FEL build

[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.