I bought a new to me kubota I think L1-185 ( so far cannot find any markings to confirm model). It has the stamped steel front axle instead of the cast that are on all the American Kubotas. From what I can find on youtube, most of these did not use loaders in the countries they were marketed to. I saw a few with loaders but not many. Does anyone have any experience with using a loader on these front axles? Are they strong enough to handle heavy loads without bending?
Can I use a front end loader on my tractor
- Thread starter teachingscience
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Here you go. A google search for your situation. Generally it is not recommended to put a loader on that tractor.
do you have the 2wd or the 4wd variant?
if 2wd i would be very very careful. Things like light duty axles, braking and control under heavy front loads, light axles, was load lifting capacity balanced to overall strength / capability of underlying tractor, etc... all come into mind at first blush.
as you asked with respect to handling heavy loads I would give it two thumbs down. If you said light loads I would be more kind but you specifically mentioned heavy loads.
I would not do heavy lifting if my machine with "stamped" front end or with an loader added not from factory as could easily exceed design capability.
Is the front end loader factory added or an after thought by someone?
I could imagine a tractor not designed and w/o a loader would be much more valuable and easier to sell if it had a loader. To increase value and saleable an unmatched / non engineered combo put together could be problematic and get me worried about making damage.
good on you for asking and considering. Many first tractor owners might just jump in and work it till it breaks. I would be concerned much like you.
if 2wd i would be very very careful. Things like light duty axles, braking and control under heavy front loads, light axles, was load lifting capacity balanced to overall strength / capability of underlying tractor, etc... all come into mind at first blush.
as you asked with respect to handling heavy loads I would give it two thumbs down. If you said light loads I would be more kind but you specifically mentioned heavy loads.
I would not do heavy lifting if my machine with "stamped" front end or with an loader added not from factory as could easily exceed design capability.
Is the front end loader factory added or an after thought by someone?
I could imagine a tractor not designed and w/o a loader would be much more valuable and easier to sell if it had a loader. To increase value and saleable an unmatched / non engineered combo put together could be problematic and get me worried about making damage.
good on you for asking and considering. Many first tractor owners might just jump in and work it till it breaks. I would be concerned much like you.
Last edited:
Russell King
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You might want to look at three point mounted dirt scoops instead of the FEL.
That is what was used before FELs were developed. Like this example:
That is what was used before FELs were developed. Like this example:
'heavy' needs to be quantified.
If 'heavy' means 200-300#s, them yes you could build/install a loader for it. I've have a few sub25HP 'garden tractors' and made loaders for them, ran for years without problems.
Now if 'heavy' means 500-1000# then NO... unless you substantially modify the front axle, steering, wheel, and tires, along with adding rear ballast.
Can it be done, sure...just take time and money.
If 'heavy' means 200-300#s, them yes you could build/install a loader for it. I've have a few sub25HP 'garden tractors' and made loaders for them, ran for years without problems.
Now if 'heavy' means 500-1000# then NO... unless you substantially modify the front axle, steering, wheel, and tires, along with adding rear ballast.
Can it be done, sure...just take time and money.
North Idaho Wolfman
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To everyone on this thread a L1-185 is NOT a L185.
An L1-185 is a much larger and newer model than the L185.
It having a stamped steel axle it should be a 2wd, and 2wd's are fine for a loader if the tractor is equipped with PS, which that model should have PS.
Now the loader that would possibly fit that model would be a LA400 and LA450
both of which are extremely RARE!
Even aftermarket loaders that would fit it are RARE.
And because it's not a US model it would take some rework of just about all of the mounts.
An L1-185 is a much larger and newer model than the L185.
It having a stamped steel axle it should be a 2wd, and 2wd's are fine for a loader if the tractor is equipped with PS, which that model should have PS.
Now the loader that would possibly fit that model would be a LA400 and LA450
both of which are extremely RARE!
Even aftermarket loaders that would fit it are RARE.
And because it's not a US model it would take some rework of just about all of the mounts.
You don't need power steering on a 2WD tractor with a loader. My D-14 had a loader on it for for 25-28 years,at it's 50 acre first farm. Yup 'Armstrong' steering was a bit of a chore UNTIL you were taught or learned HOW to operate it. Yes, power steering is nice as are 4WD, a cab ,air conditioning and GPS steering.....having power down 3PH is real nice as well !
Mine is the 4wd model. It is a stamped steel axle however instead of cast. It seems to be pretty beefy but still not sure.
North Idaho Wolfman
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If it's 4wd then there is no way it has a stamped steel front axle.
I think you are going to have to supply us with pictures of the tractor in question.
Thanks for all you feedback. I guess I should be more detailed. It is a 30HP 4wd with power steering. I know I would need ballast weight it I lifted anything very heavy. My main need is to move dirt and equipment around the shop. I dont think I would be moving anything over 1000 pounds and probably not over 500 or 600 pounds. I'm attaching some pictures that I pulled of the internet since its dark and I wouldn't be able to take any pics till morning. One shows the axle and one shows the tractor with a loader but I cant find many examples with a loader. What I'm really looking for is someone who has a kubota withe the steel tubed axle that has a loader and how much they can lsafely lift with it. I know I will have to manufacture my mounts which I dont mind doing as long as I dont end up breaking my tractor.
North Idaho Wolfman
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That's not a stamped steel axle, that's a cast axle.
Yes parts can be welded onto the cast axles.
Now as far as what loader would fit it, need to see the exact tractor.
If you can't look in the window just above the step on the right hand side of the transmision to get the model number, then you'll have to get the Motor size, which will be stamped on a flat just to the side of the injection pump and we can determine which model you have from that.
Is there any markings on it at all?
Like sunshine, monro matic, or anything else?
Yes parts can be welded onto the cast axles.
Now as far as what loader would fit it, need to see the exact tractor.
If you can't look in the window just above the step on the right hand side of the transmision to get the model number, then you'll have to get the Motor size, which will be stamped on a flat just to the side of the injection pump and we can determine which model you have from that.
Is there any markings on it at all?
Like sunshine, monro matic, or anything else?
Its a V1512 engine, which was used on models that ranged from 26-30HP. The axle is infact steel. It has a cast pumpkin that bolts into a steel frame and the axles welded to it and then bolts to the cast knuckles for steering. As far as I can tell they only used this on the sunshine kubotas in Asia and Philipines. I haven't taken all the sheet metal off yet to look on the trans for a model but as far as I can tell from comparison on specs and pictures, it was sold as a Zennoh but is made by kubota and is an L1-285 or L1-295. It also came with the Monroematic electronic 3 point that I still haven't had time to play with yet but If I cant get it to work electronically, I'm pretty sure there is an early US kubota with a lever controlled 3 pt that will bolt on as a direct replacement based on what I've read from some other folks. Right now the main worry is how much I can safely lift with a loader on that steel axle. There are a few pics like the one I posted with a loader that looks as heavy made as most US loaders.
North Idaho Wolfman
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The amount it can lift and handle has very little to do with the front axle it has to do with the subframe and the amount of counter balance weight you put on it.