ARK Loader Test on Hold..again!

[boovuc 1,090]

Really wanted to commit to getting this FEL on my 520-H mounted and tested but a friend called Saturday and wanted to finish our stream bank/footbridge restoration and I never turn down help at camp. Got home at 6 and decided to "putsy" on the machine until dark. 

This is when I discovered some, we'll call them differences, I called them many different ugly things  , between a 1991 520 tractor and what this loader was specifically designed to fit. (Not counting mounting the loader's pump).

 

One is the different style of mid-point Attach-A-Matic release. (Lever verses push in/pop out type). When mounting the sub-frame, the actual lever hits the sub-frame and it will not "attach". Then the last of the three bolt holes on the Attach-A-Matic bracket is suppose to line up with the sub-frame bolt hole. (It doesn't). Off by about a quarter to three/eighths inches and I think this is also due to the different style release. Then...........to add insult to injury, one of the engine mount bolts, (on the fly wheel side), will obstruct the subframe as well. 

 

I cut off about a half inch of the lever. I can drill or expand the hole on the bracket and I'll need to lop off the extra thread on the engine bolt or bring the bolt up from the bottom or if that doesn't work, get the angle grinder with a cutting disc out and remove a little of the sub-frame's taper on the fly wheel side.

 

Today I thought about going to to the Centre County Fair or what we all call the Grange Fair in Centre Hall, PA. but contemplated working more on the FEL. Well now I think the little lady of the house is getting perturbed at me! Me thinks I'll be going to the fair!    If you would have told me that I wouldn't have had this thing mounted and tested in three weeks, I would have said "no way". It's now 3 weeks and a day and it's still sitting there!

 

 

 

 

[oldblue1993 98]

 I have been mounting a winch for my plow now for about 4-5 months, seems like the family always dictates how fast projects get done by what they will get out of it. Good luck and throw up some pics when you get her on.

[MalMac 1,332]

Wow, I never looked at the front tack a  matic lever. Plus I did not think the holes would be off or not line up. You have me thinking twice about switching my Ark from my C to my 520. I could not believe the little problems I ran into putting steering reduction on my 1990 520. Sure was not a straight drop in and go. Had to grind this then grind that. Sorry for all the trouble your having but I will be watching your progress. Unfortunately your troubles may just convince me to leave well enough alone.

[Dieselcowboy 210]

If you need some help I may be able to.  I put a 550 ARK on my 520-8 and added gear reduction steering. Works very well.