Ill get one tonight before I take the whole thing off so I can finish welding.

As for Plans... I just looked at existing loaders and made changes based on my tractor.

 

[mwb]

Nice looking build! Good work:thumbsup:

Questions / comments: Do your upright brackets have good drain holes or are they capped? Are you going to add a support going to the front of the tractor? You won't want to count on the bell housing to take the loader weight.

 

[jetboat]

1/2" drain holes

I built the front brace/support last night but didnt have a camera handy.

I wasnt about to use just those bellhousing mounts either (even though both companies I talked to that make loaders for this tractor swear they will hold). The mount shown in the first picture has a support beam that runs to the rear axle and ties in with 4 12mm bolts. That should take the weight but, I am considering adding a forward tie in that goes to the little "frame" forward of the bellhousing. I figure better to overbuild than underbuild.

 

[teg]

Very nice... impressive :thumbsup:

 

[mwb]

1/2" drain holes

I wasnt about to use just those bellhousing mounts either (even though both companies I talked to that make loaders for this tractor swear they will hold). The mount shown in the first picture has a support beam that runs to the rear axle and ties in with 4 12mm bolts. That should take the weight but, I am considering adding a forward tie in that goes to the little "frame" forward of the bellhousing. I figure better to overbuild than underbuild.

I agree with this for sure! The real axle beam will take care of impact loading but a loaded bucket would put a huge moment on the bell housing. I think all loaders have a brace that go to the front? Here is one i stole from the net, i put yellow on the bracket...


From the looks of your build you probably have it figured out - just a suggestion in case you hadn't thought of it.

 

[FreshRouteFarm]

Great to see another home built loader project. Looks like great work so far. Looking forward to the finished pictures.

 

[Yoseph]

you may need a power steering system, because when your loader is full, it will be difficult to turn your steering wheel, how did you cut the holes on the frame and what size they are ? did you add some bushing ?
nice built

 

[Yoseph]

also you may need to add a cross link at the top, and cross bar to the front of the tractor frame, i will post my homemade loader. you will see what i mean

 

[jetboat]

once I post the pics of how it sits now, I think all the design concerns will be answered. I definatly appreciate the design checks though, reassures me that I am on the right track. The pics above are over a week old, I just didnt want to post until I knew what I was doing...lol. Its allot farther than you see it.

If you look at the last pic, you will see the cross beam. Its the same 2x4x1/8" as the arms. Its also where my dump cylinder will mount. The front brace/mount is made of 2"x2"x1/8" and goes from the front bumper to the uprights on an angle. (not pictured yet)

As for the holes... the bucket mounts are cut with a hole saw to 1 3/8" then slugged with 1" black pipe giving a 1" pin hole. The other holes are cut with a 1 1/4" holes saw then slugged with 1 1/4"x1/4" wall tube giving me a 3/4" pin hole.

Power steering is on the list! I'm looking at adding a tq mulitplier but, I dont have allot of room so I'm considering a full Hydro system. I would just replace the drag link with a cylinder and use a rotary valve on the steering (whole other thread right there).

Ill try to take some better close ups this weekend so you can have a better refference. Its really been an easy project and I am glad I have been doing it. Anyone with a cheap cuttoff saw, grinder and a hobby welder can easily build one in a weekend (or stretch it out like me and take a couple weeks).


what tractor is that Yoseph?

 

[Yoseph]

thanks for your reply, my tractor is IH B275 made in UK Doncaster 1962 according to the serial number. and what kind of hole saw u mean, my most great problem in crafting steel is cutting hole above 1/2'', i am using a press drill but i would like to be able to cut 1'' and more, but i don't know what kind of tools i should use, thanks again jetboat

 

[Iplayfarmer]

thanks for your reply, my tractor is IH B275 made in UK Doncaster 1962 according to the serial number. and what kind of hole saw u mean, my most great problem in crafting steel is cutting hole above 1/2'', i am using a press drill but i would like to be able to cut 1'' and more, but i don't know what kind of tools i should use, thanks again jetboat

Bi-metal hole saws in a drill press. It's the best way for hobbyists like me to drill big holes. Keep your drill press on the slowest setting and use lots of cutting fluid.

I'm eager to see the progress pics on this loader build.

 

[jetboat]

Here you go...

Still need to make a mounting bracket for the dump cylinder. Its all measured out, just needs made and welded on. These pics show the front mount/brace. It will be welded to the front bumper, was going to make its own bracket but I figured why...

here is a place to order all sorts of holesaws
http://www.mcmaster.com/#hole-saws/=foz2pa

I believe they ship to canada.

 

[Kernopelli]

Great JOB!! It looks like the uprights are welded to the subframe and the front brace is welded to the uprights as well as welded joints in front.....basically making a one piece unit out of everything but the lift arms. I would highly recommend that if that's the case, cut it now and engineer a bolt on front brace. The first time you have to take the subframe off ( think new clutch or ???), it'll be a real bear if you don't. Here is how I did mine, I welded Cat 1 pins in the end of 2x2x1/4" to make the "bolt end" and once I have it mounted, I tension the bolt end against the uprights.

 

[jetboat]

The uprights are bolted to the subframe. There is a 1/4" plate welded to the bottom of the upright that is hard to see. Ive only got 3/8" bolts in there at the moment so they dont show well in the pics.

I took it off last night, remove the arms first then unbolt the uprights/front bumper and comes right off. You do need 2 people though to do it easily. Back on is a bit of a ***** to get the bolts lined up but, nothing I'm going to worry about.

 

[rgs03833]

also you may need to add a cross link at the top, and cross bar to the front of the tractor frame, i will post my homemade loader. you will see what i mean

Nice Job!

 

[rgs03833]

Awsome work so far :thumbsup:

 

[mwb]

The uprights are bolted to the subframe. There is a 1/4" plate welded to the bottom of the upright that is hard to see. Ive only got 3/8" bolts in there at the moment so they dont show well in the pics.

I like it!

Have you considered putting two curl cylinders on it? Having two cylinders makes for a stronger build (you don't have the curl force in the center of the crossmember)... more parts and cost more but easier to build. You also won't have to reinforce the back of the bucket.

 

[jetboat]

Im using a recycled bucket that is already setup for center dump cylinder.


I was working on it yesterday, thought I had everything done so I was hoisting it up to paint. Wouldnt you know, the dang thing slipped and waked me right in the back of the head. I ended up with a mild concusion, lots of fun. Guess Im taking a couple days off working on it.

 

[jetboat]

I completely fell down on keeping this thread up to date.

I was able to get the paint done and the almost completly plumbed. I am a couple adapters short but they will be here this week. As you can see, the loader is built in 3 pieces, the subframe (on the tractor) the uprights/forward brace and the loader arms. 1 person can easily take it apart with basic hand tools.

 

[Low Bucket]

Wow!- What a great job!:thumbsup: