Replacing the BX1850 hood with a BX1860 hood

[DRZDUDE]

I have a BX1850 that needs a new hood. I would like to install the new metal hood from the BX1860. Has anyone done this before ? Also were is the best location to weld hooks on the bucket of the LA203 loader?

 

[94BULLITT]

I have always heard the best place to weld hooks in alignment with the curl cylinder(s).

 

[radioman]

I'm too am interested in know how much work would there be to use metal cover to replace plastic. I assume none, but need photos and proof of it done.

As for weld on hooks - I added 2 bolts on on each ends and found that when lifting heavy things from one hook just makes tractor unstable. I always try to use a strap or chains so it would be better balanced. If you use one hook- its best to have it centered just behind the lip.

 

[94BULLITT]

The hood is not too hard to take off. I wonder if your dealer would let you try you 50 series hood on a 60 sereis since you will be buying the hood from him anyway.

 

[Leejohn]

This is where and how I did mine. If you look real good you can see that it goes back to get into heavier metal and has a spacer welder to fill in. It also is shaped to fit the lip. I used plumbers putty to get the shape of the lip.

 

[DRZDUDE]

Thank you all for the fast replies and great advice. So far I ordered the lower bonnet or engine cover for the 1860. I got a great deal on eBay. When it comes in Ill let you know how it bolts up and take pictures. If that goes well Ill order a hood. I checked the 1860 and the hinge looks different also. I may spend a little more but I think the metal hood will be nicer.

 

[thavil]

DRZDUDE - In my picture is another option for bucket hooks if you are interested. BXpanded sells them for our BX tractors and can be purchased at BXpanded. Best part about them is that they can be moved around or removed at any time.

 

[CHDinCT]

My first BX was an 1850 traded back to the dealer for an 1860. When I purchased it, I requested welded on chain hooks and the dealer recommended placing them at each outside top corner as the best place for that bucket. Since the the top edge of the bucket is not reinforced like heavier buckets and there's a single curl cylinder in the middle, the outside corners really are the strongest locations. Used mine extensively to pick up heavy objects and have never had a problem. Did the same with the LA240 bucket on my BX25. Here's a pick of the BX1860 (I think, could be the 1850) moving a large, flat rock.

 

[DRZDUDE]

Well I welded on two hooks today. They work well. Unfortunately I ran over a small branch and it broke my cooling fan in the rear. Have you guys made any skid plates?

 

[radioman]

yes I have made my own. went to a metal store and picked out a 1/4 thick scrap cutoffs sheet and welded up a skid plate.

I see the damaged hood. Wow .. how did that happen?