FEL choices for BX 2200

BXIvey · Mar 19, 2004

Hey guys,
I have been an outside observer for a while here. I purchased a used BX 2200 about 2 years ago, and have used it mainly for mowing (60" MMM). I have been extremely happy with the BX. I am just now getting to a point where I want to do more with my tractor. I am wondering what my options / requirements are for adding an FEL. I have looked at the Woods Estate Series, but not followed up with any dealers as of yet. I am wanting any input and advice on which FEL to purchase.

sandyc · Mar 19, 2004

I purchased a LA211 from the dealer when I got my 2200. In addition, I opted for the more expensive control valve. They installed everything for me and I have not been at all disappointed. Moved many yards of soil so far!

Junkman · Mar 19, 2004

I find this an interesting question because I have a BX22, and one of the improvements with the BX23 is the loader valve area. With the BX22, the valve comes off with the loader unless you want it to stay on the tractor for use with something such as a snow blower. Then there are different pins to remove to allow the valve to stay on. I have been thinking about finding someone to purchase my "old" style loader and my purchasing a newer style loader that has the valve that stays on the tractor all the time. The reasoning is that I am contemplating a snow blower and it is easier not to be dealing with the "double" operation of which pins do I pull to remove with the valve vs. without the valve. Of course, I would need to find someone that has no need to remove the bucket and install another "tool" on the front that requires a valve. Time for me to stop rambling........ what was your question????? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

sandyc · Mar 19, 2004

jUNKMAN:
yOU CAN ADAPT THE "OLD" VALVE TO (whoops...cap lock was on) stay on the tractor. I have never taken off the valve but have changed out the snowblower/and or blade with the FEL a number of times.
My dealer welded up a handle on the bottom pin so it would be easier to install or remove.

hfd376 · Mar 19, 2004

Welcome to the board, BXIvey, I'm afraid your choices are limited to the Woods loader and either the LA211 for the BX2200 or LA181 (I think thats the number) for the BX1500. I looked at buying the LA181 in July when I had the loader added to my BX1800. The reason I looked at the LA181 is the dealer was having trouble getting the LA211 at the time. He had an LA181 in stock.

The good thing is that the 181 is a little cheaper, the bad is that you loose some weight capacity. I have not heard of anyone here that has had a Woods installed on their machine. I would think that Woods would make a fine product, and your only decision would be price and availability.

Doug

rbarker · Mar 19, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I find this an interesting question because I have a BX22, and one of the improvements with the BX23 is the loader valve area. With the BX22, the valve comes off with the loader unless you want it to stay on the tractor for use with something such as a snow blower. Then there are different pins to remove to allow the valve to stay on. I have been thinking about finding someone to purchase my "old" style loader and my purchasing a newer style loader that has the valve that stays on the tractor all the time. )</font>

I had my dealer quote me on retrofitting the new style upright and loader valve assembly to my older style loader. It wasn't pretty! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif He had NO interest in taking my old loader (with 50 hours at the time) in trade for a new loader. Said I could try to sell it private but it would never bring me more than $1200, and probably less. He did say that Kubota might offer a retro kit at some point that would be much cheaper than buying the parts seperately. I decided to just live with it for the time being. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

DannyD · Mar 20, 2004

I got my 2200 about 8 months ago, and my dealer sold me the 211 with it. He had a time getting it in, and part of the reason was a new valve control was being added to the part. I am very happy with it, and noticed when I looked at the new 2230 (um..........) that the only change I saw was a boot around the control handle.

Can anyone tell me what the little metal tab above the handle is for anyway, never have figured that one out.

Mine has all the features, including combination positions such as dump and down, up etc.

BXIvey · Mar 20, 2004

Thanks for the information everyone. I was looking at the Kubota website for FEL info, and it said that the LA181 was compatable with the BX1500 only. Does anyone know if this is absolutely correct ? I thought that the basics of the BX1500,BX1800, and BX2200 were pretty much the same. If the LA181 only works with the BX1500, then I guess I am limited to two choices (Woods and LA211).
If it would work with my bx2200, I think the 181 would be all that I would need.

Will_C · Mar 20, 2004

The little tab is to lock the lever from lowering your loader. This would provide a measure of safety if you were working under a raised loader bucket, something I never do because it is so easy to detach the FEL if you have to do perform any maintainance.