Hey guys,
A while back I posted a thread on how to install a loader I got from Coldwater Tractors. Although I talked with the owner before purchase I thought the install was going to be more simplified than it turned out to be.
What I would say to expect: A good loader, at a good price, with a decent amount of fabrication involved. This is not a kit I would recommend for someone who isn't into fabrication or willing to pay someone to do it for them. It could me about $3400 after shipping ($1000) from across the country.
My neighbor has a Mig welder and helped me out big time. You have to Invision how/where the loader will go onto the tractor and take it from there. CT (Coldwater Tractors) supplied me with all the metal I would need to fabricate the frames, braces, and most the bolts/adapters needed.
Only things I needed to purchase after the fact were a few extra bolts, and quick adapters for the hydraulic lines. *highly recommend* and can be found at a local Napa near you. Cost about $100 with extra fittings I needed.
The biggest hastle was a lack of (no) instructions, and figuring out where to put/weld brackets too.. but once you stick the loader under the tractor you get a better idea of what to do, and go from there. One gripe of mine was the brackets that are sent pre-drilled to bolt onto the tractor. The holes were to big! A 9/16s hole for a 3/8s bolt is too much play. As a result the bolts walked out and I had to re-tap the threads. I remade my own bracket and now the brackets don't budge at all with the bolts torqued down with locktite.
I went through a bit of frustration but easily saved a couple grand, and this loader is beastly!!! Very tough and sturdy. It is very important to put a brace (if not two - one on each side) to the upright loader arms to the front of the tractor. And I decided to add a rear sub frame bar (not mandatory) for additional support. See pics, hope this helps someone else. Trying to give back to others who have helped me!
A while back I posted a thread on how to install a loader I got from Coldwater Tractors. Although I talked with the owner before purchase I thought the install was going to be more simplified than it turned out to be.
What I would say to expect: A good loader, at a good price, with a decent amount of fabrication involved. This is not a kit I would recommend for someone who isn't into fabrication or willing to pay someone to do it for them. It could me about $3400 after shipping ($1000) from across the country.
My neighbor has a Mig welder and helped me out big time. You have to Invision how/where the loader will go onto the tractor and take it from there. CT (Coldwater Tractors) supplied me with all the metal I would need to fabricate the frames, braces, and most the bolts/adapters needed.
Only things I needed to purchase after the fact were a few extra bolts, and quick adapters for the hydraulic lines. *highly recommend* and can be found at a local Napa near you. Cost about $100 with extra fittings I needed.
The biggest hastle was a lack of (no) instructions, and figuring out where to put/weld brackets too.. but once you stick the loader under the tractor you get a better idea of what to do, and go from there. One gripe of mine was the brackets that are sent pre-drilled to bolt onto the tractor. The holes were to big! A 9/16s hole for a 3/8s bolt is too much play. As a result the bolts walked out and I had to re-tap the threads. I remade my own bracket and now the brackets don't budge at all with the bolts torqued down with locktite.
I went through a bit of frustration but easily saved a couple grand, and this loader is beastly!!! Very tough and sturdy. It is very important to put a brace (if not two - one on each side) to the upright loader arms to the front of the tractor. And I decided to add a rear sub frame bar (not mandatory) for additional support. See pics, hope this helps someone else. Trying to give back to others who have helped me!
