Kubota FEL bucket option

jmc · May 28, 2004

Has anyone compared the standard vs heavy bucket option on the LA853 loader? I ordered the 72 inch quick attach standard bucket at $500 and I think the heavy was $850. Will I be sorry?

John

Junkman · May 28, 2004

It depends on what you plan on doing with the bucket. If you are picking rocks and doing heavy duty work, then the HD bucket would be worthwhile. If you are using the bucket for mulch and moving top soil from a pile, then the standard bucket will work for all your needs. Just keep in mind that if you find the lighter weigh bucket insufficient, that it will cost more than the savings to replace the lighter with the heavier. If it was me making the purchase, the difference in price would make that much difference in the over all purchase price and I would go for the HD unit just to be on the safe side. You never know what may change in your future and the HD bucket might just make the difference in what you can do. Spend the extra $350 and have peace of mind..

jmc · May 29, 2004

Junkman,

Unfortunately, I already wore out your logic on TnT, 3 SVC's, and creeper gears. (prepare for any possibility) Need to draw the line somewhere.

What suprises me here is all the members getting quotes or purchasing tractors specifically with HD buckets. I assumed at least some of them checked out the differences before spending an extra $300 or $400.

Thanks for your input.

John

Junkman · May 29, 2004

Heck.... if you already have spent that much, what is another $350?????? It is easy to spend someone else's money.... LOL. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif With all those options already on the tractor, put my name at the top of the list to purchase the tractor when you decide to get a bigger machine. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

NIXON · May 29, 2004

John . I went with a HD bucket on my 513 loader . My reasoning was this: I'm new at the game ,and sooner or later I'd ask the bucket to do more than it should be asked to reasonably do . The Hd bucket added a bit of cushion for my inneptitude . I have a lot of rock and small trees that I'm moving ,so I "reasoned " that the heavier bucket would be better for what I have to do . As far as cost difference .... I didn't price it out ,just went with the HD bucket.
Sorry for the very long winded Non-answer to your question /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif John

texbaylea · May 29, 2004

I am in the final stages of negotiating the purchase of an L3130 with a LA723 loader with quick attach. I am going with a 66" HD bucket ; this is primarily since I don't need the capacity of the 72" and will add an ATI grapple kit and a Markham Welding tooth bar. I may also have hooks welded to it. I keep my equipment and vehicles a long time so make them as heavy duty as I can to start. I recommend that you go with the HD bucket. If you don't need the capacity, you might offset some of the cost by going with a 66" HD bucket.

Theowegian · May 29, 2004

Ive got about 40 hrs on my new L3130 HST. I purchased it with a LA523 loader and a 66" HD (heavy duty) bucket. I also bought a toothbar. I am very pleased with it. No doubt the HD bucket should be able to take whatever abuse this inexperienced operator can dish out. I plan on owning it a long time and figure most of my work will be dirt work. THerefore, a need for the HD bucket. My suggestion to you is that if you ever think you might want a toothbar, then get the HD bucket now.

Henro · May 30, 2004

<font color="blue"> I ordered the 72 inch quick attach standard bucket at $500 and I think the heavy was $850. Will I be sorry? </font>

In a nut shell, yes! When you bend the bucket you will regret not having gone with the HD bucket.

Will you bend it? Got me there. If it were me I know I would though. That's the way things work around here. I would spring for the HD bucket. My loader bucket works hard...yours will too...you don't just scoop with it, you push, pull, lift...pry... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Come to think of it, my loader bucked works harder than almost anything else. Except for perhaps rotary cutter blades... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif