Loader options for a Sovereign

[jimmystractor 171]

yThere is/was a post in the eBay/Craigslist section of a 7112 with a loader for sale on Ebay. It got me thinking...

 

Does anyone know of a setup that is available that can be made to fit? Is it useful enough? If I could find one, it would probably be about all I would need with the  attachments that are already available. Thanks!

Edited January 25, 2017 by jimmystractor

[Kent 435]

To my knowledge there were no actual front loaders "approved" for use (meaning it wouldn't invalidate the warranty) after the 3212s.  Both Johnson and Quick-Way loaders were sold for them, but not by dealers...

The only thing available through dealers, AFAIK, was the Simplicity Front Bucket, MFR 1690767, which is similar to a Johnny Bucket, plus a couple aftermarket models.  Again, I might be mistaken, but that's what I've discovered...

The key to any loader on these BGB machines is the subframe, and potential reinforcement/bracing in that area where the BGB bolts onto the front frame.  Both the BGB and the front frame mount have been broken when using loaders...

[Kent 435]

I'll add, at the risk of being guilty of "blasphemy,"  that if you're looking at doing serious loader work you'd probably want to look at a different tractor -- either bigger like the PowrMax or a totally different brand.  The Henry loaders for these old Sovereign-class machines have limited lift (300lb, though those for the PowrMax were different brands/designs and could lift 500lb) and the lift height is limited also.  The Johnson and Quik-Ways were 500 lb loaders (I think) with a bit more lift height than those Henry loaders for the old FDTs.

If all you want to do is haul mulch, loose topsoil, etc. then these Simplicities are fine...  For serious loader work, a small 4wd Kubota (or similar) is better suited. The loaders for the new Conquest/Prestige (or Legacy) is a nice design, and good for their intended use (suburban homeowner using one tractor to do all things) -- but again, for serious loader work you may want to look elsewhere.  

Simplicities are fine mowers, first and foremost, and that's where they shine.  Snowblowing is a close second.  Their tillers work very well also. For other uses, other tractors may be better.  For example, the old Wheelhorse machines that attached their snow/dozer blades just in front of the rear axle will push snow or dirt better than these machines.  

I'm a huge Simplicity fan -- but I also recognize what they do best, and where others might be better...

[jimmystractor 171]

Thanks Kent. Being this is a Simplicity/Allis site, I really appreciate the honesty. 

[MikeES 458]

Wasn't an Allis approved FEL available for the 300/400 series tractors?  They did have a slightly beefed area around the BGB.

[Kent 435]

Don't know about the Allis 300/400 series.  I've seen loaders mounted on them, but whether they were "Allis approved" I can't say....

[maxwood 596]

Hello, I built a front bucket for my sovereign . I don't know what impact it would have on the BGB . It will lift about 200 Lbs. It is 36 inches wide.

 

Thanks Ken in Mi

[720nut 4,225]

Nice setup Ken

[jimmystractor 171]

It looks awesome.

[Kent 435]

3 hours ago, maxwood said:

Hello, I built a front bucket for my sovereign . I don't know what impact it would have on the BGB . It will lift about 200 Lbs. It is 36 inches wide.

 

Thanks Ken in Mi

Having owned both a Johnny Bucket and a Henry-built 990515 Loader (I think that was the MFR # - but not sure), the only big difference between them is the lift height.  There's not a significant difference in volume or weight you can carry in the bucket between them..  With hydrolift and a rear counterweight, I could carry about 250 lbs in my Johnny Bucket.

I think the front bucket places a lot less stress on the frame/BGB area because the added weight of the loaded bucket is not as much nor as far out in front of the tractor, trying to lift the rear of the machine as it pivots on the fulcrum of the front axle... For moving mulch and such, they do a really good job for not a lot of money, and are easily removed when not needed.