GB loader or...........

[Varmintmist]

I have a JD 850 (22 hp 3 cyl D), turf tires, 2wd. Where I am using it is on 52 AC of woods. I pull trees, carry firewood, backblade and pretty soon brush hog with it.

I broke free some cash and have talked myself into a quandry /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif.

The little fella has done everything I ask of him, well mostly /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif and I would like to put a FEL on it. I am real familier with running loaders, grew up on a Case Uni-Loader (started running one at 8, backhoe at 16). The function of a loader I got down, the TYPE for a tractor is another matter, and at 22 hp at the eng and 2wd is it worth it??

I tossed the idea around before and I can get a GB FEL for around 2600 last I checked for it.

The question is, to buy the FEL, or spend some more of my kids inheritance and go 4wd adn more POWER ?

 

[Henro]

If money was not a real serious issue, I would buy something nice for me now and for the kids to use in the future...probably keep the old one too...nice having more than one tractor at times...

 

[Cdash]

HP is not your problem, traction is. I have a 4100 at ~20hp with a loader and 4wd and have never run out of power, just run out of traction. With 2wd, you'll have more of that problem. I wouldn't say it would be useless, counter balance would definately be a must. If a new tractor would bust the bank, the loader on the 2wd would be the way to go. May not be as useful as on a 4wd, but 1/2 the use of a loader is still alot of use.

 

[Varmintmist]

Well, most of the time if I'm rootin around the front wheels are off the ground anyway, at least on every hoe/tractor type loader I've run so far.

Do you guys like the GB loaders?? It seems around here the loaders are mostly OEM, though aftermarket are sold, I dont see many.

Yes, money matters, big time. Just built a house and am still finishing it. One of the reasons I want a loader now is to put in the yard. The options are to buy the loader and do it myself and have a loader and a yard, or pay to get the yard done and have a yard.

 

[DDT]

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Do you guys like the GB loaders??

I have a GB 260 on my 4400 (1150hrs so far) and the 4300(800hrs) before with the same loader. I really like it. It is heavyer and lifts more than JD. If I used a MMM it would be a problem on my tractor. I got the quick tatch HD bucket. I bought pallet forks for a skid steer for $600 new, they are a prefect fit. Since I am on my second GB loader I do not plan to switch brands next time.

 

[Woodsman_Pete]

Could you elaborate on what GB stands for and where one might do some research on these loaders?? Thanks

 

[Inspector507]

Great Bend ......I'm assuming.

 

[DAP]

I think you'll see a lot of recommendations for FEL use and 4WD being imperative.

Another poster correctly states that his front wheels are off the ground a lot (presumabably when filling the bucket). The relationship betwen a FEL and 4wd is realized when moving loads from A to B with stability and efficiency - when the front end of the tractor is under load.

 

[EarPlug]

I have a Great Bend (GB) loader on a NH TC29D and it works great. Their web site is Great Bend.

Jack

 

[Maxfli]

<font color="blue"> </font> Yes, money matters, big time. Just built a house and am still finishing it. One of the reasons I want a loader now is to put in the yard. <font color="black"> </font>

I just did the same, new house , new yard, 2wd Bolens Iseki 17HP, I added a used loader and it works good. Last week rear tires sunk out in the back and it took me 3 hours to get it out of the mud, while it has been a great help for the long term I think I need to trade it for 4WD. I guess if I were you I would keep my eye out for something used from and economic standpoint when adding a loader on 2wd tractor. I am not sure you get full value back if you sell or upgrade, used at the right price will give you full return.