tubing for a front end loader

[kodiak 5]

i have a 1976 c-120 and was wanting to build a front end loader for it but not sure what would be the best size tubing to use. i have thought about 2x3 and 3x3 but not sure if they would be big enough. any info would be appreciated

[Nick 13]

2x3 would be fine but the 3x3 would be overkill. The 2x3 should also be close to what is used on factory built loaders.

[big mike 13]

Mine used 2x3 for the boom,2x4 of the stanchions and I used 2x2 for the frame.

[rickv1957 73]

I will check my loaders in morning,1-1/2"x3" sounds right,Rick

[Wheel Horse Fan 3]

What's the wall thickness on the factory loaders? Make sure you get the right wall thickness.

[Nick 13]

If the bracing and gussets are put in just about any tubing is going to work. Various brands had different size of tube with some also being tapered. The uprights were larger probably more due more to the fact they were used as the oil reservoir. My own loader was built using all 2x2 tubing with some flat stock in the subframe.

If your buying everything to build a loader it can actually be cheaper to buy a used factory loader. They dont come up often but they are out there. The one plus to building a loader though is that it can be built more to the size of the tractor. The Ark and Kwik way loaders are just a little large on tractors like the C-120.

An Ark and KW loader

This is a rare Pony loader but I think you can see the smaller size. Also the tapered loader arms.

Ok I dont have a picture of one on a Wheel Horse but this picture shows the smaller size of a Johnson loader. I think this would be a nice size for the classic Wheel Horse.