Front-End Loader WOODS LOADERS ANY GOOD?

[MCCORMICKW9]

I bought a new Kubota B7610 two years ago and at the time did not have the money for the loader. I now have about $3600 put away in my loader fund. Called some dealers, looks like a Kubota LA352 is $3500 plus tax, plus $150 install. The Woods LS 84 is $3100 plus tax plus $150 install. Two dealers quoted me $4300 for just the loader. They are popping pills. I still have not gotten ahold a the dealer that I bought the tractor from. I was saving him for last. What sounds like a good price for these loaders? I have cash in hand so I would think my original dealer would jump at an offer from me. What do you guys think about prices? Also how are the woods loaders? Thanks.

 

[radman1]

I bought a new Kubota B7610 two years ago and at the time did not have the money for the loader. I now have about $3600 put away in my loader fund. Called some dealers, looks like a Kubota LA352 is $3500 plus tax, plus $150 install. The Woods LS 84 is $3100 plus tax plus $150 install. Two dealers quoted me $4300 for just the loader. They are popping pills. I still have not gotten ahold a the dealer that I bought the tractor from. I was saving him for last. What sounds like a good price for these loaders? I have cash in hand so I would think my original dealer would jump at an offer from me. What do you guys think about prices? Also how are the woods loaders? Thanks.

The largest kubota dealer in my state sells most of his kubota CUTs with Woods loaders. IMHO, woods may build a better loader. Their loaders tend to have a more lift, and the bucket is heavier than the comparable kubota loader. In general, I believe resale is a little better with the same FEL as the tractor but there are very good aftermarket loader manufactures. In the ag world, some loader companies are preferred over OEM because they make great loaders.

The prices for loaders will also vary if they have the loader already on hand. Dealers will often order a truck load of loaders to save on shipping and to get better pricing. If they need to order just one loader, it will raise the price significantly.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have never seen anything made by Woods that was not top notch. I would get all the specs for both loaders and compare. I know on my tractor the factory loader has less spec than the aftermarket Koyker Loader.

Chris

 

[Reg]

I think the only BAD thing about them is that the relief valve is set quite low, this may not be on all models.
The problem then becomes whether or not to raise it and risk the loader or (since the loader is usually FIRST in the hydraulic system) put up with diminished 3PH capacity.

 

[MCCORMICKW9]

Thanks, it does seem as though the specs on the woods loader are a little better ( the LS 84 ). It comes with a 54 in bucket also. It will probably come down to price.

 

[sixdogs]

Woods loaders have worked well for me. In one case I ordered one for a 1987 2110 compact Ford and had them get one with extra size cylinders. I used it in New England to load rocks and it never skipped a beat and never dripped a bit.
I have had Kubota loaders too and think Woods is better and stronger but you could maybe argue the point .

 

[dynasim]

From what I have seen, the specs on the aftermarket loaders are at their maximum hydraulic design pressure, while the specs for the oem loaders are at the tractor's relief pressure.

When comparing, make sure you are apples to apples. The actuals can be estimated by proportioning the actual/design hydraulic pressure(i.e. 2000 psi actual/2500 psi design = 80% of listed spec).

Chris

 

[Reg]

From what I have seen, the specs on the aftermarket loaders are at their maximum hydraulic design pressure, while the specs for the oem loaders are at the tractor's relief pressure.

When comparing, make sure you are apples to apples. The actuals can be estimated by proportioning the actual/design hydraulic pressure(i.e. 2000 psi actual/2500 psi design = 80% of listed spec).

Chris

That is the other side of the problem that I mentioned earlier.
In SOME cases the loader's relief valve is so low that 3 point capacity is compromised - and for safety it is better to stay within the lower setting.
In other cases the loader cannot reach it's potential because the tractor's relief valve is significantly lower than the loader's - again for safety it is better to stay with the lower setting, but the loader's capacity is not fully realized.

So, check that the OEM loader you are considering is a PRESSURE match to your tractor's 3 PH.

 

[DK35vince]

My tractor produces around 2500 PSI. My loader is set at around 2400 PSI and my backhoe at 2100 PSI. All have their own seperate pressure relief valve.
I would think most backhoes and loaders would be the same way.

 

[b33b]

Went with a Woods loader for my NH, only downside was the delay waiting for a NH blue one. Got the LC102 with a curved boom, much better numbers than the basic NH. Nice to have the reserve even if I never need it.