Loader v Front Linkage

TUBBY

Hopefully, can get a few opinions on this.
If 90% of your loader work is drawing bales in the summer and winter and you dont need to stack bales, would a front linkage and a normal bale lifter do the same job.

Just thinking that it would be a lot easier on a tractor wrt wheel bearings etc and a cheaper job too.

Also, would be a more stable job when transporting the bales with the lower centre of gravity.

I cant see any reason it would not work but maybe I am missing something. Am seriously considering it.

What do ye think. Anybody use a front link for this type of job.

oxjkqg

ya see this been done alot. thinkin of doin it myself putin a front linkage on a 6420. i was more thinkin of puttin a double handler on the front. if the bales were made in dry conditions the tractor would be well able and there would be a well balanced tractor. it is done quite frequently in the uk. loader is very handy though if u can get one for handy money like. the front linkage you would wana get a fold up 1, the other 1s arnt tidy unless u want to disconnect the rams and all that alot.

MickeyShtyles

Theres a type of loader that can be fitted to a front link. Think its called the Swede Loader. Good for if you wanted to hold onto your front link but not have to fork out for a tractor loader. I'll post a link in the morning as I dunno how to do it with this iphone.....
** www.swedeloader.com

bbam

Loader is very handy for general work round ye yard.
It saves on a lifetime of lifting. The other day I used it to sling up a tonne of fertiliser onto an IBC so it could easily be loaded into the spreader.

Stacking straw in the shed, 3 high.
Feed with it all winter.
Loads a muck spreader

Never use it for drawing in bales though. We only handle bales on the level yard with it as our tractor with the loader is only a DB996

reilig

Swede Loader

bbam

Can't run the video as I'm on the phone. But that looks like a great crossover, very handy !

yellow50HX

the use of front linkages is far more common on the contienet then here. Many of the tractors are used for tillage work or for front mounted work like mowing, topping and even hedge cutting so fitting the swede loader is easier then having a traditional loader espically if only used for few weeks a year as it can be taken on and off like any 3 point implement.

i was looking at fitting a front linkage to a 2nd tractor we have a few years ago for drawing bales but decided to just stick with the loader instead. i have seen a few tractors with a lift only front linkage (no pto) which are used for furrow press's during the sowing season. Another thing to note would probably be the need for a hydrulic toplink to make better use of lining up the bale handlier so you'll need sufficent spool valves to be able to control the lift and tilt.

one other thing to remember is that on the road the front will be out a long way and it might be tight for turning (a loader can be lifted over ditches and cars)

just do it

That swede loader looks to have promise...

135man

My contractor when drawing bales has a double handler on front and back but they are on a 170hp lamborghini

agriman27

My opinion is if u get a front end loader you will wonder how you managed when you didn't have one. That's the way I am since I got one 4years ago. It's so versatile and labour saving in every way. I have pallet forks, a 7foot bucket, a grab, block cutter and bale spike . I could attach all these implements and take them all of again in 3 minutes, how long would it take on 3pt linkage. Another great advantage is the extra grip the weight on the front of the tractor, mine goes anywhere:pac:

SuperTortoise

Any ideas on how you would stack bales on their end using a front linkage? Backing out and lifting the bale up half way would surely damage the plastic, any solutions other than guntering a rope onto the trip mechanism and running it into the cab?

kay 9

SuperTortoise wrote: »

Any ideas on how you would stack bales on their end using a front linkage? Backing out and lifting the bale up half way would surely damage the plastic, any solutions other than guntering a rope onto the trip mechanism and running it into the cab?

Hydraulic tip mechanism. Some handlers have them

roosterman71

TUBBY wrote: »

Just thinking that it would be a lot easier on a tractor wrt wheel bearings etc and a cheaper job too.

Also, would be a more stable job when transporting the bales with the lower centre of gravity.

I don't get how a bale on front links vs a bale on a loader is that much easier on the tractor, wheels, bearings, etc. Care to explain?
Same for the centre of gravity. Carrying them low on the loader is surely the same as low on the links?

SuperTortoise

roosterman71 wrote: »

I don't get how a bale on front links vs a bale on a loader is that much easier on the tractor, wheels, bearings, etc. Care to explain?
Same for the centre of gravity. Carrying them low on the loader is surely the same as low on the links?

Bale would be carried closer into the tractor and you don't have the extra weight of the loader. I would'nt think there's a huge difference in it all said and done.

Waffletraktor

roosterman71 wrote: »

I don't get how a bale on front links vs a bale on a loader is that much easier on the tractor, wheels, bearings, etc. Care to explain?
Same for the centre of gravity. Carrying them low on the loader is surely the same as low on the links?

Dont see it either. loader pivots behind front wheels anf fl pivot in front moving tractors weight distribution more forward

st1979

Anyone ever seen a tractor utilise the front linkage with a double handler plus use front loader. I have both but would have to use diverter valves to work loader and linkage. And would not really suit my situation as I always have long draw so load trailers

Nekarsulm

st1979 wrote: »

Anyone ever seen a tractor utilise the front linkage with a double handler plus use front loader. I have both but would have to use diverter valves to work loader and linkage. And would not really suit my situation as I always have long draw so load trailers

Will the bale handler on the linkage not foul the loader, when the loader is lowered?

There's a reason industrial loaders have much heavier front axles and carrier housings than most tractors.
Putting 3 silage bales hanging out in front of the axle is a recipe for knackered swivel housing bearings, centre housing bearings and indeed tyres.