Adapting a hydraulic sickle bar mower to my loader

Old Machinist

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Kubota LX3310 cab, JD 4310, NH 575E cab backhoe, JD F725, Swisher 60", etc.
May 27, 2024
532
607
93
NE FL
This is my latest hair brained idea. So far it looks like it might work.

 
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Old Machinist

Well-known member

Equipment
Kubota LX3310 cab, JD 4310, NH 575E cab backhoe, JD F725, Swisher 60", etc.
May 27, 2024
532
607
93
NE FL
I could use that!. Might want to consider making the mounting tube telescoping so you can move it out and in a few feet.

Dan
The ability to adjust it in or out a little was always the plan. It is pretty heavy and I don't want a bunch of excess hose so I don't think I will need to move it much.

I have changed my mount idea. I have a blank plate I made into light duty pallet forks I seldom use so I now plan to clamp the 2 inch tube directly to that. I hope it has enough hose on it to not have to add any.
 

Old Machinist

Well-known member

Equipment
Kubota LX3310 cab, JD 4310, NH 575E cab backhoe, JD F725, Swisher 60", etc.
May 27, 2024
532
607
93
NE FL
It's getting closer. Hoses aren't long enough so I will have to have some extension hoses made. The motor connections are oddball so I'm stuck with that. I had the ends cut off and JIC ends put on at the tractor end.

IMG_20251127_133455454_HDR~2.jpg
 
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Daferris

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LX2610
Nov 23, 2021
483
405
63
Mid-Michigan
What is the make/model of that cutter? I've been looking for something that my LX can run. But is more durable than the Samurai one that is on the cutthat.com site
 

Runs With Scissors

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L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
Jan 25, 2023
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Michigan
Looks good.

I like the fact that it can be used both horizontally and vertically. 🍻
 

Old Machinist

Well-known member

Equipment
Kubota LX3310 cab, JD 4310, NH 575E cab backhoe, JD F725, Swisher 60", etc.
May 27, 2024
532
607
93
NE FL
What is the make/model of that cutter? I've been looking for something that my LX can run. But is more durable than the Samurai one that is on the cutthat.com site
It's a MIVA. I don't know how durable it will be or even if it's going to work yet. There is one video on the tube showing one that broke and a couple of repairs it's owner has done.

I am going to look closer at my mount before getting extension hoses made although hoses would be the simple solution. If I made the mount a couple inches higher I could probably move it closer to the tractor although I don't know if I want to do that either. Where I have it in that last photo if I lay it down flat it comes within a couple inches of hitting the plate.
 
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D2Cat

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L305DT, B7100HST, TG1860, TG1860D, L4240
Mar 27, 2014
14,604
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40 miles south of Kansas City
It's getting closer. Hoses aren't long enough so I will have to have some extension hoses made. The motor connections are oddball so I'm stuck with that. I had the ends cut off and JIC ends put on at the tractor end.

View attachment 166120
Might be less cost to go to a farm store and purchase pre-made hose.
 

Old Machinist

Well-known member

Equipment
Kubota LX3310 cab, JD 4310, NH 575E cab backhoe, JD F725, Swisher 60", etc.
May 27, 2024
532
607
93
NE FL
I decided to leave the mount as is and extend the hoses. The hoses are unique and can't be bought off the shelf but I have a Carquest in the next county that can make anything I want pretty much.

It works!

I did consider the weight hanging off one side. I weighed it and it only weighs 132 lbs even with the fabricated mount. What I forgot to consider is I run my tire pressures low for comfort and I didn't increase the pressure for this. The RF bead came off the rim when I tried to turn left away from the work. I had to put jack stands under the loader to lift it and pump the tire back up but the bead reseated easy.

I'm not going to try it again until I add a counter weight to the other side of the loader. Even at 132 lbs I am concerned about the uneven weight on the loader and tires.

first-test.jpg
 
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Runs With Scissors

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L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
Jan 25, 2023
3,326
4,219
113
Michigan
I think a counter weight is an outstanding idea.

A 130 pounds, that far out, will certainly add a significant amount of torque to those forks.


🍻
 

Old Machinist

Well-known member

Equipment
Kubota LX3310 cab, JD 4310, NH 575E cab backhoe, JD F725, Swisher 60", etc.
May 27, 2024
532
607
93
NE FL
I think a counter weight is an outstanding idea.

A 130 pounds, that far out, will certainly add a significant amount of torque to those forks.


🍻
I just looked up the specs on these 23x8.50-12 tires. They are rated for 1230 lbs @ 34psi.

I have some 4 to 1 frames for measuring corner weights so I think I will go all the way and try to balance the front end on it. I don't want something hanging that far off both sides and I have a couple of 100 lb suitcase weights so I think I will make a bracket to hang those on the left side of the loader and see how close it comes. I can probably make that adjustable so they slide in or out as needed.

Edit: With just the forks on the left side it is 84lb heavier at the right tire. I might get by with just one 100lb suitcase weight.

Thankfully this LA535 loader has the through frame torque tube design so hopefully it will hold up.
 
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D2Cat

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L305DT, B7100HST, TG1860, TG1860D, L4240
Mar 27, 2014
14,604
7,069
113
40 miles south of Kansas City
I decided to leave the mount as is and extend the hoses. The hoses are unique and can't be bought off the shelf but I have a Carquest in the next county that can make anything I want pretty much.

It works!

I did consider the weight hanging off one side. I weighed it and it only weighs 132 lbs even with the fabricated mount. What I forgot to consider is I run my tire pressures low for comfort and I didn't increase the pressure for this. The RF bead came off the rim when I tried to turn left away from the work. I had to put jack stands under the loader to lift it and pump the tire back up but the bead reseated easy.

I'm not going to try it again until I add a counter weight to the other side of the loader. Even at 132 lbs I am concerned about the uneven weight on the loader and tires.

View attachment 166140
When you weighed the sickle bar at 132#, isn't that sticking out there 3' or more? That is like putting a cheater bar o your lug wrench. multiply the weight by the length equals the weight out there! Be careful to not twist your loader frame.