Front End Loader... Do you realy need it?

[Anonymous Poster]

I am close to buying a 4300 to do planting, tilling, mowing.
I really don't think I need a loader but everyone tells me that you have to get one. It seems a bit steep $3800 to use it as a counter weight or to plow my driveway twice a year. Am I missing something? What else am I going to use this thing for?

 

[Turfman]

Oh, you're not buying a 4300, you're buying a loader and attaching a tractor. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Seriously, a loader is probably the first thing most people get and the thing most used. Having a compact without a loader is like owning a truck without a bed.

 

[RobS]

There have been several lengthy threads on this subject. Here's one <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=rural&Number=84359&page=&view=&sb=&o=&vc=1>FEL, can you live without one? </A>

In a nutshell; No, you don't really NEED it but once you've had one you'll never want a tractor without it /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Mosey]

The way I see it, it all comes down to money. Last year I was kind of wishing I'd gotten one and financed it in. It would have raised my monthly payments about $60. Now, I'm glad I didn't. With the economy the way it is, I'm barely making ends meet and almost regretting buying the tractor because the payments are hard on my budget right now. Note that I said "almost". As it is, the tractor saves me a lot of time mowing in the summer and plowing and tilling up the garden. I also use it for a lot of other things, even without a loader. I'm getting by OK with my 30" rear scoop and use my grader blade often. I could do even more if I had a loader, though. Bottom line is, if you can afford one - get one!

 

[TerryinMD]

sagaponack1,

This is a dilema that a lot of newbies face when purchasing a tractor. Considering that a loader is 20-25% of the purchase price of a tractor you begin ask yourself (and others) if it is necessary. The previous posters and yourself have rationalized that it is not absolutely necessary.

I did the same thing when I began shopping. I have three acres and a good size Market Garden to maintain. I knew that I wanted to do mowing, rotory tilling, and plowing. The FEL was very enticing. I knew that I could use the FEL for many small jobs around the property but we had to justify the additional cost. For me, that was about $40 a month. In the grand scheme, $40 is not all that much but then again could be used for other things. The CFO and I sat down and did some what ifs and came up with the idea that we could get a second mortage on the house and get some tax advantage off of the tractor. The justification was made. We had a second mortage already and wrapped the two loans together. The increase per month for the second mortgage when up $60 a month vice ~$250 for the tractor loan by itself. Net gain of $190 a month in outlay. So we have more money in our pocket and a tax advantage to boot. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

As far as using the FEL, it has payed for itself manifold (figuratively, not literally). If I was to keep a log on tractor use by task, I bet that 25% of the hours on the meter are attributable to FEL use. One can always find something to do. In fact, my wife FINDS things for me to do. No complaints from either side. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Terry

 

[BeeBop]

I am notorious for saving every penny possible and I too bought the tractor w/out the loader attachment and w/in the next year I had a woods loader installed on it and without a doubt it is the best 4k that I have ever spent. I will never own a tractor that I " scape " with that doesn't have one. If the means are there I'd say " go for it ".

 

[Harv]

When I was shopping for my tractor I considered the FEL an integral part of the deal, so it was part of the total package pricing from the get-go. I actually wound up buying a somewhat smaller machine than I originally wanted, but I haven't regretted that trade-off for a second. /w3tcompact/icons/clever.gif

There was another thread, , where I posted <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/forumfiles/5-82464-WhyFEL.jpg>this picture which partially illustrates why I'm so happy to have a FEL.

Clearly, there are some 3-pt attachments that give you some of the functionality that a loader does, but none are as versatile (or as much fun) as the real thing. Money is a serious consideration, fer sure, but like so many have discovered, you pay it now or you may likely pay it later.

 

[kevincook]

Nobody REALLY needs a FEL or even a tractor for that matter. However, if you are going to get a tractor I think it would be best to figure out a way to get it from the start. It won't be any less expensive to buy it in the future.

If the cost is a real issue maybe you could buy a slightly smaller tractor or a good used one. I owned a tractor with a 3 point scoop for several years and I bought a new machine last year with a loader. I'll never go back.

A three point scoop is orders of magnitude better than a shovel and wheelbarrow and a loader is orders of magnitude better than a scoop.

Have Fun!
Kevin

 

[beenthere]

I sure need mine, if for nothing else, it is needed to hang the forks on (they are really handy). I can't imagine having a 4300 without a loader. Maybe you are one of the few who would not use one, but you get to make that decision. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Thomas]

When working a tractor you never know what you might facing during a project,and a second pair of hands does come in handy.Not sure of what type land etc.. for your plans in years to come,but you can be sure prices don't go down when adding attachments on in the future...pay now or pay more later.Good luck in your quest.