Cadplan loader for 1512

[mpatterson]

Neat loader! What made you choose a one arm vs a regular 2 arm loader? Nice 1512!

 

[bpientka]

I went with the one arm loader for a few reasons.
1) cheaper cost - due to half the cylinders and less steel the price is cheaper for the single arm.
2) I had hoped the single arm would run off the tractors hydraulic. While it does, it wasn’t perfect. If I didn’t have a two spool valve on the tractor I think it might have worked better. Loader would still be tough on the tractor hydraulics.
3) I really liked the single arm mounting setup. It actually slides off pretty easily to the side.
4) I also felt the single arm loader was better sized for the tractor.

 

[bpientka]

Just found a side benefit to the loader!

With the counter balance of the loader weight this tractor pulls like anything!

I dragged a large stump from behind my wood shed down into the woods. The stump was completely dig out and free from the ground before I started.

 

[sblunier]

She needs more "junk in the trunk"....add some more rear weight and you'll be surprised!!! my loader has 350# of cast, 200# of it on the 3pt well to the rear, and 150# of fluid in tires. Picks about 600# safely

 

[bpientka]

More loader testing!

Thursday I had a load of 3/4” gravel delivered. Gravel is for under a roof extension on my wood shed.

Loader worked great! Easily picked up a bucket of gravel. Had great dumping control.

Even with a full bucket of gravel the bucket had little twisting.

 

[eweiss]

Is there any twist to the frame with only one arm?

 

[bpientka]

I haven’t noticed any. The loader is connected to both sides of the frame and it appeared to do as it was it designed. The stiff loader frame seems to transfer the weight onto both sides of tractor frame pretty evenly as long as the bucket is evenly loaded.

 

[bpientka]

Wood shed expansion going well. Or should I say the true purpose “Cub Cadet Storage!”

Gravel loaded and spread with cub cadets!

Turns out I have some extra bags of concrete mix from the post bases. How heavy should I make the rear weight for the 1512 with loader?

Think in terms of 80lb bags. Should I go with 160 lbs, 240 lbs or go really crazy at 320lbs?

 

[bpientka]

Wrapping up new tool for the loader. Checked through my metal supply and found enough material for a grapple. Had to purchase a hydraulic cylinder and hoses. The grapple connects to the front hydraulic ports on the tractor.

Needs to be painted and a couple hose holders added.

Test run was able to grab some tree branches out of a snow bank. Has multiple options for cylinder placement.

 

[bpientka]

Took advantage of some time yesterday and finished up a couple items.

1st - Added a hardened cutting edge to my loader bucket.

2nd - With the bucket removed I gave my grapple a test run. The grapple cylinder is run by the tractors front hydraulic port. I was amazed how easily I could pick up one of these logs from my pile. It is all about scale. Most of my firewood is small diameter so this should work good. It’s not going to pick up a 24” x 15 ft oak tree

3rd - Built a concrete weight block for the 3pt hitch. I will send a better picture once I remove it from the form. Should be just under 200 lbs.