JD loaders

[Dieseltech]

What are the differences between the 148 and 158 loaders? Will they both fit a 3020D?

 

[Tx Jim]

Yes both 148 & 158 FEl's will fit a 3020. Boom is longer on 158 therefore it has a higher lift height of 156 inch at bucket pin vs 126 inch at bucket pin for 148. 3100#s lift at bucket pin for 148 vs 3800#s for 158

 

[spacechem]

What are the differences between the 148 and 158 loaders? Will they both fit a 3020D?

As stated, both will fit. You may be tempted by the higher specs of the 158, but a couple of caveats:
1. The 158 was designed for longer-framed tractors- think 4320 and up. It will look a little goofy on a 3020.
2. The extra lifting force may sound attractive, but the front spindles of a 3020 won't take much abuse, especially with the longer 'lever'. Certainly, there are lots of loaders on 3020/4020 out there giving excellent service for a long time, but there are also replacement spindles widely available, and experience retrofitting axles from later Deere tractors as well as installing Case front axles.
3. Make sure your tractor side frames are well attached- no loose bolts or wallowed-out holes.

If you're loading manure, clearing snow, moving the occasional pallet, or lifting bales onto a trailer, you should be fine. Digging in the dirt or jouncing across corn rows with a bale (or two) is asking for trouble.

 

[Tx Jim]

I agree 3020 wheelbase is very short for a 158 FEL but I've seen several 158 FEL mounted on 4020's. JD also recommended mounting 158 FEL on 4000/4020 tractor

 

[matthies]

And with the 158, you will have to notch your step, as the longer frame interferes with the step on a 3020.

 

[Mike(NEOhio)]

What are the differences between the 148 and 158 loaders? Will they both fit a 3020D?

I put a 148 on my Oliver 1550. I think the 158 has a longer reach, otherwise the same. It came off a 4020.

 

[spacechem]

I agree 3020 wheelbase is very short for a 158 FEL but I've seen several 158 FEL mounted on 4020's. JD also recommended mounting 158 FEL on 4000/4020 tractor

I've kinda forgotten- what was the deal with the 168?

 

[Merton]

I Like a 148 loader for a 3020 and 4020. I think the 158 loader is best on a 4230 -4455 tractors because of its longer reach. The 168 was for the wide frame tractors 4840 on up.

 

[Tx Jim]

I've kinda forgotten- what was the deal with the 168?

According to operators manual 168 was only shown to fit a model 4640 tractor.

 

[Scott 730]

And with the 158, you will have to notch your step, as the longer frame interferes with the step on a 3020.

??? Never heard that one. Don't have time to look now but am pretty sure there are instructions in the 148/158 Operators Manual to cut some off from the rear of the sub frame. if mounting on a 3020. I have seen them with notches cut in the frame to access the oil filter though.