MM-6800 Loader?Which one

[Anonymous Poster]

I am probably going to get a front end loader for my 6800.The dealer can put on a Kubota or Bushhog brand.Bushhog is several hundred dollars cheaper and dealer says it is the better one.All I want it for is to load large (1200-1500) round bales.Any thoughts?

 

[Thomasre]

I'm unfamilar with the Bush Hog Loader, someone else can be more helpful on that brand. But I thought I would share my limited experience. You probably will do more with loader than load large (1200-1500) round bales. I find way more uses for loader than I ever thought when I purchased the tractor. My point is, get a loader with quick attach capabilities so you will be able to switch attachments quickly (I ended up wanting more attachments for loader). I debated a long time about quick attach - for my uses, I change between pallet forks and bucket couple of times on days that I'm using tractor. I'm soooo glad for the quick attach, in the end, I think I'm safer because I don't try to use the bucket for something better designed for forks etc. (which I might not do if it took 20+ min to change). My wife now wonders, how we got along without the tractor. I have Kubota loader with an aftermarket quick attach system (Uni-Hitch - works great), but, I should have purchased quick attach system with initial tractor purchase and I would have saved a few $$.

 

[Bird]

Saltyhorse, I think you'll be happy with either loader. I like Bush Hog products, their customer service, etc., but front end loaders, I'm partial to staying with the factory matched loaders. Of course, being painted to match looks better, but that's a minor point to me. I guess my main reason is that if I have a problem (and that's probably unlikely), I don't want a tractor manufacturer telling me it's the loader and the loader manufacturer telling me it the tractor. I'd rather just deal with one manufacturer. I think Wen has the Kubota loader on his M6800 so maybe he'll ring with an opinion.

Bird

 

[W5FL]

Do you have 2000 year or earlier M6800. The loader is different. The Kubota loader is better, hands down. Bush Hog bought out two other brands of loaders and the one that I had (Great Bend) uses a Universal Loader and justs adapts the brackets to fit the tractor. The Kubota loader is tied from side to side and is particulary nice on the LA1002 for the 2000 models requiring no tools to remove. When Kubota installs the loader you get a nice set of controls and mid mount quick attach valves to plug them in. The hoses are routed well and the Kubota bucket is a really nice 6 ft bucket. The quick attach bracket for the bucket is not included with the loader but only necessary if you use a hay spear with it or just want to remove the bucket easily or use a set of (expensive) forks.

The great bend control leves were poorly designed and everytime you got on a slope, they would swing around and hit you in the arm. Glad to not have it anymore. I have found no fault with the Kubota loader. It is worth the few dollars difference many times over. The grill guard with the Kubota is also very well made.

 

[W5FL]

Be sure to check around a little. There was over $600 difference in dealers when my dad bought his loader. Many Kubota dealers first price is list price plus a four hours installation, but you can do better than that.

 

[lschultz]

I have a M6800SD I bought on 4-22-00 with Bush Hog 2446QT loader.I just finshed my 50 hr service on it.Dealer said this loader was stronger than factory,cost several hundred $$$ less too,same color as tractor except 6' bucket is black.No problems with either yet.Loader does everything I need.No complaints.Will put engine on Amsoit at 100 hr.Everything else is already on Amsoil.Just my opinion.

Larry Schultz