The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

Hello all, It has been quite some time since I posted anything on here, but I still visit regularly. I have a question regarding the addition of an aftermarket type front end loader to one of my Majors. My uncle has an older Bush Hog brand loader he wants to get rid of. It is a model 2400QT. Measurement wise, it should fit on the Major beautifully, my question is about the hydraulics. The loader is the type that hooks up to an existing auxiliary hydraulic hookup with two hoses. I have a 1956 New Major and a 1961 Super Major with Qualitrol. Would it be possible to add auxiliaries to either one of these, and what parts would I need to do it? Thank you in advance for any advice, and keep those Majors going!

Your Super will have an Auxiliary Service Chest so you can fit your loader to the output where this pipe is fitted. Then pull the AS valve open and use your main control in the quadrant.



On the Major your tapping is here. You will have to lock the arms down to use the loader or to get a constant flow again controlled by the quadrant lever.

Thank you for the reply, Brian. I am still a little confused, though. The loader has two hoses that would connect to the tractor. Both of them have identical fittings on them. The other end of those two hoses attach to what I'm assuming is a type of spool valve with the two levers that control the loader, one for up and down, and one to tilt the bucket back and forth. This type of loader also has the ability to lift the front of the tractor off the ground. I'm assuming that one hose would be pressurized and the other a return, but I don't know for sure. I know pictures would probably help, but I don't have any available right now. Would I still be looking at the same type of hook up as in your pictures and just have to plumb in a return fitting?

Yes in both cases, you are feeding a control valve and need a power and return. The return usually goes into the filler cap behind the seat.

That's what I thought, but I wasn't for sure on it. I think the super would be a better bet, because it also has a live pto. I understand the auxiliary services knob needing to be in the right position, but you mentioned using the main control in the quadrant. What did you mean by that? Would the main lever have control over the loader? Also would it need to be in position control or draft control (the small lever)?

When you pull the ASC valve out you divert oil from the ram cylinder to the external port, this oil is still controlled by the quadrant lever. You will have to have it to the top of the quadrant to get an oil flow to your loader control valve chest.

You should have the small selector lever in Qualitrol (Up) for all work with an external oil flow.

Well, it sounds like I should be able to make it work for me. Brian, thank you for all the helpful information. Your keen knowledge of these wonderful machines is such a great asset to all of us trying to keep these tractors alive. Now if only I could find a good deal on a factory power steering setup... Those get expensive quickly when they show up on ebay.