Homemade Lawn Mover Bucket Loader L118 John Deere Tutorial

[@Smalltechguy]

I wish you had the parts lists showing so one can see just what he is looking at to having you make one. I don't have snow so mine will be for moving fill dirt. Very good engineering. You are very skilled at figuring things out. I know I couldn't do it.

[@RCALivingStereo]

That’s fine work Amazing what one can do with proper tools and knowledge Fine work

[@GeorgeBonez]

Man, if you replaced your electric actuators with hydraulic cylinders and use your PTO to drive the hydraulic pump this would be the best design on KZbin by far! 😊

[@mazatrolmultiplex1113]

Very good project

[@johnpyle8027]

This has to be the best FEL build I have seen! I am building one for my restored 1984 430 Diesel. I have hydraulics so I will use hydraulic cylinders. You need some serious ballast on the back of the little tractor that's why it was spinning on flat ground! Looks great! Be careful

[@RC-fu6hg]

I agree wheel weights and chains will make that better.

[@temperatureengineering2179]

Amazing! Can’t wait to show our young fabricators.

[@MysticSpank]

Fun to watch build video. Scrolling the comments i think it was great you took the time to answer questions too !

[@lhb4031]

another great project and video.

[@Husky1run]

I am very impressed with your building skills, what size cylinder,s did you use,what gauge square stocks did you use

[@mariaquinones6902]

👏👍GENIAL🧠very nice job👌👏

[@jamesbarbour8400]

It's a nice job, but from a design perspective, those loader arms are gonna fold at that junction where the outer ends of the rams meet them. That's an area of very high stress, and will exacerbated by the leverage effect of the part of the loader arms, forward of that junction. Fish plates should have been welded on to add strength to that area, then attach the outer end of the rams to these. The loader might be ok for running into sand or snow, but won't last long if used for moving compacted earth. Also, the pump is of insufficient capacity, hence the slow cycle times.

[@timothyjerry2455]

Needs wheel weights Totally rad project that you made look so easy, well done.

[@JDM_Electric-SanDiego]

Awesome man! Great work

[@plastudios1328]

Hi Lorenzo! Wanted to congratulate you on a wonderfully successful project! I showed my wife and she said (besides it being an amazing project) to spray your bucket with WD-40 and the snow won't stick and should slide right off! I don't know if anyone has mentioned that already in the comments but I thought I'd suggest it anyways! Wonderfully done, my man!

[@mariaquinones6902]

Hi,guys, very good sugestion👍about the WD-40 oil

[@redpandabus-adventuresinlife]

I was thinking the same. Or lithium grease rubbed all over. It has a much lower temperature and a thicker application

[@jimsimpson4385]

nice concept you made it work. However the lift jacks are for indoor use only to lift a medical lift chair or bed. Yes they are very strong but slow. I use them to turn my solar arrays and follow the sun. But they don't have to move but mm@ a time as the day goes by. I water proofed mine by spraying flex seal over the motor asbly. Also using a grease wiper on the shaft so as to block any water or snow from entering the internals as the cyl retracts. Any way nice job.

[@tony9305]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing

[@RetroRelicReloaded]

Nice job! Just need some rear weight and you're good to go.

[@temperatureengineering2179]

Hey Lorenzo. How can I send you a video of how your awesome video inspired us to do a front loader for our John Deere

[@donbouley9987]

Like how you used strap and angle for the highest stressed parts of the bucket, and lighter materiel for the rest. For light snow removal, and material handling it should work well.

[@rcclassiccrawlers4368]

Nice build! I think I would have set the cylinder for the bucket a quarter of the way extended so you could use the bucket to curl more when scooping the material. Also I would have to agree with everyone else who commented about the lack of ballast. You would have a lot more control and lifting capacity if you put a box on the back and fill it with cement blocks,steel, sand, etc…

[@j.w.3345]

All that weight on the back will kill the trans on a mower tractor. Just not built for it.

[@TheMotorman116]

@@j.w.3345John Deere sells suitcase weights specifically for this purpose. Used properly and maintained the transaxle will be fine.

[@kyledetring1175]

@@TheMotorman116 not this machine. it has a k46 trans

[@TheMotorman116]

@@kyledetring1175 Well, they’re made to push snow, haul carts full of dirt and gravel, pull lawn rollers… I own one and do all of this and more with it. Change trans fluid every 200hrs and it’s fine. But I suppose you’re entitled to your opinion.

[@kyledetring1175]

@@TheMotorman116 sounds like it’s working great! Do you think the k91 is not a good buy?

[@paulmelanson1527]

Nice job, great video. What thickness is the sheet metal

[@jsanta6973]

I need this in my life!!!🙏🏼🙏🏼 Great job!!!!

[@rubenssilva5004]

Holle amigo no consideras el riesgo de las lines de gasolina? Los puros vapores pueden encender. Hey buddy are you concerned of the fumes in the full lines?

[@temperatureengineering2179]

I’m so excited. This going to be a blast

[@MrFastrev]

Watched some of your videos. Very nice fabrication keep up the good work

[@Brute4rce1111]

Great Job!!👍👍😃

[@nickh4309]

Yeah definately could use some counter balance weight. I have always wondered if linear actuators would work on a bucket. Good video 👍

[@angusmacgyver3673]

need a block parafin wax, rub a block of it on the inside of the blade and the snow wont stick. also, for traction on the rear, make a tray with a deep cycle battery for to move the bucket, the extra weight will help. also, those electric actuators, are those something one can get online?

[@rudyyarbrough5122]

I have built one similar to yours and it is my third one. A couple of things that you can do to improve the performance of the bucket. One is mandatory for safety and that is a weight bucket for the rear. It is very dangerous to use this type of tractor without the weight bucket. The brakes are in the rear wheels only and if you had a hill that you would go down the brakes would have no effect on stopping. Of course, you could back down but that is a pain. Also, carry the load in the bucket at the lowest height above the ground you can for safety. You only need one actuator in the center for the curl because that is the least strain on the actuators. It looked like you had only one but then added another. On your two fixed vertical posts, I used two Harbor Freight 2-inch trailer hitch tubes welded to the cross member. That way I can take the posts off when the bucket is not in use. No matter the thickness of the tubes, you do need a front-to-vertical post brace on both sides that attaches to the front of the tractor frame. It is the one area that has a rotational force that is the highest of all the forces you will encounter. Think about a 200 lb bucket times 4 feet of arms and you have an 800 lb rotational force on those two vertical posts! It may be sufficient standing still but if you hit an obstacle while moving the force will go way up for an instant to two or three times the 800 lbs. I also wondered why you didn't use the angle pieces as the outside corners with the thin sheets inside the angle instead of on the edges. It would have been way stronger and a lot less trouble. Overall, you did an excellent job. I am only commenting because I have learned the hard way from building them myself.

[@SantiagosProjects]

I don’t used that one anymore the tractor too small for bucket loader so I bought a 317 John Deere garden tractor so I’m building a bucket loader using hydraulic video coming soon subscribe so you don’t miss the video 🙂

[@johnwaynewilliamson]

That L series' transaxle may wear out in time. The cold is in your favor. If you discover which ground-engagement transaxle fits the L series, make a video (including part numbers)! I have subscribed.

[@wieb1000]

Great Job!

[@ilagalot5712]

DUDE this is AWESOME

[@HugeTimeProduction]

Really awesome video! How thick is the sheet metal you are using for the bucket?

[@jasoncreech4486]

Looks great

[@HoofPrintsDR]

What size actuators are those? Nice job by the way

[@DavidCrawford-qq9oj]

Can you put a material list and a drawing of it? I think it's so cool. Thanks

[@John-vb1fk]

Is the L118 4 wd, I have a Sears LT2500 and it's 2 wd and pretty worthless on uneven surfaces. This is a great demonstration of how to fabricate something.

[@Vigo327]

Almost all add-on front end loaders require you to also add rear counterweight to keep traction on your drive tires. There are bolt-on wheel weights available for most forms of tractor which are nice because they don't add to the actual amount of weight held up by your rear axle (most riding mowers fairly fragile in that way) or of course you can add some weight to the tractor itself, the further back the better. The absolute CHEAPEST way to add weight is to fill the tires with liquid. Multiple options there but one of the cheapest for a cold climate is windshield washer fluid because it won't freeze solid under snowy conditions like in this video. A riding mower might be able to add 30-40lbs of liquid inside each rear tire. When you get to full size tractors it can be hundreds of lbs of liquid PER tire.

[@vdubluv222]

wait a sec.. you cut sheet metal with a circular saw? please share what blade you are using. thats fantastic!

[@SantiagosProjects]

It’s not circular saw this saw it meant to cut metal www.ebay.com/itm/185292185131?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=lNdQuTYzQ7u&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=DRWT7zfcRYi&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@OmeMachining]

Nice build and nice project 👍☺️

[@timothyl2022]

Great job . Thank you for sharing this.

[@larrychalcraft7334]

Do you have any build plans for this bucket?😊

[@MrJesur16]

Great job Santiago de donde eres y donde vives maybe u can help me on my Poulan XT 16.5 hp 500cc

[@SantiagosProjects]

Soy de Guatemala 🇬🇹 y vivo en Marshall Minnesota

[@dandahermitseals5582]

Are those electric cylinders??

[@robertpitre6074]

Wow!! it's very cool on a lawn mower where are you find those cylinders?? Ilove it now build a Paco on Back of your tractor!!!please Thank's alot for sharing

[@kentwood6099]

Great job. LOL Its no 1025R. Kent from PEI

[@pauldoan897]

Nice toy. It needs a cutting edge on the bucket to stiffen stand to be a wear edge. The electric hydraulic is terribly slow . But , it was a fine project.

[@therealjorge9997]

Wow Great job!

[@frios011]

That’s a great build but for the rider you have it on, iM afraid that’s overkill. That tractor is not built for that type of work. It’s built to mow grass an do light towing. It’s a lawn tractor not a garden tractor which is heavier duty for that type of work. You will more then likely shear the keyway on that rear axle before too long. When that happens that tractor will not move. You will have to replace the rear axle shaft.

[@dannycallinan6745]

What speed are the electric over hydraulic actuators?

[@paulmelanson1527]

What is the thickness of the metal used

[@itwasberensteinbear1222]

You probably already figured this out, but a little weight on the back would help with the spinning tires.

[@Anthony-gt3zx]

Hi Lorenzo can you do a tutorial on how to cut the 27 degree angle of tube steel down to bucket please. Also would it be ok to do 90 degree. Hope all is well.

[@SantiagosProjects]

Use some 2x4 wood and miter saw for cutting the wood a miter saw has 27 degree so after you’re done cutting just lay the wood on the of you’re metal copy the you’re angle 📐

[@Anthony-gt3zx]

@@SantiagosProjects thank you

[@hustlinghard8081]

Where did you get your cylinders from? What size & length are they?

[@christopherdelisle558]

How much were those cylinders?

[@josephgrant9137]

What size acutators did you use? Length and what weight are they rated to do? And what joy stick is that? Thanks Der Guy.

[@SantiagosProjects]

I used 10 stroke they rated to lift 2000lbs each length 14 to 26 extended the joystick I bought it from Amazon

[@josephgrant9137]

@@SantiagosProjects 10 stroke? Is that the brand?

[@SantiagosProjects]

Stroke it’s the size for example mine it’s 10 stroke to the length it’s 15 to 26 full extended if you want shorter then you start looking 6 stroke or 8 stroke or longer 12 stroke or 14 stroke up 24 stroke that’s really long my guessing 24 stroke fully extended probably 48 inch long

[@josephgrant9137]

@@SantiagosProjects Thanks Der Guy.

[@17martrader]

Hola Lorenzo Santiago, excelente proyecto. Yo quiero construir uno igual ya que tengo el mismo modelo de John Deere L118. Me gustaria comunicarme contigo para poder saber mas del proyecto como donde consieguste los materiales, costo ,etc. Por favor si puedes hacerlo hazme saber, Vivo en usa podemos hablar por el medio que tu desees. Gracias.

[@lionel8255]

Hi, what kind of welding machine do you use for your projects?

[@codyodonnell229]

How much do you have in material and parts?

[@donbouley9987]

Maybe angle the risers back about 15 degrees that will move the bucket back so that the weight in the bucket is not so far forward.

[@piston-wb4np]

with a 48 v boost converter it would be substantially faster. have to check what the linear actuators max voltage is.

[@juancarlosgarcia6241]

Quick question and might be simple but just want to make sure. Could you provide us how you wired it up? Are the batteries being charge while in use, or do you have to charge everyday? Also any chance we could get measurement of arms..? Thanks a lot, sorry for all the questions, just want to get an idea for when I start my build. Awesome work on yours by the way....

[@SantiagosProjects]

If I have some time I’ll make a video tomorrow for measurement and how to wire it up

[@dannyring2493]

@@SantiagosProjects that would be great

[@SantiagosProjects]

@@dannyring2493 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3nEaYCDpNp9ns0

[@matthewwalker7024]

This is awesome! I was wondering what size actuators you are using? Especially the length of the stroke. Thank you

[@SantiagosProjects]

8 stroke and 10 stroke for lifting the bucket

[@matthewwalker7024]

@@SantiagosProjects thank you very much! I will keep you posted.

[@danieldickson7812]

Hey what ever happend to this machine is it still around ?

[@temperatureengineering2179]

Sir you added 8” and a 10” actuator. Which one is correct one also where and what kind of joystick to control? Thank you

[@SantiagosProjects]

www.ebay.com/itm/272970381271

[@SantiagosProjects]

www.ebay.com/itm/303349356666

[@SantiagosProjects]

www.ebay.com/itm/123551187210

[@SantiagosProjects]

www.ebay.com/itm/372960795360

[@SantiagosProjects]

I used 12v 24v 10 stroke heavy duty for lifting but now it’s out of stock

[@supertopiacorp]

can you tell us where i can buy the hydraulic cylinders?

[@SantiagosProjects]

Those are linear actuator 12v from eBay

[@detox5454]

where did you get the electric cylinders??

[@SantiagosProjects]

From eBay

[@67JD110]

What control did you use for the actuators? That was outstanding fabrication bud excellent job excellent job!!!!

[@SantiagosProjects]

I used DC 12V 24v 100A Motor Speed Controller PWM Speed Control Forward/Reverse

[@jojocaone]

@@SantiagosProjects any chance you could post a link?

[@SantiagosProjects]

@@jojocaone www.ebay.com/itm/392695905178

[@temperatureengineering2179]

One more question sir. You think a 12” would work?

[@SantiagosProjects]

@@temperatureengineering2179 it does but 24 volt you get more speed 12v moves the actuator slow

[@temperatureengineering2179]

What size bucket is that? Also are you willing to share measurements and angles of tubing and bucket?

[@SantiagosProjects]

Yes I will

[@dannyring2493]

Could you send me a copy as well

[@3613jeremy]

I know these front end loaders aren't ment for much weight but those cheap home Depot mowers already have under rated steering spindle arms as it is I couldn't image putting that kinda work into a Chinese box store lawn tractor specially with so many American made tractors from the 70s,80s & 90s that are cheap and built with quality steel parts

[@michaelgranada8524]

Lorenzo, I built a similar FEL (your looks way better though). Anyway, I would like to know the controller that you are using and connections. I am not electrically savvy, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@whopper2king]

He put links in the description

[@mikestarcher]

Cool and good idea but u should have gotten a real garden tractor to put it on. Or at least something heavyer-duty than that.

[@SantiagosProjects]

I already bought the 317 John Deere garden tractor and I have the x585 John Deere also

[@aedanhickey5264]

where can i find those 12 volt hydraulic cylinders?

[@woodygeer5570]

Those aren't hydraulic cylinders they are linear actuators

[@MrCorynick]

Hardly a tutorial when there's no instruction or commentary... I love the design and simplicity of it. Needs a counterweight and those actuators are painfully slow I'd probably just give up and use a shovel.

[@iwejun]

See and do

[@inertobject3829]

Hi Loenzo You did a nice job building your FEL, I am about to start making one for our ride on mower and interested in your thoughts about using the cheaper linear actuator on the main arms as well as the bucket. Also what was the reason you went from one ram on the bucket to two ? We will be using our one for moving light soil and mulch etc on our property we don't get snow here in QLD Australia..😁

[@SantiagosProjects]

Yes you can use the cheaper linear for light weight, I went to 2 because I wanted more power to lift heavy stuff

[@onthatdove]

What length stroke are the actuators?

[@karansachdeva777]

I am from Australia too and going to do the same wondering what actuators you used and how can I buy it? and the stroke length? Link? @@onthatdove @santiagosproject

[@nicolav8]

great job! Are 2 joysticks necessary to operate the actuators?

[@SantiagosProjects]

Yes it is

[@sethkountz2954]

What rams and were do you find the operator stick ?

[@SantiagosProjects]

Go on Amazon join stick 12v

[@FishingPhoFun]

What size tubing did you use for the arm? And wall thickness of the tubing?

[@SantiagosProjects]

2 inch square tubing 3/16 thickness

[@temperatureengineering2179]

One last question where did u mount the speed controllers and how did u mount joysticks

[@Vigo327]

Linear actuators usually don't need any 'controller', just a switch. Look up 'winch switch wiring' for easy examples of how to wire up a type of switch to reverse the direction of a DC motor.

[@tcreamer710]

Awesome thx

[@elmiguel1869]

Question would you build one and sale just the frame not the actuators I'll purchase that here the same way you build that one I like it well let me know I'm from Texas

[@SantiagosProjects]

I could build one for you but the shipping is too expensive my guessing is $250 or more I’m from Minnesota

[@elmiguel1869]

@@SantiagosProjects okay thanks anyways by the way great job really cool

[@arturo1065]

Oye amigo podrías enseñar cómo van las conexiones de los cables por favor gracias

[@druface12345]

That’s cool, how much did it cost in materials?

[@SantiagosProjects]

$300

[@kcthometz]

Nice build! Does it feel like you might need to add braces from the top of the vertical loader arm towers down to the front of the tractor to strengthen the towers and keep it from flexing the frame mount when the bucket is loaded

[@SantiagosProjects]

Not really 3/16 wall thicknesses it’s very strong 💪

[@dannyring2493]

@@SantiagosProjects do you have drawings for this build? I'm very interested.

[@rosemarywalker4675]

Bolts for pins on the rams? Those won't last long. Not to mention the hydraulics are ridiculously slow. Looks good though.🤣

[@gimmel11]

What was the bend angle on the main arms?

[@SantiagosProjects]

15 degree

[@dandahermitseals5582]

Interesting routine project but can't deal with that aggrivating music. Dandahermit

[@canifixit3504]

Need to put some weights on the back of it and fix it so you can roll the bucket back more

[@TORAH-613]

You either need to gain some weight or add some weight to the back end of the tractor. Spins too much

[@poconofwok]

What would you charge to make another for me!?

[@SantiagosProjects]

2k

[@nickpage6500]

I’ll admit that awesome but one issue that I see that no one does

[@ottotrejo7942]

Cuanto me cobrarías por hacerme uno igual o venderme un plano para mandar hacerlo

[@yuvalnahoom3957]

Genius

[@johnhanson4795]

center of gravity? thats adding alot of weight ..hmm

[@temperatureengineering2179]

Is that a extra battery behind the seat?

[@SantiagosProjects]

Yes 2 batteries 12v 12ah I didn’t want to use the battery for lawnmower

[@ryanvallowe]

What actuators did you use? Can you post a link?

[@SantiagosProjects]

www.ebay.com/itm/372960795360

[@SantiagosProjects]

www.ebay.com/itm/163779577369

[@ryanvallowe]

@@SantiagosProjects thanks

[@heathervangiesen2126]

Wish you explained what you're doing while you do it

[@samuellemaster4360]

If you could make me some blue prints for one to go on a 318 John Deere mower i would gladly pay your fees uesing hydraulic cylinders

[@FerminVega-e4n]

Unlike what you did can you send me the measurements of everything that you have done

[@vivaleekerdushi7399]

Can you built me one ill pay for it...asap

[@inezbarela9420]

Inez tracttor blade

[@inezbarela9420]

Tractor blade