FEL build

[dabwood40]

Designing a front end loader for my Massey Ferguson 1528. How do you determine the width of the boom? Is there any standards for bucket connection widths? Not sure if I will build my bucket or buy it, my rear wheels are 56 wide so I will need 56 - 60 bucket.

 

[davedj1]

I would at least build it so it could use standard quick attach implements. I think it's easier to use what is commonly available.
Plus I think you want to keep a lower center of gravity. Keep us updated, we love a good build

 

[Diggin It]

Looks like the 1528 hasn't been made for a few years. Any tractor salvage yards around you could check for a used one?

 

[metalbender]

I'd be doing a lot of searching for a used one before trying to build. The aggrivation of sourcing material these days just isn't worth it. Time spent modifying a used loader will be much less frustrating.

 

[Carlaisle]

I'd be doing a lot of searching for a used one before trying to build. The aggrivation of sourcing material these days just isn't worth it. Time spent modifying a used loader will be much less frustrating.

Speaking as someone who did this, I must respectfully disagree. My suggestion to Dabwood would be to search high and low for a loader built to fit his tractor or build one from scratch. I will never modify something of this nature as a retrofit again. I ended up working for something like $1.50/hr, and I'm sure that's being generous. Regarding the width, make it as wide as you can - this will maximize stability. Be mindful of your minimum tire track width and the wobble on your front axle for interference issues both with the lift arm assembly and your cylinders. I would also encourage you to design it for a skid steer quick attach (SSQA). As davedj1 mentioned, the availability and convenience of standardized implements is hard to beat. Good luck and I hope to see the results of your work.

 

[dabwood40]

Thanks all for the replies! I have started the supports that attach to the tractors existing tapped holes. Reason I was concerned about width is that in order to clear the wheels when turning I have to angle the support up about 30 degrees. I was thinking that the wider I make it the greater the forces putting torque on the mount?? Does this seem like logical thinking?

 

[Xfaxman]

Designing a front end loader for my Massey Ferguson 1528. How do you determine the width of the boom? Is there any standards for bucket connection widths? Not sure if I will build my bucket or buy it, my rear wheels are 56 wide so I will need 56 - 60 bucket.

No standards for bucket connection widths. The tractor side of a Quick Attach is 44 inches wide:

 

[farm boy00]

If your going to do a skid steer quick attach, I recommend buying that first and then designing the width of the loader to that.

Before you do any metal work, take a few hours and make a loader out of 2x4 wood first. Does not need to be perfect. But good enough to find out all clearances that are needed before you start welding

 

[Diggin It]

Thanks all for the replies! I have started the supports that attach to the tractors existing tapped holes.

Are you talking about just the bucket? Or all the mechanics including lift arms and hydraulics?

 

[Carlaisle]

Are you talking about just the bucket? Or all the mechanics including lift arms and hydraulics?

It sounds like he means the mounting brackets. If correct, I would encourage him to work out the full geometry of the lift arm assembly first, as the mounting brackets may need to be modified to account for the required clearances. The wood mock up suggested is a great idea if CAD is not an option.

 

[GLyford]

I have also heard FEL builders refer to a form of CAD known as Cardboard Aided Design. A few nails for pivot pins and some packing tape and you can have a pretty good idea in an afternoon.

Biggest advantage of using wood or cardboard is you don't have to build your whole darn tractor on the computer first to see what will fit.

 

[dabwood40]

Still trying to design the FEL - I do have AutoCad but making it out of wood still sounds like a great idea! I have been trying to decide what material to make arms out of ? Was thinking of 2” x 4” tubing but undecided if it should be 1/8” thick or 3/16”. Weight vrs strength? Any input.

 

[texasranger556]

Keep maintenance in mind too. With the loader installed make sure the side panels can come off, open the hood, etc.

 

[farm boy00]

Still trying to design the FEL - I do have AutoCad but making it out of wood still sounds like a great idea! I have been trying to decide what material to make arms out of ? Was thinking of 2” x 4” tubing but undecided if it should be 1/8” thick or 3/16”. Weight vrs strength? Any input.

I would personally go thicker. Even if you did not increase the lift capacity much the extra strength would be a benefit/ safety

 

[ptsg]

I'm also building a loader for my tractor. I've used Fusion 360 to figure out all the pivot points and linkages. It really helps and makes it easier to see all the clearances and movements.

I'm using 60 mm x 100 mm x 5 mm (2 23/64" x 4" x 3/16") tubing since I already had it and steel is way to expensive to buy. I would like it to be a bit thicker but I kinda design everything around it so it should be ok.

 

[dabwood40]

I guess I will go with the 3/16” 2”x4” tubing. Still have a lot of questions though. Before I can finalize my design, I need to determine how high off the ground the connection to the bucket should be? Metal is hard to find unless you are willing to buy 20’ lengths. I have been trying to collect materials from the recycling center nearby but never know what they will have. Are there any standard sizes for buckets for subcompact tractors?

 

[Carlaisle]

The factory loader for your tractor had an option for 3 buckets: 48", 54', and 60". Matching the bucket width to the rear tire track width seems to be a pretty good rule of thumb.

 

[farm boy00]

I guess I will go with the 3/16” 2”x4” tubing. Still have a lot of questions though. Before I can finalize my design, I need to determine how high off the ground the connection to the bucket should be? Metal is hard to find unless you are willing to buy 20’ lengths. I have been trying to collect materials from the recycling center nearby but never know what they will have. Are there any standard sizes for buckets for subcompact tractors?

I would buy a bucket if possible that is close to your rear wheel width. Design your loader so you can lift your front end about 6 inches off of the ground with your bucket level to the ground. That way you can dig and if you need to change a tire, you have the ability to do so.

If you plan on building a bucket, then go look at a dealership to see how high their mounts are and copy that.

 

[D2Cat]

You could save yourself a lot of grief by finding a loader and adapting it to your tractor.

I had a similar situation, needing a loader on a Kubota L305. I found a Massey 1246 loader with joystick valve and adapted it to my tractor. All I really had to do was fabricate all the mounting hardware. It has the factory 5' bucket and works fine.

Your Massey 1528 is very similar in size (a tad smaller) than the L305. Weight: 2423 vs 2854, wheelbase: 65.6 vs 72.8, length: 112.4 vs 126.4 width: 53.5 vs 64.2 height: 80.7 vs 79.9 Ground clearance: 10 vs 13.75

 

[dabwood40]

Thanks for the comments! I have looked around for something to fit but have had no luck. Maybe not looking in the right places. This is a build it yourself forum, why the push not to build? It is a lot of work, but also a valuable learning experience! I will try to post pictures of the brackets I have made soon.