The previous tractor to my MX was a L4310. There are some things that I like much better on the L4310 compared to my MX, but overall I do love MX5200.
The L4310 had a crossbar that spanned between the loader frame uprights in front of the steering wheel. That bar was really handy as a grab handle to assist in pulling yourself up on the step/platform. It was also handy when transporting long pieces or pipe. Raise the bucket a bit and you can use the crossbar and bucket to lay the long pieces on instead of getting the trailer out.
The MX does not have a left grab handle, and I notice people sometimes using the steering wheel to pull themselves up. Bad idea. So I thought I'd fabricate something that served as both a grab handle and crossbar. Turned out great, no holes or modifications to loader frame. Can be removed easily yet is beefy and sturdy as hell. I can put all my weight on the crossbar and it barely moves.
I forged the two sidemount brackets from 1/4" steel shaped to tightly slip down on the loader frame upright walls. I used EMT conduit to figure out what configuration and angle I wanted the handle and crossbar to be. Then I formed some 1" steel stock into that same shape as my final conduit version. I added some gusset plates to the mount plates and bar for added strength and rigidity. Tacked in place, then removed for full welding. Crossbar goes on and off without needing tools, and totally solid. This project, along with my much improved platform step modification makes getting on and off the MX way better. Right where your hands wants to land to pull yourself up onto the step and platform. LOVE IT.
The L4310 had a crossbar that spanned between the loader frame uprights in front of the steering wheel. That bar was really handy as a grab handle to assist in pulling yourself up on the step/platform. It was also handy when transporting long pieces or pipe. Raise the bucket a bit and you can use the crossbar and bucket to lay the long pieces on instead of getting the trailer out.
The MX does not have a left grab handle, and I notice people sometimes using the steering wheel to pull themselves up. Bad idea. So I thought I'd fabricate something that served as both a grab handle and crossbar. Turned out great, no holes or modifications to loader frame. Can be removed easily yet is beefy and sturdy as hell. I can put all my weight on the crossbar and it barely moves.
I forged the two sidemount brackets from 1/4" steel shaped to tightly slip down on the loader frame upright walls. I used EMT conduit to figure out what configuration and angle I wanted the handle and crossbar to be. Then I formed some 1" steel stock into that same shape as my final conduit version. I added some gusset plates to the mount plates and bar for added strength and rigidity. Tacked in place, then removed for full welding. Crossbar goes on and off without needing tools, and totally solid. This project, along with my much improved platform step modification makes getting on and off the MX way better. Right where your hands wants to land to pull yourself up onto the step and platform. LOVE IT.
