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

[jinman]

<font color=blue>Nobody REALLY needs a FEL or even a tractor for that matter</font color=blue>

Now I have to disagree with you, Kevin. For me a tractor is surely in the basic needs or security category. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

---Maslow's Law---
BASIC NEEDS
Food, Living Standards,
SECURITY
Shelter, Accommodation, Job, Career, Promotion
SOCIALISATION
Friendship, Fellowship, Team spirit, Affiliation
RECOGNITION
Position, Famous, Respected, Title
SELF ACTUALISATION
Ultimate expression of self
Inner Energy: Influence, Expansion, Explosion

 

[MossRoad]

That picture really illustrates just how usefull the FEL is. It is the most useful attachment you can buy, IMHO.

Great shots. I like the light stuff, giant box. Is that leaves? What's the box made of and how big is it?

 

[RPM]

sagaponack1,

You're not missing anything. A FEL is great fun, but not always necessary. A reasonable portion of the guys on the board here would not be able to look their spouses straight in the eye if they really rationalized their purchase. I think that a good chunk of those FEL purchases would have had to come out of their entertainment money rather than their house & yard money!!

Having said that, I do have FEL envy. I've had some experience - probably 100+ hours - on various tractors using FELs and backhoes over the last few years and know how useful they are. At some point I'm sure I'll get one - but I know that part of it will be just for the fun of it.

Problem is, I have higher priority projects that will need things like a post-hole-digger and/or a tiller coming up soon so those get first priority on the wallet. I just bought a rear scoop this winter too - I'm going to give that a try on the usual mulch / gravel chores in the spring.

There is something to be said for the exercise you get without a FEL though. As my wife keeps reminding me, if I don't make sure I keep getting exercise I'll soon have a free tractor tire around my waist!!

Patrick

 

[kevincook]

"Nobody REALLY needs a FEL or even a tractor for that matter"

BTW, If my wife ever asks I will deny ever making this statement! These machines are SERIOUS TOOLS not toys! That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

 

[Harv]

MossRoad -

For a description and more pictures of the big ol' box attached to my bucket, refer to the thread <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showthreaded.pl?Cat=&Board=implement&Number=63500&page=&view=&sb=&o=&vc=1#Post63500>One Large Scoop, Please...</A>

It was just an idea I played around with for my annual clearing of fallen debris from around the buildings at the property. It consists of oak leaves, pine needles, acorns, pinecones, twigs and branches. I haul off the larger stuff using the bucket forks, and then rake up large piles of the small stuff, which then has to be transported to a compost pile.

 

[jdkid]

Hi rob
yea i'll have to run with ya idea ..all but 1 of our tractors we have had have had FEL's i don't think it even comes into it when buying now ,others have said most handy tool they own ..is it worth the few more bucks hard to say realy my grandfathers had small tractors MF 35 and JD ?? (old kero one)he went to a inter B250 with inter FEL single acting no tilt just pull a lever to dump .the amout of things ya found for a FEL would shock and stun ya ..tossing a coin between FEL and backhoe keep tossing till the FEL side comes up i'd save my coins and hire a small digger instead of buy a backhoe ..
catch ya
JD Kid

 

[gator]

My first tractor did not have a FEL and I got along fine with it.My current tractor has a FEL and I get along fine with it.Like the old commercial says, "you make the call".Just my opinion.

 

[GrantMO]

I read all the posts here glorifying a loader before getting a tractor with a FEL. I knew I wanted one but knew I didn't absolutely need it. I am so glad I have it now for moving manure, dirt and gravel. You can do fine with a 3PH scoop but having the loader also saves your neck and allows you do use a box blade at the same time without swapping implements. If you don't see yourself doing very many of the things listed in the above posts and threads you will do fine without one. If you can afford it I'd get one and you will be surprised by all the different things you use it for.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

This is an amazing community. Thanks for all of the views. If I get the tractor I am getting the FEL. You are all remarkably consistent. I will keep you all posted.

Rob

 

[a1b8z]

Loading or digging out rocks that are in your way, moving other implements around your property by chain or sling, a big one is pushing or pulling you out if you get stuck,hauling and spreading out dirt or gravel wherever you need it,snow,etc.. The other day I used it to dig out and move a large rock half buried that 2 of us could not move, so it was either dig out or bury it.I have a bx2200, and the FEL was $2300.00,but it is cheaper than a new back. Hope this helps!THANKS