Buying Advice Is the Front End Loader worth it?

[batwing]

I think having a loader is best thing about having a tractor, without a loader I would get a good mower.
Ron

 

[Mike9]

The B6200 I acquired recently doesn't have a FEL, but I plan to remedy that next year. For what I paid for the tractor, rototiller and brush hog I'd be foolish not to. Now - to buy ready made, or fab one up - that is the question.

 

[Got2BTru]

I thought the same thing initially Chris...do I *really* need the $6,000 option on my 2555HST Cab tractor, or can I go without it and save the money. I ended up going with it, and don't regret it at ALL. I am REALLY surprised how much I have used it in less than 6 months and would definitely recommend you go with it.

 

[Will_C]

My father owned an excavating company. There was always a loader of some sort around the house-backhoe, track loader. When my brother took over the business, he kept the equipment at my mothers house where I lived-I took care of the property.

I bought my house in 1998. I made it until spring 2000 until I bought my first Kubota BX with a FEL. It was the longest 15 months of my life! I couldn't imagine taking care of any property more than an acre without a FEL

Will

 

[/pine]

Just something to consider...

If you price used tractors (similar to K_ubota B series etc.,etc...)... a front end loader generally increases the value by about $2K...
Personally, I would not want to be without mine...If I had a lot of mowing to do on a regular basis...SSQA is a plus...IMO.

 

[newbury]

With the size tractor the OP is considering is a Skid Steer Quick Attach (SSQA) worth it? I assume the Kubota LA364 is good for about 700 lbs. About the capacity of the LA352 on my B7610. When I was looking for an SSQA I was told by my dealer it wasn't worth it because I'd lose too much capacity because the SSQA weighed about 150 to 200 lbs, a significant proportion of the carrying capacity.

 

[4570Man]

Maybe not true SSQA, but QA is definitely worth it. Does nobody make a lighter duty SSQA for these light duty tractors? After all they are lifting 1/2 or less what a cut can lift. A SSQA that weighs 80 pounds should be strong enough.

 

[bumperm]

As others have said, get the FEL. You will find enumerable uses for it. I lifted a new generator to assemble the wheels etc. just so I wouldn't have to bend over (bad back). I use the bucket as a tool shelf, when working away from the house and shop. Put a pallet on the pallet forks (SSQA) and lift the wife up into the apple trees to pick the fruit (really). It's just amazingly handy to have an FEL. If you have one, you'll marvel at all the uses and labor savings it brings.

If you don't have one, sometimes you will wish you did. Other times you may not even think about it, you'll just have to work a bit harder or with less convenience.

 

[the old grind]

With only a std FEL bucket on my first tractor & <25hp I moved gun safes, mills, lathes, & a piano, and loaded/unloaded many an implement. Oh, and I loaded/moved/spread 300yd of bank run w/clay (2 driveways) and done all of my snow clearing for 12yrs with that and a Box Blade. (IMO, blades and blowers are for clearing paved surfaces) Great way to lift the front wheels (w/jack stands) for wheel/tire or spindle service.

I have a money pit brutish UT for no other reason than as a 2.5k+ lb cap 'heavy lifter' (vs loader much). ~$4500 to add a FEL and make a $11k tractor into a $12.5 one. (Could replace it for less after the effort...)

Someone suggested going to a larger Kubo. :thumbsup: I suggest getting more tractor/hp (CUT) than hp/tractor (SCUT) as finances permit. btw, I'd bet that as often as not the 'shoulda bought bigger' regret results from learning what a FEL can do and what someone's own can't. tog

 

[TomSeller]

Maybe not true SSQA, but QA is definitely worth it. Does nobody make a lighter duty SSQA for these light duty tractors? After all they are lifting 1/2 or less what a cut can lift. A SSQA that weighs 80 pounds should be strong enough.

These guys make adapters for tractors mostly made before SSQA became popular. Your 80 lbs is about right. I am not seeing your loader listed but would not expect that model is a target for them since SSQA was available as factory issue? You might give them a call to see if other models fit yours. Other than that, WR Long makes 750 different models, but they list a weight of 130 lbs. Also, you can buy the lever mechanisms and cut the ears off of your bucket to re-use and do a little welding.

Tach-All Quick Attach, Loader Attachments, ATI Corporation