Loader Comparisons? x vs x vs x vs etc...

[Roper14]

I have looked for some loader comparisons on here to no avail so here is my question...concerning loaders for utility size tractors.

What has been everyone's experience with the non-tractor-brand loaders (Bushhog aka greatbend, Koyker, Quike, ---others?) you can look at specs all day, and there are not that many out there, they all go up about the same height, give or take, and the lift cap is close, give or take (yes some maybe more than a little difference), so.....any concerns, problems, or other brands that may be better...real world experience is a lot better food for thought than a piece of paper......

wondering b/c i'm the market for "something" and may have found a tractor priced decent enough to justify a loader

 

[texasjohn]

roper14, interesting post.

You would like a FEL once you have it.

I think it would be very important to investigate the hydraulic capability of the tractor you are looking at... the flow rate and pressure capability.... and how the joystick would attach... and where and how the FEL hydraulics would attach. Note same for planned FEL.

Point is, it may be difficult/expensive to retrofit a loader to a tractor that has never been outfitted for one....

Myself, it all came as a complete installation, so no worries. However, I have seen large numbers of TBN posts from people trying to figure out how to plumb their hydraulics and fit new attachments, both fore and aft, to their tractor. Hoses, spools, etc. are a significant cost, as is labor cost to install...... so, consider all this when tallying the total for FEL and tractor.

 

[art]

I recommend sticking to the same brand of tractor. I've seen tractor manufacturers deny front end damage repairs from aftermarket loaders. The loader manufacturer denied fault but blamed the operator.

The after market loader companies make money when one loader base fits 100 tractors. Some will be more then the tractor manufacturers specs and some will be less! None will fit as well as the tractor companies factory loaders!

 

[Tritonman]

I had a bush hog loader on a 855 john deere and it was definately superior to the Model 70 john Deere loader.

 

[Roper14]

I appreciate the info...I've been around tractors all my life (yet they almost always had the "tractor" loader)...used a few great bend loader (now bushhog) and they worked very good...true concern is that tractor i am looking at is a bare bones base tractor with no hydraulics and a FEL would have to be completely plumbed?...dealership would charge an arm an a leg...I have a quote on a 185 Koyker (installed and ready to go) for about $4300 and that is buying all sorts of fun parts...I still haven't got a quote back on a bushhog yet...so I guess the question really is...
What about them dere Koyker's?!? ....have no working experience with them...
thanks

 

[MJPetersen]

The Koykers are very popular and they have a very good reputation. Another to consider is the Frey loaders. They seem to keep the bucket a bit closer to the front end than the koyker and are also highly recommended. They have a very neat high lift design, but that is another matter.

In short, yes the Koyker has a very good name among aftermarket loaders.

Mike

 

[Rara Avis]

Front-End Loaders by Westendorf: loader for tractor, shade canopy, wagons, manure & landscaping equipment.

 

[Westendorf-RR]

I recommend sticking to the same brand of tractor. I've seen tractor manufacturers deny front end damage repairs from aftermarket loaders. The loader manufacturer denied fault but blamed the operator.

The after market loader companies make money when one loader base fits 100 tractors. Some will be more then the tractor manufacturers specs and some will be less! None will fit as well as the tractor companies factory loaders!

I would strongly disagree with this statement; it is actually quite the opposite. Tractor manufacturer's have a smaller loader base. Most don't even build them. Loaders are an "accessory" item for them, their focus is tractors. As a loader manufacturer, we have 5 Series of loaders that total nearly 40 different models. We match a loader to the stature of the tractor quite easily. SEE PHOTOS. You have more custom options with an aftermarket loader, so you can match your material handling needs. Sorry for the book, but I needed to clear up that common fallacy. This isn't just the case for a Westendorf, I've seen many Quicke, Bushhog, Koyker loaders that fit better too.

So back to the original post, Outside of the specifications of the loader, things your really want to keep in mind are:
1) FIT - how well will it fit the tractor, does it sit below the hood so you can see what you are doing? Ask to see a photo and how many other tractors can this loader fit?
2) QUALITY - Make sure its good steel, especially check size of the pins at high wear points. Getting the (grease-from-the-end) style are really nice for maintenance. Are the arms double tapered to resist twisting? How is the torsion tube welded in between the arms? Does it go all the way through to the outside (welded twice)?
3) USER FRIENDLY - Does it include a quick-attach? How does the loader come on and off easily? What attachments are available? are they reasonably priced? I've seen some companies give low prices on loaders, but take you to the cleaners on their attachment line or quick attach adapters.
4) PRICE - remember, you get what you pay for. Do you want a loader that will take you through your next 3 tractors and last 20 years or one that will wear out in 3 to 5 and not retro-fit to your next tractor?
5) USA Made - If you want reliable parts availaibility buy USA. We still mfg. full line of parts for loaders and gears we built back in the 50's.

It's important to shop around, so hopefull this information helps you know what to check out before you buy. I ranked this in order of Fit, Quality, Features, Price and USA made. What is most important to you guys out there when you purchased your loader?

 

[Mickey_Fx]

I don't have a lot of experience but I'll agree with Mike and his comments regarding the Koyker units. Haven't had a drop of trouble with it. It has a quick mount/dismount feature which can come in Handy when needing access to the engine area. The model I have is available with 2 different cyl sizes and is capable of lifting about 3x the rated tire capacity.

 

[Tritonman]

You have to ask yourself if your tractor is worth spending that kind of money on. I am not sure what your tractor is, but 4300 will buy alot of tractor with a loader on it already.