Ford Front End Loader Compatibility

Buying a tractor with a loader already installed will limit my choices, buying a new loader seems like the loader could cost as much as the tractor, so I'm looking to see what my options are if I install a used loader. From the rigs I've seen on various web sites, I get the idea that installing a "non-stock" loader is fairly common.

My problem is ... I can't seem to find much info about what makes a successful loader/tractor match.

It appears that there are no loader standards (like there are with hitches (category I, II, etc.)

From what I've learned, I know of loaders like Dearborn (old), Sauder(new?), New Idea(modern), Paulsen (modern) but I can't find much info on these loaders and I have no idea about loader models, compatibility with various Ford tractors or what the key points of compatibiltiy are.

Maybe I'm going about this wrong... maybe the only sure ways to add a loader is stick with the known models offered when the tractor was new, modern replacements designed for use with older tractors, or failing that, evalaute each indivdual loader you come across for your tractor,(most likely in person with both the loader and tractor present) ....but assuming there is another way...

Can anybody suggest a source of information or two... or offer some compatibility guidelines?

Thanks

Paul Wronski

Besides moving firewood (for which just about any loader will do) what other things will you use the loader for? What's the dirt like in your area (e.g.; sandy loam, clay)? How much are you willing to spend?

As for pricing - around here, a loader seems to add anywhere from $500 to $1000 to the price of the tractor (the high end is a full hydraulic loader). Since a new trip-bucket loader will cost about $1000 or more it would seem that looking at used loaders (with or without a tractor) is a good idea. I suspect the biggest problem with buying the two separately is getting a matched pair in two transactions.

Since posting I've made a deal on an 8N (without loader) ...glad to hear its recommended as a landscaping tractor.

Most of the soil I'll be moving is loamy (many years of accumlated leaf compost in the woods) but underneath that is clay...there's also a considerable number of rocks, most small.

Since posting, I've come to see the wisdom (mentioned in another response) of buying a loader "made to fit" an 8N, so I'm looking at leads on Wagners, Dearborns, etc. (In the meantime I got a dirt scoop so I can start doing some useful work with the 8N)

I'm gathering info on the differnces between the loaders, but slowly. I wouldn't mind putting up a few web pages with the info I collect from any (non-copyrighted) published material I come across, or peoples experiences (It seems this would be a good use of the internet... allowing many to contribute what they know and making the results avaialble to all...especially since I haven't yet found the defintive text on 8N loaders)