Fix or sell my D series-based loader rig?

[giantsean 59]

Hey All,

 

Fortunately, I have a D-200 frame (repowered by an almost new HF Predator V-twin engine) with an Ark 550 loader.  It has also been retro-fitted with a Cub power steering rack, and a few other mods here and there. UNfortunately I managed to roll it down a steep incline, from which it incurred some damage (documented in an earlier post on this forum).  Fortunately I managed to jump off rather than become part of the wreckage

 

Actually it's not all that bad.  The tractor frame appears straight and it fires right up as if nothing happened.  The loader took the brunt of the damage, bending or breaking at key points.  This loader had been modded by the PO (also a forum member.. I think the build thread is still out there) to accommodate new, larger lift cylinders, and probably make some other repairs here and there, so it's not virgin by any means.

 

I am not a good welder or fabricator, and even if I wanted to learn, I lack the time and tools.  I had bought it to help renovate two lawns, and it survived long enough to do that job well.  At this point I don't see a huge need for such a machine in the future, other than a nice-to-have for things I haven't really thought about.  I also have an original D-200 with original Kohler, which although having some issues of its own, is likely the more desirable to fix up and keep (if not use).  So I am really thinking hard about just selling the loader rig as is, rather than putting big money into fixing it.  

 

So my question to the forum is this... based on these pics (and I know pictures do not tell the whole story, but I tried to keep the camera square to critical angles for the best possible comparison):

 

1 - Would a proper repair cost more than $500 bucks average?  The advice received in the other forum mentioned the right fix would be to re-fab everything vs. try to simply patch it.  Also the straightening would require the bigger money.  The towers didn't look so bad before I started pulling it apart, but are now way off... not sure if that is due to partial disassembly or that it truly has other problems besides the arms.

 

OR

 

2 - Any ventures as to fair value of this machine as it sits?  it's not Kohler original but as a work machine it runs great, pulls hard, frame straight (I think), retrofitted power steering, very new engine, 3 point hitch, strong rear end.  

 

Thanks for all honest advice!

Edited March 24, 2019 by giantsean

[bellevillerod 835]

Wish you lived closer, to me it looks like a weekend project. Torch set, some flat stock, welder, come a long. To do yourself without tools or skill set would be difficult. To bad about the tractor but great to hear that you are good. I am looking for a rig like that now.

[WVHillbilly520H 10,378]

2 hours ago, bellevillerod said:

Wish you lived closer, to me it looks like a weekend project. Torch set, some flat stock, welder, come a long. To do yourself without tools or skill set would be difficult. To bad about the tractor but great to hear that you are good. I am looking for a rig like that now.

I know where one like that near me is complete with mower deck, snow plow and thrower, unfortunately it's too far away for both of you...basically just sitting there going to waste.

[Super-C 4 me 612]

19 hours ago, giantsean said:

Hey All,

 

Fortunately, I have a D-200 frame (repowered by an almost new HF Predator V-twin engine) with an Ark 550 loader.  It has also been retro-fitted with a Cub power steering rack, and a few other mods here and there. UNfortunately I managed to roll it down a steep incline, from which it incurred some damage (documented in an earlier post on this forum).  Fortunately I managed to jump off rather than become part of the wreckage

 

Actually it's not all that bad.  The tractor frame appears straight and it fires right up as if nothing happened.  The loader took the brunt of the damage, bending or breaking at key points.  This loader had been modded by the PO (also a forum member.. I think the build thread is still out there) to accommodate new, larger lift cylinders, and probably make some other repairs here and there, so it's not virgin by any means.

 

I am not a good welder or fabricator, and even if I wanted to learn, I lack the time and tools.  I had bought it to help renovate two lawns, and it survived long enough to do that job well.  At this point I don't see a huge need for such a machine in the future, other than a nice-to-have for things I haven't really thought about.  I also have an original D-200 with original Kohler, which although having some issues of its own, is likely the more desirable to fix up and keep (if not use).  So I am really thinking hard about just selling the loader rig as is, rather than putting big money into fixing it.  

 

So my question to the forum is this... based on these pics (and I know pictures do not tell the whole story, but I tried to keep the camera square to critical angles for the best possible comparison):

 

1 - Would a proper repair cost more than $500 bucks average?  The advice received in the other forum mentioned the right fix would be to re-fab everything vs. try to simply patch it.  Also the straightening would require the bigger money.  The towers didn't look so bad before I started pulling it apart, but are now way off... not sure if that is due to partial disassembly or that it truly has other problems besides the arms.

 

OR

 

2 - Any ventures as to fair value of this machine as it sits?  it's not Kohler original but as a work machine it runs great, pulls hard, frame straight (I think), retrofitted power steering, very new engine, 3 point hitch, strong rear end.  

 

Thanks for all honest advice!

I have a guy in Auburn,MA that does my metal work.

He does a great job, pricing is good also

Might be to far for you, but If you want his info PM me

[Sarge 3,470]

Between the damage/bending of the subframe, its mounts, the broken loader arms and generally everything being bent the only good part of that loader is using it as a pattern to build a new one and salvage the cylinders from it. The cost will be close to $500 in steel alone, but it can be a worthy project for someone with the skills and equipment to do the job. Basically, you are selling a running D with a loader project in need of a rebuild - the D being of a higher value in some aspects compared to the loader. Unless you know for a fact the cylinders aren't also bent, it would be a good idea to disclose that to any buyer to avoid conflict later as those are the most expensive part of a loader build. I'd be surprised if some part of the D's frame is tweaked a little - it is amazingly stout but everything has a limit and from the looks of the loader the whole thing took quite a rough ride down the hill.

 

Price will just depend on finding the right person to buy it for what it is and your location.

 

Sarge

[The Tuul Crib 7,340]

Wow! That’s bent up pretty good! Was the tractor damaged? That had to be a little 

scary! Glad to hear your ok! Welder and a cuttin torch , easy fix

 

[giantsean 59]

6 hours ago, WVHillbilly520H said:

I know where one like that near me is complete with mower deck, snow plow and thrower, unfortunately it's too far away for both of you...basically just sitting there going to waste.

 

Assuming it's in VA, it's not TOO bad a drive if the price were right... considering I bought it in Wisconsin :P

[WVHillbilly520H 10,378]

41 minutes ago, giantsean said:

 

Assuming it's in VA, it's not TOO bad a drive if the price were right... considering I bought it in Wisconsin

Yes sir,  Stuarts Draft VA... PM me if you would like details, Jeff.

[giantsean 59]

9 hours ago, The Tool Crib said:

Wow! That’s bent up pretty good! Was the tractor damaged? That had to be a little 

scary! Glad to hear your ok! Welder and a cuttin torch , easy fix

 

 

Seems to have made it though no worse for the wear... the D-series (and probably all WH's are pretty stout beasts).  I think even the Ark might have fared better had it not been whipsawed around like that, but it likely helped the tractor get through easier.  Too bad as I think a working Ark 550 is worth more than a working D-200 lol