Front-End Loader Kubota L2650 - should I invest in a loader?

[wcaldwellsfc]

Good Morning TBN!

I own a very reliable Kubota L2650 that I use mainly for mowing my back field. I'd like to expand its capability by buying a front end loader for it, but I'm not sure if I should just sell it and buy another tractor that already has a loader or not. What do you think? What loader would you recommend?

Thanks!
-Bill

 

[nybirdman]

I would check with Kubota to see if one was available for your machine.Another source may be Rhino Loaders.

 

[kiotiken]

Once you figure out what loader will fit and how much it's going to cost, add the value of your tractor (reasonable market value) to the cost of the new loader. If you can buy a newer or bigger tractor for the same amount, that's your answer. I would also take into consideration how many hours and the condition of your current tractor and if it's meeting your current needs (other than FEL). I wouldn't drop $5K on a tractor that's well past it's prime.

 

[oldboyscout]

What kind of work do you need to do with a loader? You can do a lot with just the 3point hitch unless you really need to lift something up high.
If kubota is still offering the 0% interest on attachments that may make it worthwhile. Otherwise it's probably cheaper to sell yours and by one with a loader on it.

 

[Botabill]

Lots of good advice prior to this post but I just want say there is so much I do with mine that I can't imagine not having a FEL on a tractor.

 

[RobertN]

I can not imagine being without a loader now. We use it all the time.

Your tractor was '90-'93. Guessing Kubota does make make a loader specifically for it anymore. When I had my B8200('86), and was looking for a loader in '2000, the local Kubota dealer said there was no longer a loader for it. They could however, use the loader from another "B" series, but would have to cut/weld/drill the loader mount and make it work. 12 years ago, that was $3200, for a smaller loader than your tractor would use.

I went with a Bushhog loader, which a local independent shop carried. Bushhog had correct mounting hardware that fit my tractor. I used that loader for 10 years; it worked great. Again though, 10 years ago that was $3100 installed...

I would expect a loader to cost more now in general, and since you have a larger tractor than my old B8200, probably cost more for bigger loader.

I do like the factory integrated loader on my current New Holland better than the aftermarket, but that Bushhog did work great on the old tractor.

I would not know what to do without a loader now...

 

[GaryM]

Don't know about the Kubota loaders, but I can remove or attach my JD loader in about two minutes or less with no tools while it takes my friend with a Bush Hog loader on a Ford about fifteen minutes with tools. He mows with his on because it's too much trouble to remove.

 

[RobertN]

My old Bushhog did require a wrench to remove two nuts. I only took a few minutes. These pictures are the old Kubota with loader on, and off. All the extra wrenches in the picture were from other maintenance I was doing... The new owner, has not removed the loader in the 2.5 years he has had it; just never had the need.

My NH, it is sweet, the loader goes on/off real easy. I heard even easier then a JD Just pullin your leg Really though, the NH is real simple and easy.

Don't know about the Kubota loaders, but I can remove or attach my JD loader in about two minutes or less with no tools while it takes my friend with a Bush Hog loader on a Ford about fifteen minutes with tools. He mows with his on because it's too much trouble to remove.

 

[GaryM]

That looks like the one my friend has. It's on a pre-new holland Ford, maybe a 1500?