Front end loader, what fits?

sandman2234 · Jan 29, 2006

I purchased a 2wd JD2555 for a fraction of what it is worth. Larger than I needed, but a nice tractor. I could really use a front end loader for it, dispite the 2wd, but have no clue on how to go about finding one for it. The number system for John Deere tractors confuses me, so I don't know if I am looking at a loader for a compact tractor, or one like mine.
Anybody know how to find a list of loaders that will fit on my tractor? I prefer a fair used one, but have the tools and fab skills to make most work. I just don't want to buy a compact one for what a large one would cost, and have to modify it to fit.
I would really like to find a used one that somebody took off another 2555, so mounting isn't a problem, but am willing to consider most anything that fits.
What I need most, is to find out what actually fits, so if I run into one, I will know it. Most of my searches will be over the net, so walking up and measuring it isn't usually possible until I take off work to go look at it.
Thanks for any help,
David from jax

beenthere · Jan 29, 2006

Head for your Deere dealer to find out the FEL models that fit that tractor. Not really considered a compact utility, but more the utility model.
Maybe even look at trading up to a handier CUT 4wd tractor/loader combo, seeing as you got yours for a 'good' deal. That will let you cash in on the good deal, rather than sink money into it with a FEL.

foreman81 · Jan 29, 2006

According to deere website, you can fit both the 522 and 542 JD loaders, they still have mounting hardware for the 55 series.

sandman2234 · Jan 29, 2006

Beenthere,
With a wife and a daughter both in college, my tractor budget is pretty much spent. Chances of upgrading to a newer tractor and getting the approval of SWMBO is not going to happen. She did say that I needed a front end loader for it, for a couple of reasons.
I am currently cleaning up a bunch of junk out of the backyard, and she sees where it would come in handy.
She wants a porch across the front of our house, and I would need it to fill the porch foundation up to grade.
I got 64 truckloads of dirt delivered to my house for just under $20 a load. A loader would be nice to move it to the locations I need it.
There is probably about that same amount of dirt still at the location I got the other, and might be able to get it also. A loader would allow me to fill the 12' bed on my 1 ton, drive it home, scrap it off. Not something that will need to be done in a hurry, so I could move a load whenever I had time.
Foreman81,
Thanks for the loader numbers. I will start looking for them. I assume that the 55 series mounting brackets are for the 2555? I am pretty much a newbie when it comes to talking about JD and their numbers.
David from jax

dgl24087 · Jan 29, 2006

Try John Deere's Machinefinder for used loaders. These are listed by JD dealers, most ads list the loader description and what tractor they came off. web page

1savoy · Jan 29, 2006

Sandman,

There should be quite a few JD loaders that will fit the 2555. I think the JD 245 self leveling would be the best if you can find one. The 520, 540, 521, 541 and 175 should also fit along with the 522 and 542 already mentioned. Auctions at dealers seem to be the best way to find loaders in my area. The older JD 145, 146, and 148 would also fit with a little work. You may also want to look at the aftermarket like BushHog, Woods, Quickie, and the like. This may be easier in the long run. I will try to post a picture of the JD 245 and I have quite a few pictures of others if you like. PM me if you want some more pictures.

Good luck,
Russ

dgl24087 · Jan 29, 2006

You may also want to try Iron Search. A loader with mount brackets for a 4 cyl. 30, 40, 50, or 55 series should fit, if I remember correctly. The 145 and 148 seem to run $2500-3000, 245's about the same or above in price. A new JD 522 prices out at about $4700 on JD's Equipment Configurator.

1savoy · Jan 29, 2006

Sandman,

I forget to mention a JD 110 should also fit. I will attach a picture.

Russ

sandman2234 · Jan 31, 2006

Ok, if all these front end loaders fit, why do they make so many different ones? What are the difference?
Does the brackets that bolt to the tractor all use a standard bolt pattern? Surely there must be a difference in tractors, so it would seem a difference in the loader would follow.
There seems to be a shortage of loaders in Jax. My dealer doesn't have any that aren't new, and attached to a tractor.
His suggestion was to sell the 2555 and buy a new one.
That probably isn't going to happen.
David from jax

RalphVa · Jan 31, 2006

The attachments for the FELs differ from model to model. For instance, the 410 FEL brackets are different for a 4115 from a 4010. The dealer had a 410 on a 4115. He said he had to order one for my 4010. I asked about just moving one off a 4115 that was sitting out front. He said they're different the way the bracket is mounted to the frame.

Ralph