Adding FEL to Ford 3930

[Jason280]

I recently picked up a Bush Hog 2400 QT front end loader assembly, and the plan is to mount it on a Ford 3930. The loader assembly came off a Deutz, so I will have to fabricate up the side mounts for the rear of the loader...shouldn't be too much of a problem. What I am not sure about is the actual hydraulics, and whether the 3930 I have has the correct setup to run the loader (at least, what I need to plumb to whichever control valve I use to operate the FEL).

I've also debated on simply mounting it to a Kubota 4630, which is actually 4wd...but liked the idea of the extra weight on the front of the 3930.

I'll post a few pics below...

 

[Jason280]

 

[/pine]

It will be a bear to steer with a full bucket load...!

Generally you tap into the 3PH hydraulics (Kubota makes adapters for most models)...and the Power Beyond of the new valve goes back to the 3PH...
Not sure on that model ford but with similar models the plate on top of the housing is replaced with a new plate that has pressure and return ports...

Good Luck...

 

[Jason280]

It will be a bear to steer with a full bucket load...!

I'm curious, how would it be different from any other tractor with a FEL?

 

[sd455dan]

I'm curious, how would it be different from any other tractor with a FEL?

Depends. Does your 3930 have power assisted steering?

If it does should be no problem. From one of your Pics looks like a hydraulic ram on the front axle? My 3000 steered easily with the power assist and a 730? FEL, without power assist of some sort and a heavily loaded bucket at a dead stop turning the front wheels will be "armstrong" steering.

 

[Jason280]

Does your 3930 have power assisted steering?

Yes, definitely a hydraulic cylinder up front for steering..

 

[sd455dan]

Yes, definitely a hydraulic cylinder up front for steering..

Well then I think the only other concern is speed of the hydraulics if using the same pump that runs the 3 point lift.

I know on my 3000 the 3 point pumps were around 4-5 GPM and mine had the optional crank driven Vickers pump which was close to 17 GPM, The FEL hydraulics were almost "to fast"

If your pump is ~5 GPM the hydraulics will be a bit slow. Being a newer 3930, maybe Ford upped the pump capacities.

 

[TractorTech]

Does the tractor have an engine mounted pump, LH side, back of engine just in front of the bell housing. If not, it doesn't have a lot of hydraulic flow.
Tractor Supply and others have HV5902 adapter plate
Same discussion here: Ford 3930 - Researching for Information - Auxiliary...

 

[Harry in Ky]

The single spool valve in his photos proves there is no engine driven pump. The internal gear pump will supply 7 + GPM. Lots of those tractors with loaders on them, they get by well enough.

 

[sd455dan]

Yep, agree if the 3930 has 7+ GPM, should work just fine

 

[Jason280]

The single spool valve in his photos proves there is no engine driven pump. The internal gear pump will supply 7 + GPM. Lots of those tractors with loaders on them, they get by well enough

So, I can assume this tractor will provide 7+ GPM of flow?

What convinced me to even consider using it with the 3930 is the guy that helped load the Bush Hog FEL assembly was using a similar year 3910 with loader, and it seemed to do fine. I am a little concerned with how the tractor will do without 4wd, but as I mentioned, this is as much a convenience/weight thing for the 3930 as anything else. I already have a couple other 4wd tractors with loaders, but it would be nice to have another loader. Plan is to fit a Kubota (skid steer) style quick connect system, and be able to use the Kubota buckets and front implements I already have (buckets, forks, etc).

I am still debating a little on whether I would be better served with the FEL on the Kubota 4630, its already 4wd and likely has much higher flow than the Ford. Decisions, decisions...

 

[spitter]

If the 4630 is a hyro that would be a no brainer for me. Pick up a couple of used suitcase weights for the 3930 if weight is needed. 2 wd + loader = no bueno, manual + loader =suck, more hydro flo = faster loader. Does the 4630 have loader prep? Food for thought.

 

[Jason280]

The 4630 is a GST, but isn't currently set up for a loader.

eta: No matter which tractor I use, both will require a decent amount of fabrication for this particular FEL.