Just picked up 1650 with Kwik-Way Loader

[Jumper]

Congrats On the FEL, you will love it! You will also find that 1650 is a tough little machine.

[mickb72]

That's not ugly, it matches the loader. Like in the old days, you can have any color you want as long as it's black. Congrats. Mike

[farmall fred]

Thanks for the responses and concerns. For everyone's information I have been operating loaders on the farm since I was about 12 years old. First one was on a Farmall M without live hydraulics and no power steering. When loading manure you had to ram into the pile then hit the clutch and put the trans in neutral to attempt to lift the load with the old belly pump hydraulics, only way to turn the front wheels was when you were moving and then it was all you could do to turn it. In 1974 we finally bought a IH 674 with a 2050 loader. I never new operating a loader tractor could be so easy after that. I also currently have a 1944 M with a IH #30 loader. I have live hydraulics on it and have a Charlyn power steering set up for it when I get time to install it. So yes I know how to safely operate a loader and will make sure the wife knows how to correctly and safely operate it also. Our plans for it are for loading mulch, compost, yard work etc. When it comes to heavy lifting I will get out the M.

[Cub Cadet 123]

Originally Posted by farmall fred

Thanks for the responses and concerns. For everyone's information I have been operating loaders on the farm since I was about 12 years old.

Knowing this is good an all, but you did not say how old you are now?......If you are 19 or so, then you might still be considered inexperienced. It sounds like you have had your share of experience though and know what you are doing. Everyone is just doing their job here to make sure that each of us engages in safe operation of our equipment (okay, Uncle Lewy....I know what you are thinking on this one!). The one thing I don't get is why you think the cub is "ugly"? I like the black against the blue decals and I don't think it is ugly at all. This is coming from a guy who thinks that stock is the only way to go, too!

Cub Cadet 123

[J-Mech]

My concern isn't your experience Fred, it's your wife's experience. I too grew up farming and have been driving machinery since about the same age. I've operated any and all equipment from lawn mowers to dozers, cranes and trackhoes. Had a Class A CDL since 19.... but my wife..... when it come to equipment, she's a newbie. I have been very impressed with her ability, but I wouldn't hand over a loader tractor to her..... even on a garden tractor. Again, just concerned about safety. At least a SCUT has a roll bar and a seat belt. I'd feel safer putting her on one of those. But, I'm a guy who is pretty safety conscious when it comes to new operators.

I'll drop it though. Just voicing my concern/opinion.

[farmall fred]

I am probably older than many on here. Lets just say that I am drawing SS and have been on Medicare for a few years. I also am very safety conscious when operating any type of equipment or machinery. But again thanks to all for your concerns.

Now back to the rest of the story. Today I decided to replace all of the hoses on the loader and flush the system. I also drained the rear end and replaced the filter. Trans oil looked good. Tomorrow when my new hoses get done at the hyd shop I will get them all installed and test out the loader. I need to get back on my 1872 project and finish it up before the warn weather hits.
Later
Tom

[farmall fred]

Well yesterday I picked up my Hyd hoses and boy have the prices gone through the roof. When I replace hoses on our farm equipment I just have them put on our account and normally do not see the price. Lets just say that $400.00 plus is not what I expected. After removing the old ones I an glad I replaced them all, they were due. I have to make up a mount for my filter and refill the transmission and loader and it should be ready to go.
Later
Tom

[zippy1]

Ain't that crazy money Tom? Holy cow.
But, whatcha gonna do? Got to have them...

[john hall]

Seems high to me also. I don't need one too often. I had a hose made up last year to replace a steel line on a combine and didn't pay attention to the price, I just needed to get back in the field. Out of curiosity, how may total feet of hoses and how many fittings(hose ends) did you have to buy?

[farmall fred]

Originally Posted by zippy1

Ain't that crazy money Tom? Holy cow.
But, whatcha gonna do? Got to have them...

I might have been able to save some money if I had shopped around but I probably would have had to drive out of town so I went with the shop that specializes locally.

Originally Posted by john hall

Seems high to me also. I don't need one too often. I had a hose made up last year to replace a steel line on a combine and didn't pay attention to the price, I just needed to get back in the field. Out of curiosity, how may total feet of hoses and how many fittings(hose ends) did you have to buy?

It took about 20 ft of 3/8 hose @ $4.94 a ft, and 30 hose ends. The hose ends are what drive the prices up. They varied in price from $7.24 to $13.52 in price I also had to buy 5 ft of 3/4 suction hose so it all adds up. Also like you when I need a hose on a breakdown I never look at the price. Last year I had to replace some hoses on out 7140 Magnum and one of then that is about three ft long cost @280.00 at the dealer. I could have had one made up but it would have required adapters at each end and was within $25.00 of the oem hose and with the adapters just more chance of a leak. At least I now have the piece of mind that a hose will not fail when I am using it. Also could you imagine what would happen if the wife was using it and a hose blew and she got covered in Hyd oil!!!

Today I have to finish remounting the control valve, some one must have replaced it and the way it is mounted makes the handles hard to reach and also the float detent only works when the handle is in the raise position. I have to make some mounts for the control handles so they work properly so when you pull back it raises and forward it lowers or a further push allows it to float.
Later
Tom