Ark loader on 520 front mount

[Dieselcowboy 211]

1. I have an Ark 550 on a 520. I had made a mount for the front support rods. It mounts where the mule drive goes. I obviously found that was not a great way to go. It moves when I put down pressure on the bucket. So I need to make a solid bolted mount on the frame. Wondering if any of you have a loader on a C,300,400,500 series and could show me a pic or several of how yours is attached on the front. Looks like I need to make a drop down on the front support to be able to open the hood still. Any help will b e greatly appreciated.

[MalMac 1,333]

Here is a pic of the front mount. As you can see it's just a bracket bolted to the frame. It's made of some real heavy stuff.

[Dieselcowboy 211]

What is the front cross bar made of?   I used a mule drive and put a heavy box steel through it in the first one I made. I take it that your mount widens out for the hood to clear?

Edited August 8, 2013 by Dieselcowboy

[MalMac 1,333]

I'll try and get you a pic of it.

Edited August 8, 2013 by MalMac

[MalMac 1,333]

As you can see it goes around the front Tack-A-Matic. This loader is on a C series but should be the same for the 520. Matter of fact I am going to be selling this tractor and putting the loader on a 520 as soon as I can figure out how to mount the Hydro pump.

[Dieselcowboy 211]

I defenitly think that is a better setup than my current one. Shouldn't be too hard to make. I'll just take my time and gather some materials and work it out. Thank you. Matt 

[MalMac 1,333]

Your welcome Matt, Just make sure you use some Stout material. Make sure you go back on the frame a good piece, because that's what helps steady it and keeps it from twisting so bad. Good Luck.

[Kelly 1,033]

My loader has a bracket that clips in the front tac o matic, and the arms just pin to it. 

[Dieselcowboy 211]

Kelly, Do you have any up close pics your mount? Thats how mine is now, but when I just down pressure to it the loader frame rocks backward. Because there is only the one bar cliped in allowing it to move.

Edited August 9, 2013 by Dieselcowboy

[Kelly 1,033]

I'll try to remember to get pics this weekend. 

[Don1977 605]

Kelly, Do you have any up close pics your mount? Thats how mine is now, but when I just down pressure to it the loader frame rocks backward. Because there is only the one bar cliped in allowing it to move.

From your picture the brace look to be bolted to an old Mule Drive, they are made to swing. You would be better off to build an attachment to fit the front hitch. It takes a 5/8" bar to fit in the front hitch. Get a bar long enough to extend out past each side and modify the braces to fit and weld it up.

[Dieselcowboy 211]

Got it figured out. I made L brackets from heavy flat stock. Welded them to the Mule drive already in place and drilled holes to match the holes in the frame. So it still clicks in the mule drive mount to hold while I put the bolts in . Works like a charm. Loader no longer moves any where.