L-series loader questions

[turkish]

Long time reader, first time poster here.

I'm trying to gather info to help my dad with a new tractor purchase. He has recently priced the L3400 and L4400 (loader, 4wd, gear tranny). As far as guiding him on options, though, there is really one major issue that I'm still not understanding: QA Loaders.

For the L-series, talk me thru exactly what the QA feature is and how it's beneficial. Is it the entire loader assembly or just the bucket that is "quickly" attached/detached? Are a std version AND a QA version available thru Kubota? If so, what is the rough cost of the upgrade?

Also, what is the typical MSRP for the loader? Kubota's "build your tractor" feature is down right now, and we're trying to compare some quoted prices with MSRP. Thanks a ton, ahead of time.

 

[irwin]

Welcome to TBN turkish.

The QA system is installed with pins to the loader in place of the bucket, the QA style bucket (or grapple, rockrake, etc.) is then attached with the QA system.

I'll let other posters answer your other questions.

The second picture is from ATI " Tach-All " ATI Corporation - Tach-All(tm) Quick Attach

 

[turkish]

So it is the bucket that is quickly attached/detached, not the actual arms, etc.? Not all QA loaders/buckets are skid-steer compatible, though, correct?

 

[dex3361]

The loaders are quick detach as well. The skid steer quick detach is a bucket option(shown in previous post). By the way get the SSQD option it is worth it.

 

[medicshawn]

Think of it as 2 seperate systems. The loader arms on all new Kubota tractors quickly attaches/detaches. The buckets also are available with the Skid Steer Quick attach option. This allows you to remove and attach the bucket it 30 seconds or so. It also allows you to use skid steer buckets, forks bale spear etc. If you add hydraulics up front you can use some additional attchments such as grapples.

Definitely add it. Cheap option now. Not really a down side but lots of up side. Especially expensive if you decide to add it later.

 

[turkish]

Think of it as 2 seperate systems. The loader arms on all new Kubota tractors quickly attaches/detaches. The buckets also are available with the Skid Steer Quick attach option. This allows you to remove and attach the bucket it 30 seconds or so.

Ahh, this is the explanation I was looking for. Thanks.

So what does the QA bucket add as far as cost?

 

[big bubba]

this is a very convenient system. one snag I've run into is on aftermarket attachments other than the bucket be sure that the pin fully engages on both sides before using......on a brush claw I purchased their assembly jig must have been off a bit and I had to grind & reinforce the bracket to make a positive mate....just take a quick look every time you lock down each arm, after all it's just that angled pin that engages. all in all, you'll like it bb

 

[texasjohn]

This is for your dad.... so ease of use is, I assume, paramount.

With a QA, there are two levers that you have to pull or push to detach/attach the FEL implement. This takes as long as it takes to dismount from the seat, walk to one side, pull a lever, walk to the other side, pull that lever, get back into seat.

Strength required to pull/push the lever is less than just about any other thing you do when hooking up an implement... if pins are properly greased and implement is properly aligned, force required is easily accomplished by anyone who should be operating a piece of equipment... woman or man.

As others have indicated, there are numerous implements that will fit on the QA... bucket, hay spike, forks, long list.

If you now or ever anticipate having more than one front implement, I cannot recommend too highly the QA connection. Switching implements multiple times a day, as I do, is never intimidating or a concern... you simply just go do it... with some experience, a complete swap will take maybe 3 to 4 minutes and you are on your way again... no sweat!

The QA feature adds significant joy to the tractor operating experience...I would not have a FEL without the feature and numerous attachments to go with it.

Remember, a tractor is simply an engine... it is the attachments that make it useful

 

[Ace3]

Good information on the QA. If you are still pricing the tractor, I would suggest that you also look into the hydro transmission if you intend to do a lot of loader work.

 

[medicshawn]

On mine I don't know what the price difference was it was part of the loader price. Shouldn't really add much.

Another benefit nobody had talked about is the ability to remove the bucket. I do alot of mowing with my rear finish mower and have some obstacles to go around/near. I take my bucket off when mowing. Much easier to see when mowing easier to see and get around/near obstacles. I'm sure a little extra airflow to the radiator isn't bad either.

 

[medicshawn]

I also vote for the HST tranny like the SSQA you don't lose anything but gain alot.

He might also look at the Grand L tractors some of those added features are pretty nice.

 

[texasjohn]

yep, HST is a feature that simply has to be experienced for a while under full operating conditions to truly appreciate... a simple drive in the parking lot does not do it justice. An HST, IMHO, provides the following features:

significantly less tired at the end of a long day..takes energy to shift a lot.
safer... extreme creep under full power can be accomplished.

 

[turkish]

I appreciate the responses.

Not sure that we are really considering the HST, as we just don't anticipate lots of change-of-direction type work -- mostly deer camp maintenance. The gear-trannied L3400 is likely a Cadillac compared to the minimum tractor requirement.

 

[Mike Costello]

yep, HST is a feature that simply has to be experienced for a while under full operating conditions to truly appreciate... a simple drive in the parking lot does not do it justice. An HST, IMHO, provides the following features:

significantly less tired at the end of a long day..takes energy to shift a lot.
safer... extreme creep under full power can be accomplished.

I second Texasjohn's statement about HST. That and QA are probably two of the finest features you can add to your tractor. I got both options on my L4400 and it makes all the difference in the world to me. Mike.

 

[lawn_king]

Hst is the way to go if you can find the extra dollars. Hst plus (grand L's) has been a dream come true.

 

[westbrooklawn]

Go with the HST... I have the L3400 with gear drive, and I wish I had spent the extra for the HST. It is much quicker for loader work, and if you have multiple operators, you may find yourself replacing a clutch sooner than you think (very expensive). I grew up around gear tractors and thought they were fine... it's all I knew! Since I have operated a friend's with HST, I now understand the benefits... wish I had it all to do over again as far as the purchase of my L3400.

 

[crazyal]

You may also want to think about resale value when it comes to HST and the QA, someday you'll be selling (maybe upgrading?). I would suggest you go to Kubota's web site. They have a tractor configurer that'll tell you retail price but you can find out roughly how much extra it'll cost for each option.

 

[mike69440]

I have an L39, My neighbor has a L3400 With LA463 Loader.

I don't think my tweaked up loader on my L39 is quite strong enough, so you can imagine my opioion of the LA463.

If I can offer any advice get as much loader as you can and ballast the heck out back

 

[veresjwv]

One more thing to add for your Dad, I am 56years old and somedays feel like I am closing in on 80. I own a L3400HST and I can't imagine a whole days work of clutching and shifting with a loader. The older you get usually the worse your knees get. HST the only way to go. I absolutly love mine.