Kwikway or other loader for JD420 L&G tractor?

[hemiguy]

Hello,

Not sure where this best belongs so I'm posting this both here and the L&G tractor forum.

I'm looking for a good used L&G tractor to add equipment for my excavating/landscaping side-business. I already have a Deere 2520 CUT with backhoe,loader,box blade, Rake & R4's for heavy stuff, but want a big L&G tractor with loader and cat0 3pt for doing small jobs & final grading. I want to find a good well care'd for tractor with low hrs and add on a loader If I can find one. The JD420's seem like a good choice for the money (2 range hydro, diff lock, 3 spool hydraulics, Pwr Steering) but I hear the JD44 loaders are as rare as hen's teeth. Soooo, my question is does anyone out the have feedback on loaders for the 420 or other similar large L&G tractors. I have been to the Kwikway mfg website but they don't have any useful info there (I did request literature). Any comments? By the way, I fully expect I'll have to spend more $$ on the loader than the tractor regardless of the source.

Thanks

 

[GreenWannabe]

I found a link on the Kwik Way web site that took me to a dialog page of products by manufacturer, and found their model number 45-08511 for the JD 420.

If I remember rightly, the JD loader for the 420 was a model 40, rather than a 44. Your dealer might be able to locate one through the dealer network. I found two 40 loaders on the JD Machine Finder site at JD dealers, one in MN and one in IL. I also found a 425 with a 40 loader on it in MN.

 

[hemiguy]

Actually the JD L&G tractor loader numbering is quite confusing but all the available sources I've researched show the following (in chronological order):

-The old model 400 tractor (and no others) used the #20 loader.
-The 420,300's (like 318's), and I think the 430 use the #44.
-The 425/445/455 (liquid cooled Kawasaki's & diesel) Use the #40
-The latest X series use the #45 loader.
None of these are interchangable between tractor series and each tractor needs the correct mounting frame and hydraulic hookups. The #44 for the 420 uses a front PTO driven pump for the loader and needs the correct frame. 430's are longer and 300's are shorter and JD Doesn't sell new #44's. The newer #40 and #45 loaders have a sort of ROPs (really kind of ugly) on top of the loader mounts. I like the 44 because it doesn't have this and would be much easier to manuver under trees and in tight spaces. Also 4x5 tractor price's are outrageous and a new X series with loader are as much (or more) than most small CUT's. My local Deere dealer is pretty good and I should ask them to find me one when/if I find a good 420. I've spent quite a bit of time reading on weekendfreedommachines.com, but can't find much good info on the aftermarket loaders. Thanks for the KW part number, but I couldn't find anymore info so I'll see if they'll send me some.