Loader on commando 8

[1968Commando 171]

I have a 1968 commando 8 were loaders ever available for these? What are my options I’m thinking about getting one for it because I do landscaping and could use it for future projects 

[953 nut 65,813]

Loaders have been fitted to most any Wheel Horse but as a practical matter the Commando 8 may be a little underpowered for a loader.       

The loader must be accompanied by a subframe which will be mounted to the tractor, most of them are made for larger long frame tractors. Here is a picture of a loader from the Big Show, I don't know who it belongs to.

Edited yesterday at 01:28 PM by 953 nut
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[Mike'sHorseBarn 3,528]

You could find a Johnson or an Ark loader to work on a commando 8 with some modification. The front end isn't gonna handle much weight and you have to add counter weights so it's use would be very limited. If you're doing full time landscaping you'd be better off getting a small compact tractor if you can afford it. Even if you can find an old Satoh with a Mitsubishi Diesel, those were pretty good machines and won't break the bank.

[ri702bill 12,060]

IMHO. there are other WH models better suited for that task. The Commando 8 is a short frame, 8HP 4 speed tractor without any onboard hydraulics. Short on HP even if that Kohler is in top condition and no low range in the Unidrive. Team that up with standard duty front spindles & bearings.... it is not an optimum choice for a loader. Sorry.

[ebinmaine 78,633]

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Johnny Bucket

 

 

[Handy Don 16,476]

Above comments noted, especially about the loader.

BUT...

If the landscaping tasks you have in mind are pulling a garden trailer or sweeper or de-thatcher, you’ll be ok but not especially quick (time equalling money in a labor business).

It’d also handle a 42” snow blade (for modest snowfall) or mid-mount blade for simple spreading or leveling of soil (where being compact and lightweight might be helpful).

 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 12,220]

Back in the Yahoo days there was a Lawn Ranger with a front end loader and backhoe.

[Pullstart 69,907]

13 hours ago, 953 nut said:

Loaders have been fitted to most any Wheel Horse but as a practical matter the Commando 8 may be a little underpowered for a loader.       

The loader must be accompanied by a subframe which will be mounted to the tractor, most of them are made for larger long frame tractors. Here is a picture of a loader from the Big Show, I don't know who it belongs to.

That is DJ Harrison on the tractor, @hcminis.  

[hcminis 1,783]

14 hours ago, Pullstart said:

That is DJ Harrison on the tractor, @hcminis.  

Yup, that was mine.  Sold it several years ago and regret that ever since.  But did buy the pride of my stables from the funds that were made from that rare Danco loader set up

[hcminis 1,783]

Here are a few more pictures of that machine with a fellow collector machine also.  Plus another picture of it with my other 1277 and ARC500 loader

[hcminis 1,783]

Here is another picture of the 1277 working.  Plus a D250 that had an ARC550 on it.

[1968Commando 171]

48 minutes ago, hcminis said:

Here is another picture of the 1277 working.  Plus a D250 that had an ARC550 on it.

What am I looking at for a wheel horse 1277 loader setup like that, that would be perfect, how’s if perform, can it lift alot?

[hcminis 1,783]

14 minutes ago, 1968Commando said:

What am I looking at for a wheel horse 1277 loader setup like that, that would be perfect, how’s if perform, can it lift alot?

Believe the max is 500 pounds

[953 nut 65,813]

I have a GT-14 which is a much heavier tractor with liquid filled rear tires, over 100 pounds per rear wheel of wheel weights and a weight box filled with rocks. If I lift 500 pounds the rear end of the tractor is quite light and if you are crossing rough terrain a rear tire bouncing off the ground is not uncommon. The Johnson loader is rated for 600 pounds but as a practical matter it is precarious at 500 and would be immobile at 600.