About almost 30yrs ago, I considered putting a loader on my 1850. I looked it over, and decided it wasn't a suitable tractor for a loader. BUT THAT'S JUST ME. I tend to "engineer" everything I work on.
There were too many obstructions to work around if I wanted to hang the loader on a sub frame. I don't like putting a loader on the tractor main frame, although the Oliver has what appears to be a sturdy tub.
That being said........they do put them on tractors like yours.
The loader on your IH is a more reasonable design. It places the load on the rear axle, and the bolster. Nothing is attached to the main frame.
I really swear by a sub frame. The older tractors simply weren't designed for a loader IMHO. It was an afterthought.
I looked at the original Allis, and felt it was a good candidate for a loader. It could accommodate a sub frame. So I bought it for the build. The sub frame places the load on the mid point between the pocket in front of the steps, and the pins on the bolster.
There's no moment on the tractor frame............it's all concentrated on the sub frame, then transferred fore, and aft, to the axles.
The loader itself, was built as an independent unit. Its frame allows for it to quick attach via the pins, and pockets. Because it's independent, it can be hung anywhere along the sub frame, thereby eliminating access problems around the operators platform. This is a real plus when you're doing the design. Eliminates a lot of headaches.
In my case, everything was built off of the tractor dimensions. Sub frame to fit tractor, loader frame to fit sub frame, arms to fit loader frame. I always tell folks to build out from what you have, not build something to fit what you have, based on measurements.
Case on point............... The bolster sub assembly was bolted to the tractor frame, THEN TACKED FOR WELDING. Always build out, not TO. Tack it up, then pull it off for finish welding.
Nice low profile that minimally limits access to the engine. Easily removed using the tractor hydraulics.
In your situation, I believe you need to look at the width between the masts/pylons on your loader. If there's sufficient room, figure out how to build some sort of sub frame/pins etc. to fit the tractor......which will also fit the loader as you see fit to modify it. It's a ton of work, but if you have the time, it might be very well worth it.........and something to look back on with satisfaction. If you do this, I'd wager that you'll spend more time thinking about it, than actually doing the work. Fabrication is about design, not welding. It's why engineers are at the top of the heap, followed by fitters, followed by finish welders.
The absolute base, where the rubber meets the road, limitation on these older tractors is the front end. None of the old front ends were really designed for the stress a loader places on them. My heaviest lift was a pallet of redi mix concrete.........probably around maybe 4500#. About a week later, one of the front axle spindles broke. It's likely that the stress caused a crack, which eventually propagated, and broke. The loader will lift about 2X what the tractor will handle. I've also had to modify the front wheels to take the strain. But.........I used it rough for all of the past 28 years. This is the tractor(or one of them) that I need to get back in service..........I'm hamstrung without a loader.
