Manual loader? Are you referring to the armstrong mini loader that Brinley made for Sears back in the '70's?

Planning on buidling up your bicep? There might be a few around, but most guys are spoiled using hydraulics. :hide:

 

Sears made an attachment for these tractors like what you want, I believe it's called a front scoop bucket. It has a long handle very similar to the snow blowers. There was one for sale a couple months ago on Craigslist for $150. If you're patient, and keep your eyes peeled I'm sure you'll find one.


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Never seen a manual loader except for the little scoop type deal that is still around. If you are looking for a factory hydraulic loader, good luck. Took me 3 years to find one. Ones for post-Suburban tractors are even harder to find since so few were sold. Look for a Kwik Way, since that was OEM. You might need to get creative with mounting.

 

Thanks guys.

I tried a couple of different words including 'scoop' and just didn't come across anything.

Thanks again.

 

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-front-tractor-scoop/p-07124847000P

Unsure of build quality, never seen one up close.

 

Some people have purchased a factory loader from Sears to go on Craftsman garden tractors. I think I have seen both hydraulic and electric versions. The Craftsman scoop they mentioned earlier has been around a while. Also you might try Johnny Buckets.

http://www.johnnyproducts.com/

Sears Parts for model number 486.248473

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/par...-Products-Parts/Model-486248473/0247/1509400?pathTaken=&prst=0&shdMod=486248473


Another member in MT had a really nice Craftsman tractor with a factory loader on it.

 

http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=267491&highlight=craftsman+loader

Why don't you send a PM to the guy in MT and ask him if he will give you the model number? Then you can post it in your discussion so other people can find it when they need to know.

http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=241796&highlight=craftsman+loader

 

FF Series tractors had a loader also.

http://www.tractordata.com/lawn-tractors/001/2/5/1259-craftsman-91725481-attachments.html

 

If its the front scoop that Sears sells I have one on a GT5000 and I really like it, it not a tank but its not going to bend and break with normal usage abuse it and anything will happen.Its not a FEL but will move dirt / gravel etc., I've seen video's of guys using a Johny Bucket and they were really getting after it this Sears model would not stand up to that usage.
http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=339546&highlight=


http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=434418&highlight=

 

Ok,
found a scoop.

anyone want to guess if this is a close enough fit for a 1996, GT 18 917.258860

If so, is this a fair price? Its about 3 hours away. He is asking $275

BTW, I don't have to have it.. I can wait if it will take a great deal of mods or too pricey.

I do have machinist skills, a metal cut off saw, drill press and mig welder.

What I don't have is experience.

What say you?

 

Ok,
found a scoop.

anyone want to guess if this is a close enough fit for a 1996, GT 18 917.258860

If so, is this a fair price? Its about 3 hours away.

BTW, I don't have to have it.. I can wait if it will take a great deal of mods or too pricey.

I do have machinist skills, a metal cut off saw, drill press and mig welder.

What I don't have is experience.

What say you?

Looks to be in good shape. You don't mention a price though.
If it's 1/2 of the new price you're doing good. As for experience?
Buy that scoop and make it fit and you'll gain the experience. :fing32:
You already have the tools. Win Win.

 

Hi L2R looking at the picture it looks complete, the thing to measure is the width of your tractor and the width between the front side mounts if the same it should be easy to drill some holes in the tractor front frame and bolt the brackets on and mount the scoop and have fun. The side mount brackets are just aft the scoop in the picture the width is critical to mount it. Price is probably ok.

 

front pic.

 

from lookin at ur pic.. & ur tractor data... I would say the scoop will bolt right on to ur tractor after u take the bumper off it.. the frame should have mount holes already in it..

 

Whirly, u were dead on. It fit like a glove. It only needed to drill 1 hole in each side to complete the install. The whole thing was well under an hour. Thanks for the feedback. Not sure I would have driven that far without some belief it would be close. Worked out great. Thanks agaiin


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thank you all. I will try to go hunt this down this week end.

 

waitin till the weekend may b too late... I would contact the guy right now to make a deal on it

 

yep, whirly I did call. it is a small engine repair company 3 hours away. They are closed on Wednesdays so I left a message and will call again in the a.m.
I am going to see if he will take paypal (I will cover the fees) so it doesn't ride off into the sunset on someone else's tractor.

that said, just how high off the ground will this go. I know it has a lot of limitations but I am curious.

 

Hey folks,

Just a quick question about these front scoops. I realize a manual loader is limited but about high will it go? 6" off the ground or about how high?

No matter what it is, this replaces my biceps, shovel and wheel barrow but I am curious whether it will go high enough to put a scoop of whatever into my trailer (probably about 15" off the ground at the rear and nearly 24" on the side rails.

 

No it will never go to 15" 6" is about the max you maybe adjust ti to get 7 / 8" but the lift force increasing considerably and get tiring in short order.

 

if u can get real strong ramps.. drive up into the trailer & dump it then..

 

thanks all. Ramps are a good idea.

I am still going to get one, just good to know its limitations. I can sell a walk behind snowblower,my wheel barrow and I am still well ahead of the game with this.

I may build an earthen ramp out back the same height as my trailer.

 

I love the idea of an earthen ramp.. a guy can make one real cheap usin a couple boards as the surface u back it up to.. I do wanna point out that ur front tires may flatten out some & not let u raise the load like u want.. this can b overcome with runnin more air in the tires.. but u will have to keep a good eye on them & the front axle.. also change the front bushing in the rims to a roller bearing will keep the spindles in good shape.. adding a rear weight may have to b done too

 

Whirly and the rest of you.

Thanks so much. You have been so helpful to help this newbie out.

I have struck a deal on the phone to buy the scoop. I can only hope the guy on the other end is honorable as I am 3 hours away. I tried to pay to hold it but he said it was mine and he would hold it for me. Pushing him any more would have been questioning his integrity so I plan to pick it up Saturday morning and hope it is there.

Whirly, good points on the tires etc. I will follow your advice.

thanks again all for making this project easy because it wasn't led by me.

 

Hey Whirly,

what bearings should I buy. Is there a thread here with details.

 

check ur front rims.. I think they will have a greaseable bushing style... u can push one out & measure the ID of the rim then.. they make a bearing that will need grease. that looks like the ones in a wheel barrel... there is also a sealed roller bearing u can drive in the rim... u may need to cut a spacer to go intween the bearings

there may b a tread of this change over.. I can't help u on that... but maybe some one else can..

I also have a green sloped hood older GT Craftsman with a blower on it... I still gotta check the front to see if bushings or bearings r in it... if bushings.. they will b changed.. that blower weighs 250-300

OOOHHHH .. congrats on the scoop deal...

 

Ok,

all good information.

i will go hunting for bearings.