Some garden tractors already have 1” front wheel spindles. You can make your own by using a trailer spindle, hub and bearings.
#Front loader upgrade#
This is adequate for a front end loader, but if you want to utilize the full power of your loader you will want to upgrade to a stronger 1” wheel spindle with tapered bearings. Let’s explore four characteristics that make a great garden tractor loader.Īll vintage garden tractors will have at least a ¾” spindle with a wheel supported by 2 ball bearings. My second favorite are the International Harvester Cub Cadet wide frame tractors such as the Cub Cadet 129, 149, and 169. My favorite garden tractors for a front end loader are the Ford LGT 145, 165 and 195 garden tractors. However there are some characteristics that make some tractors better than others. All true garden tractors have engines, front axles, transmissions, and frames that are capable of withstanding the work load from a front end loader. I will write a more in depth article on building a front end loader in the future.Īll vintage garden tractors are capable of handling a front end loader. I built my first one with an inexpensive welder, and an angle grinder. They make complete plans for building your own Front End Loader. This process can be made easy with pre-engineered plans from P.F. I prefer to build my own front end loaders. This process is not difficult but will require creativity and some fabrication skills. The options in these cases are to fabricate a custom way to attach the loader to your tractor. The two most likely scenarios you will find are Loaders already attached to tractors, or loaders for a different garden tractor than you own. You can still occasionally find these loaders on internet classifieds such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Some popular manufacturers were Johnson, Kwik Way, Danco, Ark among others. There were many manufacturers in the United States that made front end loaders for Garden Tractors from the 1950’s through the 1990’s. In this article I am going to explain what to consider when choosing a garden tractor as a platform for a front end loader. The lightweight of my machines (Under 2,000 pounds) allows me to drive my loader tractor anywhere on the property without fear of damaging lawns or pathways. Their small size makes it so I can navigate small gated areas, and aisles in between outbuildings and other obstacles. I personally use a fleet of Garden Tractor Loaders to manage horse manure, compost, dirt, snow, mulch, and more on my 8-acre farm property in Southern Maine. This makes it the perfect tool for the rural property owner, orchard business, equine and livestock farms. With a properly set up front end loader, your garden tractor can dig, lift, and carry materials up to 800 pounds in weight and up to 6 feet high. This combination makes for a very capable, compact and inexpensive machine to help you manage your property chores. The truth is vintage garden tractors are fantastic platforms for small front end loaders. To those not familiar with vintage garden tractors, a front end loader may seem more like a toy rather than a tool. My favorite implement for a vintage garden tractor is the front end loader. Best Vintage Garden Tractor for Front End Loader