Negotiating front end loaders ???

[schiker]

I am looking at a 60ish hp tractor JD, NH, and Kubota. Kubota has skid steer type attachment already JD,NH do not iirc.

One NH dealer I have visited likes to sell Bushhog brand loader instead of NH brand on thier tractors because they are cheaper and I assume because they are skid steer attachment compatiable. But I think financing is a bit different. 2nd NH dealer says skid steer attachment adapter is $300 more for NH loader. I have not asked the JD dealer specifically about this.

My question has anyone successfully negotiated for an aftermarket loader with skid steer attachment cheaper than tractor mfg loader equipment. Because it seems to me dealers order the tractor with mid mount valves mostly from factory and attach loaders at dealer anyway. /????

I think if I put enough money down to cover loader cost it will be a cheaper option. And since I am considering a good brand loader (Bushhog probably) I'll have an equivalent to mfg tractor with much more versatility for loader buckets and attachments.

And/or just how hard is it to install an aftermarket loader if I order the tractor with Midmount valve / joystick and quick connects from the factory installed.

Saving $1000 appeals to me and I can do some work myself if its just bolt up.

 

[gamble77]

Not sure which system NH uses, but I personnaly think that the standard JD setup is much easier to use than the skid steer type attachment. Now if you already have skid steer attachments then that is the obvious way to go. I doubt you will find someone to quote you cheaper for a skid steer attachment loader if that is not "standard" configuration.

 

[Kendall69]

Essentially, your “paying” for the loader with the deposit, so it would not effect the tractor financing etc, as it’s a separate sale.

A dealer should not have a heart burn if the are a dealer for the bush hog, and even if they are not, and you get it via the internet and have it shipped to the dealer, the dealer will get the tractor sale and make money on the install of the loader. Unless the dealer plays hardball, which I don’t see happening, your being fair enough to him, and giving him money after all.

Personally I wouldn’t have a loader without the skid steer attachment, why I waited so long to do mine I will NEVER know.

On my new tractor I will START with the skid steer attachment and work backwards from there.

 

[BarryinMN]

Not sure on your specific tractor, but mine had several substitutions including a different (longer) oil tube & dipstick.

Another consideration for DIY is the loader is ~2K lbs. you will need lifting & positioning abilities to mount it.

Most of the rest is positioning & bolt up some allen bolts are over 300 ft lbs torque.

Try & acquire the loader installation manual - you may not be saving anywhere near the $1K in initial cost differential. There may be cut & grind fitup, generic loader frame may hang low to fit, but also reduce ground clearance.

I think the new JD QT is euro style: to change attachments throw the spring loaded lever before getting on the tractor, curl the arms & drop the attachment go pick up the new attachment curl back & the pins spring lock in place.

SS requires getting back off the tractor to lock down the pins on the second attachment.

 

[schiker]

I can't see the JD, NH, or any other bucket attachment being any real significant advantage in ease. The more I look into it and read ....the skid steer attachment looks PLENTY simple and the availibility of buckets and accessories FAR FAR FAR outweighs any and all brand loyalty for me. Why standardize the 3 pt hitch and not option the front similarly. For this size tractor...Today (and for the last several years) seems a brand mfg quick connect seems to not making any sense to me other than proprietary greed!!!

 

[gamble77]

I suggest actually trying them...I have broke three skid steer "locks" since I have been selling tractors, the only thing to "break" on the JD system are $0.50 clip pins...again, just my opinion.

 

[schiker]

Yeah I thought about moving the big hunks of steel after I posted. Probably a little beyond me w/o having another tractor with front end loader or hoist. A second tractor I don't think would be a problem. If my old tractor wasn't so ratty I might try it with my boom pole. NOT knowing any better I would think bushhog would be bolt up and no real clearance issues requiring grinding or fitment? The dipstick is a good point. Thanks.

Going to have to shop the front end loader a little more.

 

[Z-Michigan]

I suggest actually trying them...I have broke three skid steer "locks" since I have been selling tractors, the only thing to "break" on the JD system are $0.50 clip pins...again, just my opinion.

The JD system on the 400 and 500 series loaders couldn't be easier to use, and it's included in the base price (no add-on unless you require the alternative skid-steer system). The JD system is simpler and more secure than the universal skid steer. Go read on the Kubota forums about problems with buckets coming off because the locking arms didn't throw quite far enough. Imagine a full bucket coming off on one side and not the other - very bad for your loader arms (as one owner of an M95S attested to).

IMHO the only downside to the JD system is that only JD uses it. However, many aftermarket attachment makers can make you a FEL attachment setup for JD type attachment for the same price as universal skid steer.

 

[schiker]

I will look into it but for me I don't see breaking either system for this size equipment (in an apples to apples quality attachment and normal usage). Being able to find a deal on grapple, root bucket, etc would pay for some inconvienance in bucket hook up.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Go read on the Kubota forums about problems with buckets coming off because the locking arms didn't throw quite far enough..

That issue was fixed with a simple shim kit. it can happen with all universal mount plates though, especialy if you get dirt between the loader and attachment. The universal mount is far from perfect, but 95% of loaders and implements support it. Its pretty tough to come by Euro implements. Its like buying a non-standard 3pt hitch... ?! We do sell a few Euro loaders, but I don't think I'd want one for myself.

Back to your real question though on saving money with aftermarket loader. You often can, but is usually just a few hundred $$, not a dramatic difference. Really, I see more people replacing New Holland loaders with more expensive ALO products because they are stronger.