Ugly Betty gets a FEL

[midnightpumpkin]

We picked up an ARK 600 loader over the weekend. Here is a shot of the loader when we brought it home.
[img]http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/4836343598_2754899d3d.jpg[/img]
This loader uses a sub frame for mounting to the tractor. The front PTO driven hydro pump mounts to the front extension of the sub-frame. Here is a shot of the sub-frame.
[img]http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/4836339716_1dfae8e0aa.jpg[/img]
The loader shows lots of signs of weathering, but no stress cracks or other signs of extreme use. We decided Ugly Betty would be the perfect loader tractor. She has the oversized Kohler K582 engine. We had picked up a set of exhaust manifolds from a JD 420 and had a custom exhaust fabricated at Mr. Muffler in Painesville, Oh. Here is a shot of the sub-frame mounted to the tractor with the exhaust coming out the right side of the hood. The big story here, is that the hood is on the tractor for the first time since the Kohler was installed!! JimDK, notice the dash plaque from the Pioneer Show on the hood.
[img]http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/4835736281_6710580091.jpg[/img]
Here's a couple of shots with the loader installed.
[img]http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4836351578_9d1ec8d5c6.jpg[/img]

[img]http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/4836348934_1d52f4bed5.jpg[/img]
And here she is after a little dirt time behind the pole barn.
[img]http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/4835745021_15b8e6406b.jpg[/img]
This is the first we have done any work with this tractor. The K582 is an amazing engine. It produces more than enough power to run the loader at what I consider a fast idle. I think we may have a winner here, maybe have to come up with a better name for the old girl. John U

[osenga]

nice find there

[HubbardRA]

That looks like a lot of weight on that exhaust to not be braced. I have a brace on the stack on my 61 Wards and its exhaust is only about half the height of yours.

[Bailey]

Way to go John ...... nice to see you make something out of what seemed to be a bit of a basket case !!!! Very impressive, now, cut it out for pete's sake ..... I'm getting nothing done down here .... it's embarrassing.

[JimDk]

John, Wow, that made a handy outfit. Headlights too? How is the traction with a full bucket? Now that you have a job for that ugly thing, a coat of paint would look nice. The Pioneer plaque needs a better background. Looks great, Jim

[midnightpumpkin]

quote:

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Originally posted by JimDk
John, Wow, that made a handy outfit. Headlights too? How is the traction with a full bucket? Now that you have a job for that ugly thing, a coat of paint would look nice. The Pioneer plaque needs a better background. Looks great, Jim

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Not only headlights, but dual cupholders too! Jim, there is a weight box attached to the rear of the subframe with about 150 lbs of solid concrete blocks in it. Traction is not a problem. That's not rust on the hood, it's metal patina! John U

[timflury]

Stick with "Ugly Betty" Even if you do tear it down and restore it, I would not change the name.

[JP]

You may want to look for some 'loader' tires. 4040's had the weakest of all the front ends for these series tractors. It might help it last longer AND it makes it MUCH easier to turn the wheels. :D