Front-End Loader Do I need a FEL?

[STx]

The only reason you haven't had much use for an FEL is because you don't have one. Once you do, you'll wonder how you ever got by without it. I use it to lift stuff, move stuff, carry stuff, bury stuff, raise me up to work on stuff or fill feeders, break stuff, build stuff. I could do all of it without an FEL but it would take a lot longer and a lot more sweat.

Just last weekend I used it to carry my welder, generator and metal working tools to the back of the property so that I could repair a metal blind base. Honestly, the FEL was one of the main reasons I bought a tractor.

 

[Citydude]

Just my 2 cents here, how in the world have you been getting buy without a front end loader with 70 acres to manage? I as in the same boat as you were a couple of months ago. A loader for my tractor, ssqa bucket, grapple and 3rd valve was quoted $7800.00 installed. About what my tractor was worth. I traded it in for a new one and got what I needed. My managing 23 wooded acres are now effortless compared to what it was.

 

[keegs]

I'll look around but this is from the local dealer and includes the hydraulics, installation, pickup and delivery.

LA1002-5R2 loader with 72" quick attach bucket assy

6921.60 - retail for loader and bucket assy installed + tax
-612.60 - Discount
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6309.00 - Subtotal
347.00 - Maine State Sales tax
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6656.00 - Installed

 

[DK35vince]

That is awfully high $$$ for a FEL. That price quoted looks more like the price for a backhoe rather than FEL. FEL shouldn't be more than $3500 for your size tractor.

The loader on my 35 HP tractor cost that much or more 14 years ago.
I doubt you will find a new FEL for any where near $3500 for a 56 HP tractor.

 

[MMagis]

You absolutely don’t need one. We ran a 140 acre farm for 40 years and never had one. I bought my first tractor with an FEL last year. That being said, when you have one you’ll sure use it. It’ll make your tractor a lot more useful than it is now. If you don’t mind shopping around, I’m sure you could find a used one from an auction, Craigslist, or Tractorhouse for a lot less. But you’d have to buy the mounting brackets for your tractor, have the loader moved, etc…. $6600 doesn’t sound unreasonable to me.

 

[k0ua]

Thats a big loader going on a big tractor. The $ sounds pretty close to me.

 

[TerryR]

With a property your size I don't see how you can get by without one. As others have said, it's a power wheelbarrow - anything you would move with a wheelbarrow is easier with a FEL, especially as one ages. Dirt, mulch, gardening supplies, garden produce, are all stuff I use if for often.

It's also a great mobile toolbox. I use it to tote my weedwacker, pruning tools, chain saw, gas and oil, and spare parts when trimming weeds or trees around the property. Likewise when using my chipper or leaf vac.

Of course you can always fall back on digging dirt, spreading gravel, and cleaning up snow in awkward places.

 

[rbtjr]

My two cents' worth: I have owned three tractors, all with a FEL. My last two (including my current tractor) had a FEL with a 4N1 bucket, which of course requires hydraulics on the front end. In my opinion, a FEL is extremely useful even without hydraulics on the FEL. When I had my first tractor with a FEL, I used the FEL as much as I used attachments in the rear, maybe more. Now, having had two tractors with hydraulics on the front with the FEL, I would never own a tractor without the front hydraulics. The 4N1 bucket is the most useful attachment I have, by far. I also have a grapple, which is also very useful to me, and a newly acquired set of forks which I haven't used much. My bottom line is that I would for sure recommend a FEL, and if you can afford it or plan for it in the future, also hydraulics on the front.

 

[davesl708]

You need one just because they look so cool on the tractor. :thumbsup:
Then you will find or someone else will find use for it.

Have it and jobs will come.

 

[FTG-05]

Going by my local Kubota dealer, it's clear to me that outside the heavy ag industry, people are no longer buying tractors.

They're buying self-propelled FELs.