TO30 front end loader

[keysem]

I'm considering putting a front end loader on my TO30. Can I run the hydraulics off the hydraulic ports under the seat or do I have to use a PTO pump/reservoir. If I have to use the additional pump / reservoir can I mount it to the crank in the front of the tractor? If so, is there a "standard" setup I should consider? Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

 

[Jerry/MT]

My personal opinion is that theTO/TE/TEA- tractors are not really designed for loaders. The loaders that are installed on them generally mount off the engine/transmission interface and that area is not structurally designed for loader loads. Additionally, power steering is not available on these tractors and thus steering with a loader is not good. Additionally, the loaders available limit access to the engine for routine maintenance.

That said, unless you don"t care about the speed of the actuators, I suppose you can tap into the existing pump but you have to chain down the three point lift arms to cause the control valve to pressurize the ports. I believe it"s only about a 2.5 gpm pumps si it will be slow. Most folks that have loaders use a front mounted pump driven off the crankshaft pulley.
My advice is that if you need a working loader tractor, buy one that is more modern than a Ferguson.
Opinions are like belly buttons;everybody "s got one! This is mine on this subject.

 

[Joe Ferguson]

I agree with Jerry we use farm & industrial tractors
for more than 45 years.


TO/TE/TEA Ford N"s with a loader are painful.

If you need a useful loader tractor
buy a MF-50..MF-150 or bigger with power steering
and independant pump.

It is my humble opinion


Joe Ferguson

 

[SteveMinnesota]

I have a Wagner loader on my 53 TO30 That I use for dirt and snow. It runs off a pump on the crank of the motor.It is somewhat hard to steer but not to bad. When you are using it you just go SLOW.I dont attempt to pick up to heavey of loads as it is a small tractor.It works very well. We just had 20" of snow and had no problems.I am sure it would be a little cold blooded this morning since its -25 here!!

Steve

 

[Fred in Mi.]

I m going to install a loader on my TEA-20 later this Spring, right now I have the Engine taken apart and am rebuilding it so I m lucky in a way to be able to get to my front pulley on the Engine,I m having the part where the crank would go machined off and a adapter welded on there for a front mounted pump on my loader, you would have to do something like this too so be prepared for some work but this is the way to go for better hydraulics on operating the loader.
I totally agree with the others on this board that a bigger Tractor would be the way to go for a loader, for me I cannot afford one and am only using mine to haul wood and push snow so I guess it depends what your use would be.
Good luck with yours and if we can help you out further let us know,

Fred

 

[Anonymous-0]

I purchased a 1955 TO-35 this summer with a Ferguson 32 loader--anybody got any info on it?
It works off the existing hydraulics, with a two lever control on the top cover of the hydraulic system. It is not super fast, especially in the winter with GL-1 oil, but it works fine. I've unloaded implements from my truck, hauled dirt, stumps, etc., with no problems.
Steering is a little "stiff" since there is no power steering, but it is OK since I'm not going 50MPH down the road.
I understand the counsel to get a newer/bigger tractor, but I also am financially limited, so you learn to make do with what you can afford.

 

[phil(va)]

I think you get better performance and less conflict with your three point hookup if you use a front pump. I can tell you that thr front pumps are pricey, so try to buy a loader with the pump included (and working). The price of a new pump likely will exceed the price of a working loader with pump. The AGCO (MF) and New Holland (Ford) tractor dealers have some of the parts for the hookup, including the 'stinger' rod and connection pieces, including the adaptor that attaches to the front pulley, although they are real proud of them. Loaders on Ford 8N's will fit the TO30. Make sure you have good front tires, preferably wide ones like wagon tires.

 

[Stephen Atkins]

We had the Farmhand F10 loader mounted first on a TE20 and later the TO30. We had a hay sweep attachment to stack hay(alfalfa). and a grapple fork to load manure. Wore out the loader before the tractors.

steveormary

 

[firehorse5_0]

I have a 1960 TO-35 deluxe with a MF mod. 102 loader. It mounts to the rear axle and the front support. It will carry heavy loads and works very well, however I have had to replace the front axle bushing. That seems to be the only weak point. It should be noted that the TO-35 Deluxe has power stearing. My Dad has an 8N with a smaller loader and the stearing in difficult but manageble. All of the loaders that I have seen run a seperate hydraulic pump on the front off of the crankshaft. In my experience small tractors han handle a loader though there may be some drawbacks (more difficult stearing, more wear and tear, and a loss of traction) Just consider the pros and cons, and what you will primarly use the tractor for. I will say one thing for sure, once you have a front loader you will never be able to live with out one.

 

[keysem]

I decided against the loader. Thanks for all your input.