Adding a FEL

[Rodneyd]

Two years ago when I bought my L2500 I only needed it to bush hog and disk. At the time I couldn't justify a FEL. Well, we just bought a lot for future retirement and think I can justify the $. I planted the seed with the "bank" yesterday. Will have to move many many yards of dirt to level and build up a house location. Don't want to use a dozer because of the trees. Heard that too much heavy travel over root system will kill trees. So.... maybe the Kubota will be gentler on the trees. Thats the long way around my question. Is the FEL strictly a dealer installed option? Is it too much for one person to install in the back yard? Is it also worth my time pricing with other dealers in the area? Can I save a few dollars comparison shopping? Also, what can I expect to pay for a new FEL installed?

Rod

 

[Bird]

Rod, I'd much prefer staying with a Kubota FEL on a Kubota; however, there are a number of other good brands available, so it might be worth your time to shop around. As for whether you can install it yourself; just depends on your mechanical knowledge or experience and time. The loader manual that came with my tractor and loader has good installation instructions, although I let the dealer install it as a part of the purchase package. In the back yard? Be sure you have a good flat, level, hard surface to get everything aligned properly. As for prices, probably $2,500 to $3,200.

 

[Harv]

Rod -

When I bought my L2500, just over a year ago, I had a new Kubota LB400 FEL installed as part of the deal. Looking at the receipt, I see a price of $2,780.89 for just the loader. The actual installation was performed by the guy I bought the tractor through (a tractor broker), along with the help of some experienced friends of his. Like Bird says, the manual has pretty complete instructions, so it all depends on your own mechanical background. The parts involved, like the subframe, are sufficiently hefty that I think the idea of having a couple of helpers on hand is a good one. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[Corm]

Rodneyd - Like Bird and Harv, I bought my loader with my tractor. I chose a Koyker loader rather than the Cub Cadet loader, to save a few $$ (there was about $500 difference). The Koyker has performed well and I have no regrets. One thing to consider if you choose to install one yourself is the warranty part of it. I'll bet the dealer will be much easier to deal with in the future with any warranty issues if he did the installation for you. Just something to think about..

Corm

 

[Rodneyd]

Thanks for the response. Harv and Bird, I think you are right. It is probably too much for me to tackle at home. I called a dealer yesterday and they want $2950 installed. Harv, compared to what you paid, I think the extra $$$ is worth it to have them do the grunt work....I'll save my energy to play with it.

Rod

 

[gws]

Not sure if any new 3rd part FEL's are going to be that much cheaper. When I went looking for a FEL for my yanmar I looked at the Koyker, bush hog and a couple of home brew models. All had starting prices in the $2500 range. Can you save much at all by going to a 3rd party. You might be better off looking for a used FEL for your model to save money.

Gary.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

<font color=blue>...You might be better off looking for a used FEL for your model to save money...</font color=blue>

One big problem... I don't know anyone that purchased a FEL and then sold it separately because they couldn't use it...

Basically, the only used loaders available on the market are either beat/bent/abused or dealer tractor/FEL trade-ins, where the loader was removed to make immediate/more money for the dealer...

Most cases you don't really save that much money over used {very rare to begin with} and normally you go with a new OEM loader or proven third party mfr. loader for a few dollars more with a warranty...

 

[gws]

I use my fel to Turn our compost pile. It becomes a big pooper scooper for my llamas. Luckly the llamas are very nice and go in one or two pile. A quick scoop and I am done. Add that to the compost pile and I am done.

Gary.