Loaders for L3200/L3800: LA 463 vs LA524, 60" pin-on vs. 66" QD...

[familyman]

The LA463 and LA524 are very similar in specs so I suspect there will not be a noticeable difference between the two in actual use.
Since the LA463 fits the new machines and is so close in specs to the LA524, I'm not sure why Kubota introduced the 524.
Can anyone comment on this?

A Kubota salesman told me that the 66" QD bucket, due to being further away from the lift arms, lowers the max lift and breakout weights. He also said that the QD hook plates and levered pins are wear items that need to be watched.
Can anyone shed some light on this?

 

[Notforhire]

I would go for the 524 because of the SSQA alone. QA is one of the best features of a FEL. You can install forks, or a different bucket quickly, or just remove the bucket while mowing. About 20yrs ago I bought a pin on bucket loader because QA was another $400. It wasn't long before I discovered my mistake.
I have read many posts on this forum with members inquiring about how to change their pin on loaders to SSQA. It can be done, but the cost of the changeover runs $800-$1000, sometimes more, if you don't weld.
The dealer comment about lowering the lift cap. ect. is true, because the QA adds a little weight to the loader arms. it also moves the bucket farther foward by a couple of inches. I don't have figure but the loss, I would say is minimal. I would say in this case the pros. really outweigh the cons.

Bill

 

[abeal]

Just got a L3200 with the 66" QA. I would recommend going with the QA as it is so easy to remove the bucket. The L3200/3800 is quite light so I would definitely have the rear tires filled and you'll need rear ballast for any real loader work. Great tractor for the $$$.

 

[k0ua]

I converted my pin on L3400 la463 to QA.. after the fact.. It cost me. I then converted my original bucket to QA after buying the 66 inch QA bucket. I had fun.. you can read about it here for a laugh if you like.. get the SSQA to start with..

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/208653-so-you-think-converting-pin.html

James K0UA

 

[Bluegill2]

The QA is the most popular, but I got the pin on 60". I don't need to take the bucket off and can remove the whole FEL in 5 minutes, which I do when not using it, for mowing, etc.

 

[Tractordawg]

The QA is a great option because you can go to auctions and buy attachments from all the major manufacturers skid steers( Bob-Cat, Cat, Kubota, JD ect..)
It will be a lot easier to pick up a used set of forks or bail spear with the QA system.

 

[Tractordawg]

The QA is a great option because you can go to auctions and buy attachments from all the major manufacturers skid steers( Bob-Cat, Cat, Kubota, JD ect..)
It will be a lot easier to pick up a used set of forks or bail spear with the QA system.

 

[kjk]

Im about to buy a l3200, 524 loader and bh 77 bh, can someone educate me to these buckets, QA, ssQA. Im thinking one is standard bucket and one is quick removal

Thanks

Kevin

 

[k0ua]

Im about to buy a l3200, 524 loader and bh 77 bh, can someone educate me to these buckets, QA, ssQA. Im thinking one is standard bucket and one is quick removal

Thanks

Kevin

The loader itself is sometimes refered to as QA or quick attach.. but that is the whole loader. SSQA referes to Skid Steer Quick Attach a universal standard for the bucket. Any loader advertized as Quick Attach means nothing unless you are comparing it to a John Deere 3032 or 3038 in which the loader does not come off of. You want an SSQA bucket NOT a pin on bucket.

James K0UA

 

[Notforhire]

You want an SSQA bucket NOT a pin on bucket.

James K0UA

As James pointed out, you can convert to SSQA later, but it's a PITA! I did it myself on a NH tractor. It cost me around $700, I think, to convert, plus my welding. Some people were paying closer to $1000. Much cheaper to get it now. Your tractor will be easier to sell in the future. When I bush hog I drop the bucket. Sure the loader isn't hard to remove, but the SSQA bucket is way easier. Or much more easierer, if you prefer.

BTW I have three buckets, forks, and some other assorted things I hang on my loader with the SSQA.

Bill