Buying Advice Is the Front End Loader worth it?

[4570Man]

My loader is already SSQA equipped. Thanks though. I'm really not worried about the minor lift capacity loss. The benefits far outweigh the negatives.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

There is a 'hot' thread on this subject, with 40 replies:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/347979-do-i-need-fel-2.html#post4289315



Many new tractor owners end up buying a heavier, more-powerful tractor within two years.

If you buy the FEL now you will get a good portion of your purchase price back at time of sale.

Tractors sold used, without FELs, tend to go for low prices, because prospective buyers calculate the cost of adding an FEL before making an offer, and FELs are MUCH more expensive ($5,000 - $6,000) purchased stand-alone. ((So you end up paying for an FEL, whether you get one or not.))

My local Kubota dealer has a no-loader Kubota L3240 on his lot in this situation. He would only accept the L3240 as a consignment.



Take a look at the new Kubota L2501 before committing to a BX. With an L2501 you can pull 5' implements, rather than 4' implements and mounting implements is easier because there is more open space around the Three Point Hitch.

I ran into this price thing when looking for a FEL for the old MF 265. A new one was going to run about $6K. I found a JD 310 backhoe for $7200 and use it more hours than the MF. I enjoy the MF in tight places without a FEL too.

Regardless I agree a FEL may be the one best implement to have especially when the back is gone due to age/abuse.

I also agree there is a place for the sub compact FEL on most any size farm.

Hands down the old worn out 12K pound backhoe is the best thing I have used to 'unstick' things from a tractor to a dump truck (if axle is not down on the ground). The hoe is one pulling sucker but they make a tractor too long for daily usage.

varmit I would love to have the blade attachment like you have on your FEL. :thumbsup:

 

[coobie]

Two words HECK YES and if you decide to sell and trade up some day it will increase the value of your tractor..

 

[paulfun9]

Like everyone else here I would definitely suggest getting the loader. Its downright amazing the uses most find for it besides moving dirt.

 

[mecan]

If you have use for a shovel, wheelbarrow or a cart then the fell is worth it

 

[MF283]

Get the loader, do the work you want done & at the end if you think you don't need it, sell it.
I'll never own another tractor without one, well i'd like to have an old one just to putt around on

Ronnie

 

[BlackOps]

Ridiculous question. I use it ALL the time. so far have not used the mid mower unit. That was an extra for when really needed. The FEL is the Reason WHY i bought the thing in the first place.

 

[GManBart]

IMO a loader is a big asset when buying a tractor. I wouldn't buy one without a loader. I'd also say on a resale value later that more people would want a tractor with a loader. If its only 3K more for a loader then go for it. You'll find many uses for a loader. I use mine for gravel, dirt, snow, lifting, hanging deer, and many other uses and if you get a quick attach loader you can swap the bucket out for a set of forks or other QA implements.

Nailed it!

 

[newbury]

My loader is already SSQA equipped. Thanks though. I'm really not worried about the minor lift capacity loss. The benefits far outweigh the negatives.

Does the B7100 have SSQA?

 

[yankeerider]

When I bought my tractor back around 1992, my wife (and home chief financial officer) questioned the wisdom of getting the FEL. Within one year she agreed that it had been a wise investment, and today she cannot imagine how we could have got along without one. I can't imagine a stronger argument in favor of getting one at the time of purchase.