Front end loader, what fits?

[sandman2234]

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]

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]

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

 

[sandman2234]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Sandman,

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

Russ

 

[sandman2234]

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]

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

 

[sandman2234]

OK, so what your saying, is the mounting brackets are different for each tractor, which means I need to find a set of brackets to fit a 2555, along with the loader that fits the brackets.
Why do I not see the brackets for sale anywhere?
David from jax
Thanks to all for helping me with this learning curve.

 

[dgl24087]

The mounts on the 30, 40, 50, and 55 series 4cyl. tractors should all be the same. The different model numbers you are seeing are upgrades through the years for the most part. The 145, 146 and 245 are just improvements upon each other over time, and I think the 245 was a quick mount loader.

 

[1savoy]

Sandman2234,

The loaders mentioned by everyone are different loaders built over the years for different tractors. For an example the 148 is larger than the 146, and the 146 is larger than the 145. The 148 is usually on 3020's and 4020's, but can also be put on the smaller tractors, but as you said the brackets may not be a direct bolt on. The 20, 30 ,40, 50, 55, and maybe others series all shared pretty similar mounting points and is not to hard to fabricate or change. The brackets can be found if you look around and know what you are looking. Scrounging dealers lots are a good place to look. I had found some brand new never used brackets at local dealers, but ended up finding the exact same pair on Ebay from a JD dealer in W Va. I bought them and had them shipped for less than 1/2 what the local dealers wanted. If I remeber correctly the dealer in W Va sold a few pair of brackets. I ended up putting a Case Model 60 loader I had on my JD 301A. Not all that hard, but tied up some of my free time, that I do not have very much of. You may want to get on John Deere's website and do a dealer search for dealers near you. Then look at the used equipment online the dealers have listed. I would also look at the aftermarket loaders. May save you a lot of time looking and the cost should not be too bad. Finding good used loaders are hit and miss. If you do find a used loader, go over it very carefully. A loader that looks pretty decent on a quick look, can turn out to have some pretty good cracks, when looked at very carefully. Good luck and sorry to ramble on.

Russ

 

[Shawk]

Hey!! Funny to catch the Gator man here too... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif So when you're not golfing and hanging out on the Gea, you're here huh? Good to catch ya here /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[1savoy]

Sandman2234,

I just happened to be on Wenger's website and noticed they have a nice looking JD245 loader listed for $4,000.00. You may want to take a look. Wengers If they still have it, and it is within your price range, you could have it shipped. They may have some contacts. If not you can look at the hauling schedules on www.tractorshed.com List where and what you want hauled and people will get back to you. Some reasonable and some not.

Good luck,
Russ

 

[sandman2234]

Nice looking loader. Price seems to be what I figure on having to pay for one if I can locate a JD.
Eight hundred and seventy five miles each way, for a trip up there to look it over and pick it up, gets a little much.
I am a truckdriver by trade, and distances don't scare me, but with the costs of driving, it runs the price way on up.
I need to locate one in Florida like that, or maybe Ga/Al, before the wife changes her mind.
I do appreciate you help!!
Thanks
David from jax

 

[1savoy]

Sandman2234,

It was just a thought about the loader at Wenger's. I was looking at the dealers near you, and the closest JD245 I found was in Huntsville, AL for $3,200.
I will post the link to the dealers website. From there click on products at the top and it will drop down used products. Click on that and at the search, click the arrow and select tractor loaders. Click on search and it will show you this loader. You can also search from your zipcode in machinefinder and do a search for tractor loaders. There are some other loaders closer, depending what you want, and if you want a complete bolt on or do not mind modifying the brackets if the loader came off a different series tractor. Brand new brackets and the control valves can still be bought from JD, but will also run the cost up.

web page

Russ

 

[sandman2234]

The one in Alabama seemed to disappear two days after you posted the link. Somebody must have bought it. I called and they were going to check, then it went off the site.
I have started looking for others, along with other brands.
Wife says I am not in a hurry for it. Shop, shop, shop!!
David from jax

 

[1savoy]

Sandman2234,

Have you taken a look at new? I did a build your own on JD's web site. JD542 Prices were not to horrible. The 542 mechanical self leveling with the correct brackets for your tractor listed for $6,055.00 and the standard 542 with brackets listed for $5,361.00. If it a cash and carry, I would expect somewhere between 10% to 20% off this list price. You are also going to need hydraulics to hook this up unless you have two rear remotes. JD does sell a kit with the control valve and joystick for your tractor. I think the kit was around $800.00. I will try to post a picture of the kit. If this is in your budget the self leveling 542 would be nice.

Good luck,
Russ

 

[1savoy]

Another picture of the JD hydraulics that sold on Ebay a while back.