Front-End Loader FEL question

[tiger9297]

I have a Kubota B7100HSD and I'd like to buy a FEL for it. I was considering different brands- Kubota, Woods, Bush Hog, etc. Can someone give me some recommendations as well as a "ball park" figure of what I could expect to spend?

Thanks.

 

[whistlepig]

I don't know for sure but I think the Kubota FEL would fit better. I have read good things about Woods and Bush Hog FEL's. I doubt there would be that much difference in price in these three. They are premium brands. I paid $3,400 installed for my FEL three years ago. The quick attach loaders these days are worth every penny. On in 5 minutes and off in five minutes with no tools.

 

[tiger9297]

WOW!!! Heck I don't have much more than that in the tractor. That's steep. I was guessing around $2k.

 

[whistlepig]

WOW!!! Heck I don't have much more than that in the tractor. That's steep. I was guessing around $2k.

A FEL is a bit more than a PTO attachment. There is a sub frame that has to be mounted to the tractor so as not to break the tractor in half. One can pay any amount they want for a loader. One can go cable and hydraulic cylinder. Or all hydraulic with a fixed loader that can't be removed. Or a loader with a two lever system instead of the newer joysticks that they use these days. You can only save so much money. If it's more trouble to hook up than to use then it will sit in the barn. I can take my RFM off in ten minutes and mount my FEL in five minutes. And that's worth $3,400 to me.

 

[Bird]

Tiger, I don't know what year model or age your B7100 is, but I bought a new one in June, 1995, with the Kubota B1630C FEL. So over 14 years ago, the dealer figured that FEL at $2,400. And that was a new tractor with FEL already installed on the dealer's lot. So $3,400 now doesn't surprise me at all.