The standard pinned square 72" bucket weighs 293#, the round 72" weighs 331#. The QA difference is greater at 331# for the square and 397# for the round. The difference is more than paint thickness I can assure you /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
The round HD bucket also comes with a drilled cutting edge to accept the optional reversibile bolt on edge. With the bolt on edge you can't get the entire bucket bottom to lay on the grade because of the thickness of the edge. Not a big deal unless it really bothers you. You can still back blade just fine. The benefit is in how the bolt on edge reinforces the bucket lip. It really does stiffen things up. A possible drawback is if you want a tooth bar you may be somewhat limited as to who offers a model that will attach with the bolt on edge in place, I'm unsure of this so check it out if you think it will hinder you.
There may be (may have been) two loader valves available. The model with float and regeneration came with mine. In retrospect I would also get the fender mounted remote loader control option, the type used with the cab model, I prefer to have the loader control at my side rather that reach for it. Just my preference.
The LA723 is the ugly duckling of loaders in that it is not as modern looking as the nice new curved models and does block some of your view (so does the tractor hood). It is underrated as far as lift goes. I have used the bucket corner and accidentally picked the rear wheel of the ground with the hoe in place. That is not a good thing so I don't make a habit of it.
I must add that although I grease the unit every eight hours there is now a noticible looseness to the pins that wasn't there when new (210 hours of which 1/3 is loader work). Some element has worn, I haven't investigated which one. I don't believe there are user replaceable bushings.
It is one strong loader as far as lift for a small farm tractor is concerned.
All the best,
Martin