garden tractor with loader

[rcguyfarms]

I have stepped up to a real type of loader for less or same cost of my rc equipment. I have been searching for 2 years to find a good deal on an older john deere large size garden tractor. I was going to scratch build a loader for it. Well last tuesday my long search was over I found a john deere 400 garden tractor with a loader on it for $3500. The tractors that size go between 2500 to 3000 with just a mower deck around where I live. Even better part was the tractor had a brand new kolher 20 hp motor already in it. Tractor ran fine and u could only run the loader at idle when I got it. The issue was how the pump was mounted and the major oil leak out one of the tilt cylinders. I was able to find a new seal kit and fix the hydro oil leak. I finally got the pump lined up and now it runs at full rpm or I usally run at 2/3 full rpm to save on fuel. I plan to add a 3-point hitch and a couple of implements to aide in dirt and snow work. I have switched to filled bar type tires in the rear and will put on new front tires also.

[Claus]

There is nothing more handy than a loader tractor. You will wish you had 4WD though, love my compact tractor as much as my utility tractor.

[Izzy]

Fantastic find Scott. I'm so jealous. Take care of it!

Chris

[sparkycuda]

Nice find, Scott. You going to RC it? Gives you the best of two worlds!

Ken

[rcguyfarms]

I am not going to rc way to much fun just operating it. I have thought of the idea to maybe build a 1/10 scale one to go with my rc version of my real truck.

[Acadieman]

Nice garden tractor.
And you have the ZTR for mowing duties, good combo.

[Radio Control Trucker]

NICE I've operated enough loaders in my day to agree with Craig (Claus)

You will wish you had 4WD

I also like larger equipment personally, but I'm a big guy

- RCT

[Acadieman]

It all depends on the size of the yard.
I was never a big fan of garden tractors, until I realized what they could do.

My father has a 60hp Kubota to maintain 3 driveways (all over 300ft) and 180acres of land, but that would be a overkill for most households. If the property is mostly lawn, a big machine is not needed.

I drove 4wd tractors, although nice they come with a price tag, and again it all depends on the use of the machine. There are still lots of 2wd tractors and industrial machines used on a daily basis, and I'm sure there's a reason for that.

I would like to build a mini loader for the JD 180 lawn tractor we have. That's one tough little tractor, and its currently only used to pull the trailer and sprayer.

[rcguyfarms]

I fabricated my own weight bracket. Also I got in some 3PT drawbars and a 3PT hitch for the tractor. I took one drawbar and welded up my old aerator to it so I can use it on the 3PT hitch.

[Finster]

Very Nice! Wish I had one, sure beats shoveling!

[Stepside]

Originally Posted by Claus

There is nothing more handy than a loader tractor. You will wish you had 4WD though, love my compact tractor as much as my utility tractor.

I don't know how "compact" your "Compact Tractor" is, Claus!!!


nice score Scott!

[rcguyfarms]

The lights that are stock on the tractor just don't cut it for night time work. I found some 9 led 27w 4.5 lights on ebay for great price. I mounted a pair the leds to the loader arms and one on the back. I pigged tailed the positive side off the light switch and negative ground. Also added a 2 position headlight switch to turn off when not needed or run the fronts only or run all the led work lights.





Stock lights


leds turned on

[doodlebug]

You'll be very happy with those led light's.
Used mine all winter on night shift, I-15 CORE job, best backup light's around!

Cheer's, Neil.

[Petedrivinman]

Nice garden tractor and loader,bet thats fun playin around with