Ford 9000 tractor loader

[Chris L]

I have what may be a simplistic question, but I can"t seem to find a decent answer for it besides the common "anything can be made to work" I have a 9000 Ford cab tractor and would love to have a loader for it. What are my best options? If I find a decent size loader somewhere what specs do I need to look for to make sure the loader will be well suited to my tractor. For instance, I found a loader that seems like it may be big enough (not sure what it is off of) but the bracket mounting plates are about 1-2 inches too close together (front plates are 19" apart back plates are 21" apart tractor frame rails are 22 inches wide), is that close enough, or are there other measurements I should be looking at? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 

[Bern]

Good luck finding something that will bolt on. I don't think I have ever seen an 8000-8600-9000-9600 with a front end loader. Also, I don't think the factory frame rails are heavy enough for a loader. I don't think they are even half the thickness that the later 6-cylinder tractors were.

If you really want something that bad, you just may have to get creative with a welder and a torch.
 

[crazylocha]

Welcome to the board, Chris.

Now ya got me straining my last few brain cells to see if I can remember what came through auctions with FEL.

Worst comes to worst I will try to pull up back files and see if there was anything on Sat afternoon.

Seems like overkill for that size tractor, to me. I could see a 4 or 5000 series easily but not that large, hmmmm
 

[Fordfarmer]

Ford had loaders to fit them (774?)...and I'd think most companies that build loaders make brackets to fit the 8/9000. I saw a set of either Westendorf or Allied (can't remember which) brackets from a 8600 (same frame as your 9000) on Craigslist a month or so ago. Going new will be pricey... used will be hard to find, as not many people put loaders on tractors that size...especially back when your 9000 was new.
 

[Shetland Sheepdog]

What you be looking for is a Ford 773 Loader!
As indicated below, prolly rarer than hen's teeth!
HTH, Dave
 

[Vito]

There is a large Ford tractor that has a loader listed on craigslist in eastern CT.

Vito
 

[Fordfarmer]

Yep...found my 1976 Buyer's Guide. 773 was made specifically for the 8/9000 and 86/9600. 5000# lift, 6800# breakaway.
The 774 is also listed as fitting those tractors, but is a lighter loader. 3740# lift, 6000# breakaway. Also fits 5600-7600 models.
 

[RickB]

Several 8000/8600's with loaders around here back in the day. I have a friend with an 8700 with a Ford loader and another with an 8600 and Allied loader right now.
 

[Chris in SK]

I have a Leon 707 loader on my 8700.
 

[oldtanker]

[Chris L]

Thanks to everyone who replied. I am looking for the cheapest route possible. From the sounds of many of the posts I am barking up the wrong tree. I will probably end up just buying a smaller loader tractor or a skid loader. I found a loader for sale that has been sitting for 2 years or so and figured I can get it for a song, if I could make it work great but it sounds like I am better off looking in a different direction.