Installing a loader...How hard is it?

[Camo]

I've ordered a Bush Hog FEL for my Kubota B5200, a 1846QT to be exact. The dealer wants $300 to install it, and being a mechanic in my job, I'm wondering how hard it is to install one as a DIY project. I do some hydraulic work as in replacing lines and cylinders on fork trucks, so I have some basic knowledge of them, but am no means a tractor guru. The dealer says it takes them approx 5 hours to put one on. Would I need a hoist or any specialty equipment to do this myself? For unforseen reasons am I better of to pay the money to have them do it, or is this a pretty straight forward install? Tips and advice are very much appreciated.

 

[mjncad]

If the dealer guarantees his work, I'd pay the $300 and let them do it. If something goes wrong, they get to eat the cost of fixing it.

 

[JerryG]

It shouldn't be that much of a problem if you are some what mechanically inclined and can follow instructions. It is a lot easier if you have a movable A-frame hoist. Also, don't tighten the mounting bolts on the tractor until you have the loader on the tractor. You will need to be able to move the mounting brackets around to adjust the loader to fit. Good luck.

 

[MrJimi]

I replied at the other site you posted this question

 

[Bird]

I've never installed one and I don't know how good the Bush Hog instructions are (although having seen their manuals for tillers and brush hogs, I would expect them to be pretty good). But I have seen the instructions that came with my Kubota FEL and while there are some heavy pieces to move around, the installation doesn't look all that bad. I think the important things are (1) be sure the tractor is parked on a flat level hard surface, and (2) as mentioned above assemble without tightening any of the nuts and bolts until everything is assembled and straight and level, then tighten.

 

[tydp]

I removed a Bush Hog M446 loader from a Kubota M6800 and installed it on a Kubota M5400. It was simple enough to do (i.e. what goes where) but was a lot of hard physical work. The 2 main frame pieces required me to lift them with another tractor's front end loader (real heavy). The most difficult part was connecting the hydraulic hoses to the tractor ports located under the seat of the tractor. It took many, many, many tried to get the fittings to thread onto the ports. They would go on for about half a turn and jump off. Never found any reason other than it was difficult to reach, had almost no room for my hand and just barely enough play in the hose. If I could have gotten this done for $300, I now know it was a bargain. Good luck.

 

[Soundguy]

It shouldn't be that much of a problem if you are some what mechanically inclined and can follow instructions. It is a lot easier if you have a movable A-frame hoist. Also, don't tighten the mounting bolts on the tractor until you have the loader on the tractor. You will need to be able to move the mounting brackets around to adjust the loader to fit. Good luck.

I agree with jerry.. if you are a wrench turner.. then you should be good to go, if you have access to an overhead hoise.. or a big tree with good limbs.. or something similar to hold the laoder frame while you mount it.

Of course the last couple loaders i installed were 'oldies'.. the concept is the same... suspend the frame.. attach brackets to tractor.. line it up.. bolt it on.. and then plumb it..

BIG DITTO on not tightening all bolts up till all bolt in.

soundguy

 

[dfkrug]

I've ordered a Bush Hog FEL for my Kubota B5200, a 1846QT to be exact. The dealer wants $300 to install it, and being a mechanic in my job, I'm wondering how hard it is to install one as a DIY project. I do some hydraulic work as in replacing lines and cylinders on fork trucks, so I have some basic knowledge of them, but am no means a tractor guru. The dealer says it takes them approx 5 hours to put one on. Would I need a hoist or any specialty equipment to do this myself? For unforseen reasons am I better of to pay the money to have them do it, or is this a pretty straight forward install? Tips and advice are very much appreciated.

I have installed several FELs on tractors and here is what I learned:
I have a hoist and other tractors to lift with, but I did not need them. The
only thing you may need help with is getting the loader off your truck or
trailer and you have to set the main boom down on the ground. They often
are shipped vertically on a pallet and need to be tipped over 90-degrees, if
that makes sense. 2 burly guys can do it. (Or burly women, not to be
sexist.)

Next, to install the brackets on your tractor, you will be using existing
threaded holes in various castings on your Kubota. These will be full of
dirt or rusty, so you will be strongly advised to chase the threads with
a bottoming tap, ideally, or a homemade thread chaser (a bolt with cut slot).
These brackets are a bit heavy, so you need to hold them in place with
some help. I use multiple scissors jacks for this purpose. Hopefully Bush
Hog has drilled their holes accurately. If not, you will need to fix that. I
use a die grinder with carbide cutter if needed. Lube bolts before installing.

Attach hyd hoses and valves according to instructions and you should be
able to connect the loader up before it is mounted to its supports. You
will prob have to pin the bkt on first as the curl action of the bkt is
needed to help with positioning. You then drive the tractor into the loader,
using the FEL valves to position the loader boom. FEL makers have removable
legs on their loaders to help with positioning.

The job is completely DIY doable if you are mechanically-inclined as you say.
You must check for bolt tightness after first hour or so of operation. I spent
maybe 4-5 hr the first time I did it, but I am slow. Having a new tractor
and well-made well-fitting loader is a big plus.

 

[wedge40]

I did my Koyker by myself (well almost). Brought it home and unloaded, put the brackets on, hooked up a diverter plate to the Ford 4000 so I had hydraulics. Mind you I was following instructions to the letter. They never mention anything about hooking the hydraulics up to help position the loader the first time. I ended up having a couple friends come over to help guide and position things while I drove the tractor onto the loader.

As dfkrug said, hook the hydraulic up before starting to position the loader or as soon the hoses will reach. I didn't realize this till after the fact. I haven't taken the loader off, but if I do I know how to put it back on by myself.

Again as dfkrug has said, get a bottoming tap for the mounting holes, pressure wash as much gunk as you can out then lub, and tap. I had bolts to test the progress. Once it was done I put bolts in all the holes to keep the dirt out.

I should add that I'm small man of 5'3" and tip the scales at whopping 125#'s.
I usually have to take the long way to get things done, but I haven't hurt myself yet.

Wedge

 

[dfkrug]

They never mention anything about hooking the hydraulics up to help position the loader the first time.

That's terrible!

(BTW, I am not much bigger than you are so I have machines do as
much of any lifting as possible. Getting old does not help, either.)