3000 Loaders

[evan4434]

Lets talk loaders.

I am looking for a loader for my 3184.

Here are my options so far.

Looks to be the strongest one of the bunch, and has its own pump. $2,500 ouch!
http://www.kwmanufacturing.com/asst/pdf/cc_general.pdf

Uses Cubs hydros does not have a sub frame. $1899
New Page 1

Looks pretty weak, but I am waiting to get some photos and details on the new design. $1,400 - $1,700.
https://www.kellyproductsinc.com/front_end_loader_info.html

Does anyone know of any other brand? Not a Johnny bucket either I need this to be able to lift a lot higher then a Johnny bucket.

Which one do you think is the best?

 

[highboy1975]

just from what i can see you have them listed best to worst. the bottom one is probably a decent product, but looks pretty flimsy. you would have to ask them for blueprints to see whats the best and strongest.

 

[scoutcub]

Evan -

I might have mentioned this before, but I had a KW loader on a Cub 1782, and it worked great. Like the separate pump setup. Strong little loader. Downside - had to take the deck off to mount the subframe...and took some time to install subframe and loader. But, overall very happy with it. Good luck, let us know which option you choose.

 

[evan4434]

Evan -

I might have mentioned this before, but I had a KW loader on a Cub 1782, and it worked great. Like the separate pump setup. Strong little loader. Downside - had to take the deck off to mount the subframe...and took some time to install subframe and loader. But, overall very happy with it. Good luck, let us know which option you choose.

Ya I see the subframe as a pain as well. I would like to leave my deck on. It does look like the strongest design though. I think I would get the groundhog loader if they could give me some more information on it. I have emailed them 3 times with no response. Then I finally called them and the guy knew almost nothing about it. He said the guy that knew all about them had quit and he would get back to me, and that they have only sold 7 of them. Well that was about one month ago now. With the groundhog loader you can also get a lot of different attachments like a 60" snow blade, auger, and forks.

 

[highboy1975]

it would probably cost you just as much to have one made by a local welding shop. give a fabrication shop a set of blueprints and they should be able to come up with something or they should be able to adapt something to fit with minimal modification.

 

[Hozen]

While I can see the alure of putting a loader on your 3000 series... I can't say I think it's a good idea. I can't imagine you'd be able to truely lift all that much. I'm not sure what these companies are claiming for lift capacity, but I know most sub compacts have anywhere from 500-700lbs. My sc2400 specs out at 700lbs at the pins. Keep in mind, it also weights over twice as much as a 3000 series tractor. A 3000 series tractor weighs in at around 1000 lbs depending on deck size. I don't think it would do well with 500 lbs 3 feet out ahead of the nose. I don't know, I just don't see it being all that helpful for the price.

If you're dead set on getting one, here is my take. Option one is def the best looking of the three, but it's also the most expensive. It probably gives you the best chance of actually being able to use the bucket effectively. Option two looks like a good compromise. You don't need the sub frame and it still looks to be a quality product. I'd imagine load capacity would suffer due to no sub frame and overall just being less heavy duty. Option three is one step above the johnny bucket (which, is pretty sorry IMO). Honestly, if you just want to move around some leaves and mulch, option three is your best bet. I'm sure it'll have no issues lifting all of 100lbs. If option three looks good to you, you'd be miles ahead to build it yourself. I'm sure you can do it cheaper and probably better at the same time.

Also keep in mind most of these frames were never designed to handle the stress of a FEL. These tractors were designed to cut your grass, pull super small implements, and maybe push some snow/dirt.

Also, something to think about. For the price of the first one (2500), you could probably find a decent used tractor with a FEL and it would actually be designed to do what you want. Just a thought.

Good luck.

 

[evan4434]

I think you are right. I am leaning towards option 2. Another route is to sell mine and get a mower that already has a loader on it. I have see a few on ebay for around $2,500.

How much do you think a 2001 3184 with a 3 point hitch and only 150 hours is worth? I would love to sell mine for $2,500, but is it worth that much?

 

[Hozen]

I think with the right buyer, you could get that. I found one on tractor house for 2650.

2001 CUB CADET 3184 Riding Lawn Mowers For Sale At TractorHouse.com

That one isn't in the best shape if you look close. So, if yours is, I'd think 2500 would be a fair price for someone looking to buy at 3000 series tractor.

A quick search on tractor house for cub cadet brand tractors with loaders for under 2500 didn't get me any results. However, if you were to put the 2500 you get for your tractor with the 2500 you could have spent on a loader, you surely could get something.

 

[evan4434]

Mine is in about the same shape as that one, but I have a $1,000 3 point hitch on as well. I should be able to get $2,500. I think I will put it on craigslist this spring for $2,995 obo. Between what I can sell mine for and what I would have spent I should have around $5,000 or so. That should be enough to get something. I really want a SC2400, but I don't have $12,400 for one.

 

[scoutcub]

I recently sold a 2006 Cub 5254 4X4 sub-compact with loader and low hours for 5700.....so they're out there.