Bulldog 285 loader?

[Dave41A]

Good evening. I am new member to Tractorbynet. Here is my problem: I have an early 80's 4WD JD 650, which is Yanmar built, and I think it is pretty similar to a YM1500. I have done some engine work to it (rings, piston, bearings) and put maybe 150 hours on it, and it is now a reliable little tractor that meets my needs nicely for brush hugging and tilling. However, I would like to put a loader on it, and would not like to spend more on the loader than I did on the tractor ($3K).

I called a used equipment dealer about a Bulldog 285 I found. Bulldog is no longer in business, but I see pictures of 285's on YM1500's and putting one on a YM1700 was even discussed here a few years ago, making me think this would be a good match. However, the used equipment dealer advised me that the Bulldog 285 was too much loader for my 650. Is this legitimate?

Can anyone suggest some other (used) aftermarket loader options? The matching process is very confusing for me. For example, the original JD spec loader (the model 60) has specifications very similar to a Koyker 80 or even Koyker 50 (e.g. 5'10" lift). This makes me think the dealer was right. But Koyker recommends its model 120 with a 7' lift for the 650. Yet the Koyker 120 is almost the same size as the Bulldog 285 that the dealer told me was too big. I've even called coldwater tractors but am concerned that coast-to-coast shipping might be more than the loader itself--I'm in WNY.

I realize this is a Yanmar forum, but I have posted at other JD forums (but not TBN), but it doesn't seem there is too much interest in 650's there. Hence I'm trying here first. I can go to the JD forum here if that's a better place. Thanks in advance for any insight. Dave

 

[careyo63]

You have more tractor than the 1500. which is 15Hp. plus 4Wd. so you should be good then.
Yanmar Tractors Fredricks Outdoor for a loader
Look here at what Hp. they go by needed
Koyker Manufacturing - Loaders

 

[Dave41A]

Thank you. The first link shows the YM1500 as 18HP and taking the Koyker 80. The same link shows that the YM2000 (24HP) takes the Koyker 120. Yet the JD650 (17 HP) is listed by Koyker as taking the 120. It make no sense to me to recommend a Koyker 80 on a 18HP tractor, but then recommend the bigger Koyker 120 loader for a less powerful tractor. The JD 650 is slightly heaver than the YM1500 by 150 lbs or so, but I don't see that as enough to make a difference.
I'm confused because the different references I read don't seem to agree with each other. What am I missing here? Thanks, Dave

 

[California]

Welcome!

Your 650 is definitely a size smaller than a YM2000 and wouldn't take the same loader.

I think it is more comparable to YM186. Yanmar's YFL650 was the OEM loader for YM186. This loader came from a US or Canada builder that was likely also the builder for Deere's small loader at the time.

I don't know if you will ever find a YFL650 loader but I think it would be the right match.

Kinda related, your post reminded me of this (yes off topic) ... A few years ago I sold a previous YM186D, to replace it with one that has a loader. A neighbor down the lane came to look at it then said he would rather have the Deere 650 he was also looking at that needed repairs - but he had worked as an auto mechanic and repairs didn't bother him. Ok, whatever. I've been driving by his 'new' 650 ever since ... and the engine is still out of it.

Bulldog loader? I thought those came from the importers of VN-refurb Yanmars and had fittings that are only available through a Chinese-tractor specialty dealer. Check this, I could be wrong.

 

[careyo63]

YM1500 15 hp 1975 - 1979 Tractor Data and now I see Fredricks. At 18Hp. hard to argue. It looks a Min. Hp. is just all you need on Koyker. Until you do find the right one just use a rear 3pt. Scoop. Couple hundred buck new!! All I use on my Ym2000 which works great. Plenty of seat time on a JD5103 With a Frontier loader. Quick connect bucket and the bucket stayed off it.

 

[CoyPatton]

You have more tractor than the 1500. which is 15Hp. plus 4Wd. so you should be good then.
Yanmar Tractors Fredricks Outdoor for a loader
Look here at what Hp. they go by needed
Koyker Manufacturing - Loaders

The YM 1500 is 15 hp at the PRO as rated by Yanmar. This would place it at approximately 18 engine hp very close to the JD650 as the OP stated.

 

[careyo63]

The YM 1500 is 15 hp at the PRO as rated by Yanmar. This would place it at approximately 18 engine hp very close to the JD650 as the OP stated.

.[/QUOTE]YM1500 15 hp 1975 - 1979 Tractor Data and now I see Fredricks. At 18Hp. hard to argue. .[/QUOTE]
He's good no matter what. And then there are 3 models that only require 14Eng. on top of that. The more Hp. you have over the Max is were the Next model is needed.

 

[Dave41A]

California:

Thank you. Based on your suggestions, it looks like the Bulldog is an "orphan" make, and that parts & support for it are close to nonexistent. I'll steer clear of it and look for a Yanmar loader for the YM186 or something similar. Thanks, Dave

 

[winston1]

No idea Hoye still has any of these or not. Just putting this out there for viewing. I can tell you the Bulldog loader I had performed well. Might have been an exception for all I know. Bulldog Loader Cylinders In Stock - Yanmar Tractor Support Message Board

 

[kenmac]

Is cold water still making loaders ? They may be an option for ya