M4500DT aftermarket loader options ?

[westcliffe01]

Hi

I recently bought a new to me M4500DT in fairly good condition.



It is not equipped with a loader and I would very much like to add one. I did some google searching and the one that I found which would apparently fit is from Westendorf model TA-26. The problem is that the price is apparently $7600.... Given that I paid $8000 for the tractor with a few implements, nearly the same amount for a loader seems a bit outrageous.

Are there any options I am overlooking ? The front end on these tractors seems really strong, so I want a good loader, preferably with a quick attach so I can share implements with my loader backhoe.

 

[KennyV]

The tA-26 is a GREAT loader, easy twice the strength as the Kubota loader. It is worth every bit of that 7600 if that includes the subframe and installed.

 

[westcliffe01]

Kenny, if you can afford that, all the power to you. I just have to wonder how something like 400-800lb of steel got to be worth that much... Not long ago you could get a brand new car for that much. It looks like I am going to have to break out the plasma cutter and welder... Woods has a loader with the quick attach front end that is the same as the Bobcat loader, if I can buy one of those interfaces, I could make the rest to suit.

 

[rbargeron]

Googling M4500 images shows a variety of different loaders have been used on them. Back in those years many tractors were imported bare and paired with US-made loaders. Some were branded Kubota, some not. The M4500 needs a loader frame big enough to reach over and beyond the large front wheels. The good news is there are lots of used Kubota loaders for sale. Westendorfs too. Something needing hydraulic work or brackets should be better starting point than scratch. Good luck and happy hunting!

 

[Farmer495]

Most cheap loaders aren't going to fit a FWA tractor, or you won't find mounts for said loader for your tractor.

Hate to say it, but likely cheaper to sell and then buy a tractor with loader unless you get lucky!

 

[lostcreekranch]

Check Koyker and Bush Hog loaders.

 

[newbury]

Most cheap loaders aren't going to fit a FWA tractor, or you won't find mounts for said loader for your tractor.

Hate to say it, but likely cheaper to sell and then buy a tractor with loader unless you get lucky!

Have to agree. /edit - with

cheaper to sell and then buy a tractor with loader

From the past:

What faults if any did the M4500DT have? Anything in particular to look for or ask about when examining this model? Any guess as to a fair price for a 4500DT with about 1800 hrs. and a QT loader? I think the guy is asking around $11.5 for it right now. Thanks.

That was $11.5K in 2008 WITH loader. I paid $11.5K for my M4700 w/FEL (and bucket), canopy and two rear remotes in January 2013.


Yours would be a great tractor for someone that bushhogs roads and fields and does not need a loader.

/edit -
Tractor data lists your m4500 as 4x4 MFWD 4WD (M4500DT), NOT Front Wheel Assist

 

[Farmer495]

FWA, 4x4, MFWD etc are pretty well interchangeable terms, mainly marketing lingo.

HFWA (Hydraulic Front Wheel Assist) was a Deere "no one ever copied us" idea that didn't last long.
"4 wheel drive" (4x4) tends to be reserved for large articulated tractors (that are always putting power to all wheels)
The remainder on "normal" tractors are adding powered front axle to supplement the large rear tires, hence "assist" term.
IH used to call their FWA tractors "All wheel drive"

Kubota's term for "4x4" is DT which is "Dual Traction"

Locally, everyone calls any tractor that powers all 4 wheels a "4 wheel drive"

Agree OP's tractor is perfect for field work.

 

[varmint]

Ansung also makes loaders, but I don't know if they have one specific for the M4500DT? FWIW, they are likely much more than 800 lbs of steel. Still, if you are handy with the plasma and welder, you may well be able to rig something that works well for half the money. Lots of potential problems, though, which means lots of time.

 

[JWR]

How many hours on that M4500 ? It was probably among the biggest Kubota being sold in the US back in the 78-85 period. I really have not seen a 6cyl Kubota by the way and it seems like a strong beast on paper anyway. That said, unless it is in really exceptional shape and low hours for it's age there is no way I would put $7600 in a loader for it. Gotta agree with Farmer495 and others that probably selling it and going back out for something with a loader on it is the most economical & effective solution. If you find one in a similar HP range with a loader in similar condition for something like Newbury did in the $12 or $13K range you are better off than putting $7600 in this loader. You also have somewhat unknown hurdles before the TA-26 is finally working. However, I know some of us might like to tinker and ... what I did in a similar case was to find a very good price on a right-sized "new but sitting on the lot 2 years" loader. Then I located an Amish welding shop willing to adapt the loader to the tractor. I'm sure I had awfully good luck BUT the welding shop did outstanding work, the result was a great loader matched with the tractor and I have never had one minutes trouble with it. It cost me less total (installed) than the new Kubota branded loader was by itself. Problem before this was (on an older 1980's Kubota with std trans) the loader sent by the Kubota warehouse in TX was impossible to mount on the tractor according to the dealer who went to great lengths trying. He gave up, returned it to the warehouse and fought Kubota over shipment costs. Apparently the loader would have been OK with an HST but not with my std trans model. In my case the tractor was Kubota and the loader was a Case. This in east central PA. Yes, I did some hauling to and from but it was well worth it.