mpatterson
Well-known member
Since its the off season for farming and well, I have nothing better to do - figured I would turn my attention to my next project. Always wanted to build an articulated tractor, but I thought about it more and realized it would only be a toy. I don't need another one of those as of yet. Better idea would be to make something that would be used. Loader tractor has always been in back of my mind. Since the new or used compact tractors are insane price, why not use what you have here already!?
I have a 782 frame in the shed as well as I have a Massey Ferguson 1450 parts tractor. Just missing a few things off it. Looking at the Massey frame, it seems to be a lot heavier than the 782 frame (thicker gauge steel). Not to mention the fact I think I would cry if I cut a 782 frame up. Thinking if I lengthen the frame some to give me more space sitting on the seat as well as to give it more stability - it might be a bit better for a loader tractor. Don't know if I would make it as long as a 982 frame - but close. I have a Kubota diesel our of a G1700 tractor I could put in it. I would need to make a supply tank for the loader and mount a pump on it similar to what Matt G. did for his 782 loader tractor. I wouldn't make it that it would run a mower deck, that isn't needed. This tractor has part of the set up for 3pth, which could come in handy for a blade set up maybe in the future as well it has the rear PTO option too. The one thing I do like about this tractor is that it has foot pedal forward & back. Its a paddle board now, I'd see about converting it to two separate side by side pedals though, I don't like the paddle, I find it annoying to use. The G1700 has a similar set up and it isn't comfortable to use for long periods. I have the grill assembly off the 782 as well as the dash tower that I wouldn't mind making fit on this frame as I like the looks of them more than the Massey. I would have to see what I do about hood and side panels, especially if I was to lengthen the frame.
Wondering who here has built a loader from scratch? What issues did you run into when doing it? How did you decide on placement of the loader frame itself? I've looked at a lot of pictures over the years and I see just about everyone has the back of the loader frame where the arms mount just about at the back fenders. I don't really like that look personally. I think they should be pushed forward more - that being said, I'm sure with the shorter frame you don't have a choice, for balance it has to be further back? Is there stuff you did/designed/made that you would do differently?
Looking for input from everyone. This isn't a project that will be done overnight, that's for sure. Want to make sure I think it out and do it right so I end up with a machine that is totally useable in the end and adds to my working "fleet" of Cubs.
I have a 782 frame in the shed as well as I have a Massey Ferguson 1450 parts tractor. Just missing a few things off it. Looking at the Massey frame, it seems to be a lot heavier than the 782 frame (thicker gauge steel). Not to mention the fact I think I would cry if I cut a 782 frame up. Thinking if I lengthen the frame some to give me more space sitting on the seat as well as to give it more stability - it might be a bit better for a loader tractor. Don't know if I would make it as long as a 982 frame - but close. I have a Kubota diesel our of a G1700 tractor I could put in it. I would need to make a supply tank for the loader and mount a pump on it similar to what Matt G. did for his 782 loader tractor. I wouldn't make it that it would run a mower deck, that isn't needed. This tractor has part of the set up for 3pth, which could come in handy for a blade set up maybe in the future as well it has the rear PTO option too. The one thing I do like about this tractor is that it has foot pedal forward & back. Its a paddle board now, I'd see about converting it to two separate side by side pedals though, I don't like the paddle, I find it annoying to use. The G1700 has a similar set up and it isn't comfortable to use for long periods. I have the grill assembly off the 782 as well as the dash tower that I wouldn't mind making fit on this frame as I like the looks of them more than the Massey. I would have to see what I do about hood and side panels, especially if I was to lengthen the frame.
Wondering who here has built a loader from scratch? What issues did you run into when doing it? How did you decide on placement of the loader frame itself? I've looked at a lot of pictures over the years and I see just about everyone has the back of the loader frame where the arms mount just about at the back fenders. I don't really like that look personally. I think they should be pushed forward more - that being said, I'm sure with the shorter frame you don't have a choice, for balance it has to be further back? Is there stuff you did/designed/made that you would do differently?
Looking for input from everyone. This isn't a project that will be done overnight, that's for sure. Want to make sure I think it out and do it right so I end up with a machine that is totally useable in the end and adds to my working "fleet" of Cubs.