Buying Advice Loader for L3200 a LA525?

[Defender]

I just bought a used Kubota L3200 from one of our friends. Has 80 hours, in great shape, has hydro trans. He did not buy a loader with it. I can't live without one. I checked with the local Kubota dealers, (including the one he bought the tractor from) and they all want $4,000.00 (pin on bucket) to $4,500.00 (quick attach) for the LA525. This is before tax. Now they will go 24 months interest free financing. I went a little high on the tractor because of the condition. Was wondering if there were any options to getting a new loader for less? I have an extensive collection of tools and would be able to install it my self. However dealers were not crazy about me buying to install my self. I am just out of Baton Rouge, La. so any place or dealer in the south would be an option to drive and pickup. Would not mind a used loader. Should I just bite the bullet and go with the local dealer?

 

[teg]

There are plenty of other choices, but not sure if they are cheaper. I've seen Bush Hog (Quicke F Series), Woods, Koyker and Westendorf...

 

[RollingsFarms]

The Kubota loader seems pretty fairly priced in my opinion and is built to perform the best with your tractor. Also it would be covered under Kubota warranty and insurance.

 

[Defender]

Thanks, did want to stay with Kubota. I do like a clean install. Just wondering if there was any way to get a break on the price. All things considered not really that bad. I think there were previous models of FELs (the LA524) that would go with this tractor. Not getting the FEL was the drawback on this deal, you almost always get a better deal on a new tractor if you buy the attachments at the same time.

 

[RollingsFarms]

The good thing about a loader is you always get your money back out of it. Even the extra $500 for the skid steer set up.

 

[varmint]

I would also recommend going with the Kubota loader... My L3400, which was used by its first owner primarily for pulling a rear mower, got a Kubota loader just before he sold it. He installed it himself, and decided to install SSQA shortly afterwards, which must have been a PITA, considering he could have ordered it with the loader to begin with, but so be it. He seems to have done a nice job with everything. The money for the SSQA will seem reasonable, once you start using it. You might want to check pricing with some out of state Kubota dealers that ship- Messicks in PA, and Barlows in KY come to mind. If folks can be happy buying tractors from them, out of state, a loader should be possible as well. Surely there are dealers closer to you that would be worth checking with, as well. PA might be pushing it!

 

[Defender]

Yes, freight may cancel the savings if they ship. Going to call Barlows tomorrow. Was thinking of driving to a dealer in Miss. or Alabama. That's not too bad of a road trip. Kinda hate to not support our local dealers, but top dollar plus 9% tax here gets expensive.

 

[varmint]

9% sales tax?!! Seems wrong that a state with one of lowest average income levels would decide a sales tax was the way to raise funds, rather than an income tax on those that have it... I would try to avoid that out of principal. Good luck.

 

[Defender]

Have decided to go local and buy the loader from the Kubota dealer in Gonzales, LA.

Yes we have sales tax, property tax, and income tax. In some areas sales tax is up to over 10%. Most of us feel we aren't getting our money's worth. That was a big part of my buying used. Sure I could get the new model (with loader) with all the latest emission add-ons & computer and do my part to combat global warming. Then pay about $2,000.00 tax on it to the state to support their programs. Now, they will give you 0% at 60 months to pay for it and that's a great incentive. But I saved at least $8,500.00 from the cost of a new one by purchasing this one with the implements that came with it. For me it was the best way to go.

 

[yamatitan]

Good guys I bought my tractor from them.

 

[LD1]

Used is about the only way I think you are gonna get cheaper.

Too bad you are far away. There is a nice looking woods loader with curved arms for sale on my local craigs list for $2500.

Dont know if saving a few grand is worth if for you to travel this far or try to have it delivered?
Woods loader LC102 for kubota L3400/2800 tractor

I have no affiliation with the seller. Just happend to see it this morning then I saw this thread.

 

[Defender]

Thanks, been off the web for a couple of days. That would work fine, but what a road trip it would be, never been to Ohio. I never see deals like that on our local craigs list. May call to check it out.

 

[junkyardwarrior]

Yes we have sales tax, property tax, and income tax. In some areas sales tax is up to over 10%.

I'm just north of your border but south of Missouri (misery?). Same tax deal here. Local town....they add 2% for "prepared foods", so on top of 9% you get that. And if you decide to have a beer, they tax that differently too. All said & done if you choose an alcoholic drink with your burger & fries, you pay almost 14% in taxes alone.

The LA525 is a much better design that some of the aftermarket stuff. It is a true quick release. I can have one one off in about 30 seconds but I've done it before. That is a really nice deal (the quick attach loader) especially if you have to work on anything where the loader might be in the way.

You did the right thing by getting the loader on your older tractor. Not that the 3301/3901 are bad tractors, but they are still new. When the time comes on those to have the DPF replaced (and it's outside the 5 year emission warranty)....it's not so pleasant, saying it nicely. And they WILL have to be removed/cleaned and or replaced at some point in their life. There are a few things I like about them, but there are more things I like about the L3200/L3800, enough so to keep me from buying a new one...for now. I don't own a tractor, wish I did though. A B series would be fine with me, like a 2400 or something. But without a loader, any compact tractor is absolutely useless, IMO.

 

[kubotacres]

I was in your same situation except I bought my Tractor new without a loader. My thread is listed below. Long story short I bought Kubota brand and glad I did. BTW I'm a couple hr's north and i can check prices up here if your interested in a drive. http://http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/293894-adding-fel-my-l3200-opinions.html

 

[varmint]

Hey, kubotacres- just read your link to the choice of your after-the-fact loader... FWIW, the Kubota loaders are made right here in the ol US of A, in Georgia, I believe. At least the two I have had were.

 

[k0ua]

Some dealers also put Ansung loaders (Korean) on those machines instead of the Kubota loader, and while I believe them to be good loaders, if not maybe even a little stronger than the Kubota, loader, one consideration though is that if/when you trade the machine, that will be a point of contention and will keep some bidders from buying, or low balling your offer. With the Kubota loader that is not an issue. Also as pointed out improvements have been made on the loaders in this Standard L line. To sum it up, I think you made a good choice.

 

[Fallon]

Whatever you do, get the SSQA one instead of pin on, its so useful to be able to swap from bucket to pallet forks to my converted truck plow on about 60 seconds start to finish.

Some people have mentioned stronger loaders. That may all fine & dandy, but it won't make your front axle any stronger. Bump up the lift much over Kubota stock, even with proper ballast & you'll be wearing out or breaking you front axle quick.

Personally I'm happy I got the stock Kubota loader with my L3200.

 

[Defender]

Thanks for all the input! The sales person at Ascension Equipment here (Gary, a member of this forum) has been very helpful too. I like to keep everything on a tractor the same manufacture. Does make for a cleaner install. Haven't taken it over there yet as haven't had the time. Going to run about $4,800.00 including tax with the quick attach. Wondered if I could pick it up and install it my self and save a couple of dollars. But apparently they are installing it for free. I called around to other dealers, all were well over $5,000.00 OTD (out the door). After this is finished want to add a BH77 backhoe later.

Junkyardwarrior, I think you are dead on. Maintenance on the tier4 with DPF has the potential for being expensive. Can't believe they had to go mess with the diesel engines.