Ark 550 Loader on a 1650

ClickClickBoom · #1 06-14-2012, 09:36 AM

Anyone here familiar with the 550 loaders? I found one locally at a decent price.

Are they about the right size for a 1650? I know I would probably need to adapt the subframe to fit the cub.

Any insight?

Methos · #2 06-14-2012, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClickClickBoom

Anyone here familiar with the 550 loaders? I found one locally at a decent price.

Are they about the right size for a 1650? I know I would probably need to adapt the subframe to fit the cub.

Any insight?

Never seen one before got any pics? If it's GT size then you can build a new sub frame to make it fit your 1650.

ClickClickBoom · #3 06-14-2012, 11:55 AM

Looks like these were commonly mounted on D-180 and D-200 wheel horse's. I'm not sure how big those tractors are in relation to a 1650.

Shaner · #4 06-14-2012, 12:21 PM

the D series wheel horses were quite a big tractor. almost if not bigger the size of a cub super. the loader looks like it might work, the Kwik Way loaders some people have on here look massive but fit a cub pretty well.

grab it! if it doesn't fit, sell and use the funds to either build one or find a Johnson work horse or Kwik way.

inspectorudy · #5 06-15-2012, 12:59 AM

I built a Cadplans loader and know what the big problems will be to adapt a ready made FEL to a CC. I used a Simplicity for my mount and it worked great but it was NOT a quick disconnect FEL. If you buy this loader and look at the under side mount where all the problems will be and then decide to sell it and do as someone else said and use the money to build one for you own tractor. But know this, it will be a dedicated FEL tractor. There are some tractors out there that have "Drive On" FEL's but it is hard to build one that is truly drive on. If you have an extra CC then go for it but do not expect it to be a mower one day and then a FEL tractor the next. It is too much to expect from simple machines that do a good job for what they are designed to do. If our tractors had a hydraulic system that would support a FEL then it would simplify the job but with our system you have to add a hydro pump, reservoir, rear weights and the belt drive to run it. It works great but it is not a quick change that truly is a multi-tool that we all dream about. No matter what you decide the fun in all of this is to just do it! You will either end up with a FEL on your CC or you will end up with some extra cash. Either way you will be happy!

ClickClickBoom · #6 06-15-2012, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inspectorudy

I built a Cadplans loader and know what the big problems will be to adapt a ready made FEL to a CC.. . .

Thanks for the insight, always good to hear from someone with experience.

Can the subframe be made in such a way that you can leave it, and the uprights permanently attached, and then just disconnect the loader arms/ rear cylinders using pins? Not having the chance to look at one yet I'm not sure if you can make the subframe so that It can be left in place and not interfere with the deck.

My 1650 has dual hydro's, do I still need another pump? I wasn't sure about the capacity

The ark loader I found is a decent price, and it's a 1 1/2 hour drive away. I don't think it's cheap enough that I could resell and make a large profit, if any.

ClickClickBoom · #7 06-15-2012, 09:21 AM

I was also planning on filling my tires, and then making a bracket to hang suitcase weights off the back so I can quickly adjust the amount of weight.

I would probably need the loader a few times a summer to move dirt, and my large is small enough that it's not terrible to pushmow, but just much quicker with a rider.

I figure if I can design it to switch between the loader in a 1/2 hour, or hour that would fine - Is this reasonable?

Methos · #8 06-15-2012, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClickClickBoom

Thanks for the insight, always good to hear from someone with experience.

Can the subframe be made in such a way that you can leave it, and the uprights permanently attached, and then just disconnect the loader arms/ rear cylinders using pins? Not having the chance to look at one yet I'm not sure if you can make the subframe so that It can be left in place and not interfere with the deck.

My 1650 has dual hydro's, do I still need another pump? I wasn't sure about the capacity

The ark loader I found is a decent price, and it's a 1 1/2 hour drive away. I don't think it's cheap enough that I could resell and make a large profit, if any.

You need a pump just for the FEL. Here's a pump that will work for you.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...9706_200329706

Methos · #9 06-15-2012, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClickClickBoom

I was also planning on filling my tires, and then making a bracket to hang suitcase weights off the back so I can quickly adjust the amount of weight.

I would probably need the loader a few times a summer to move dirt, and my large is small enough that it's not terrible to pushmow, but just much quicker with a rider.

I figure if I can design it to switch between the loader in a 1/2 hour, or hour that would fine - Is this reasonable?

You could take it off and on again but it would be a pain to do and it would get tired of doing it pretty fast. I had that thought when I got my 122 and Danco loader but even at 30 mins to change it out it got old fast. The later Kwik-Way loaders have a quick attach system but I have not seen of used one of those. PM me with your email address and I'll email it to you so you can see how they made their sub frames.

It takes more rear weight then what you'll think. I've got 818 lbs with me in the seat and it's still light in the rear. The Kwik-Way is rated for lifting 750 lbs where the Danco was 350 lbs and their manaul stated 250 lbs counter weight.

inspectorudy · #10 06-15-2012, 02:09 PM

I agree with Methos about the weight you will need. I cut the bucket that came with my CadPlans kit down from 4 to 3 feet and even with that I could not fill it up even with water filled tires, my 240 lbs and another 100 pounds on the rear. The CadPlans design allows for removal but it is not something you would do just to mow and then put the FEL back on that afternoon. Just taking my mower deck off is a pain as is my Johnny bucket. FEL's on small tractors are a lot of fun but do not fit the bill for a true work horse FEL. If you have to move a lot of dirt in soft ground you will not be happy with one. If you have to clean a hard floor barn of manure or scrape off snow from a driveway you will be happy. Four wheel drive and power steering are a must for off road work.