Thoughts on JD 46 Loader

[DMP62]

Looking for a loader for a 4020, should I pass on a 46 model for about 1/2 price of what I"m finding 148"s for? I know the 148"s are a good unit as we had one on a 4020 as a kid.

I"ll be using this as an acreage tractor (no livestock)I have a good snow blower on the tractor so the loader will only see spot duty for that and general maintanance duty around the yard beyond that.

Thoughts? Opinions? Thanks...

 

[thurlow]

If it's a 46A, I say go for it. They're a lighter loader than the 48/58 series, but still a good match for the 3010/20 and 4010/20 tractors. Have got 2........one of 'em bought in '65 with our first 4020. It's loaded/unloaded/stacked untold tens of thousands of 5 x 6 round bales and I've also used it to load/unload logs (generally 24" x 14' maximum size). Not familiar with a 46 loader.

 

[DMP62]

This one is a 46, not a 46A, thanks for the insight on the 46A however as I have come across a few of those as well and welcome all 1st hand information.

Anyone else?

 

[wilamayb]

46A loader is the update of a 46 loader. The 46A had some extra frame braces and also optional larger cylinders which I think may have become standard by the end of production.

 

[wilamayb]

I've used a 46 some and own a 46A mounted on a late 4020. My 46A has noticeably more lift capacity than the 46. It will pick up all that needs to be on the front of a 4020.

I'm a huge fan of the 46A. It is light and less taxing on the tractor than the 148 or 158. It does not have the lift capacity or lift height of the 148/158 but really a 4020 frontend does not need the lifting abilty of the 148. The Gen II widefronts perform much better with the 148/158 than the 4020. I also like the fact that the 46/46A loader attatches to the rear axle of the tractor for any heavy pushing/dozing. It also to keep strain off the center of the tractor. It doesnt help weight transfer but does keep the load from being sent through the whole tractor. It simply lifts up on the back axle when something heavy is lifted with the loader.

The 46/46A are also a quick on/off the tractor. Put the pins in the stands and remove two bolts. It can be done in 10 minutes or less once you get the hang of it.

 

[mercury65]

I LIKE THE 46 LOADER MYSELF , IT IS LIGHT BUT FOR WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT YOU WONT HAVE ANY TROUBLES , WE USED THEM ON 2 DIFFERENT 4020S AND THEY WORKED GREAT FOR MOVING ROUND BALES , BUT YOU NEED TO LOCKTIGHT ALL YOUR SIDE FRAME BOLTS TO MAKE SURE NOTHING MOVES AFTER YOU HAVE THE LOADER FRAMES IN PLACE ,