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[mikeharold]

Why a 4 in 1 and a loader bucket? The loader bucket bigger? I've done a lot of skid steer operating with a 4 in 1 and I think once you have it on and learn how to properly use it you will find the loader bucket sits, unless I'm missing something. The 4 in 1 is far superior, at least in my mind, as it will load, grade, scrape, grab, etc...You can also grab logs with it. I would go with the forks myself just to have another useful tool. Maybe that's just me though.

 

[The Deerslayer]

I would definitely go with the bucket. There are many variations and opinions on where to weld the hooks and you can find numerous threads here. I would suggest welding two hooks aligned with the loader arms, if you have one added to the center it would be a bonus. You may be able to see the hooks on my tractor in this pic.

Forks would be helpful, but you can do a lot more with a bucket. As already noted, you can always pick up a set of forks to bolt on and remove when you do not need them.

 

[goldbill]

Thanks to all for your input on the L3901H. Final order this week. Hope for delivery next month.

 

[goldbill]

The Deerslayer, what type of setting do you use your tractor in and what do you do with it there.
goldbill.

 

[The Deerslayer]

The Deerslayer, what type of setting do you use your tractor in and what do you do with it there.
goldbill.

We have about 38 acres that is mostly wooded with some pasture for our horses. Primary uses are snow removal (800 foot gravel driveway plus a few neighbors I like to help out), brush hogging the fields and keeping the woods edge back, maintaining the driveway, moving manure, firewood processing and brush removal/chipping as we heat with wood, and clearing additional pasture. Wow....now that I listed some of the items and they do not include any "special projects" that come up, I guess I really was justified in getting a new tractor!!:laughing:

 

[goldbill]

We have about 38 acres that is mostly wooded with some pasture for our horses. Primary uses are snow removal (800 foot gravel driveway plus a few neighbors I like to help out), brush hogging the fields and keeping the woods edge back, maintaining the driveway, moving manure, firewood processing and brush removal/chipping as we heat with wood, and clearing additional pasture. Wow....now that I listed some of the items and they do not include any "special projects" that come up, I guess I really was justified in getting a new tractor!!:laughing:

Thanks for the info.

 

[goldbill]

Well it finally arrived over the weekend, 2014, 155 hrs. L3901 with 4 in one bucket and a mower.
Questions: do I have to have counter wt. to lift a 500 lb. log? or, when do I need a counter wt.?
- and what is an easy to use counter wt.? The tractor came with water ballast in the tires.

 

[aeblank]

Well it finally arrived over the weekend, 2014, 155 hrs. L3901 with 4 in one bucket and a mower.
Questions: do I have to have counter wt. to lift a 500 lb. log? or, when do I need a counter wt.?
- and what is an easy to use counter wt.? The tractor came with water ballast in the tires.

For 500lb, probably not. That said, a counterweight is "always" good. I'm going to use a steel barrel with concrete. Search the forums, there are as many counterweight types as there are people who make them.

I have a quick hitch, and will make the counterweight QH compatible. So the on/off should be a minute or two.

 

[aeblank]

Oh yeah, where are the pictures?
Without them, I'm not so sure it really happened...........:laughing:

 

[goldbill]

View attachment 442425

Oh yeah, where are the pictures?
Without them, I'm not so sure it really happened...........:laughing:

I was soooo excited I forgot to include the pic. We had already removed the rotary mower and stored it in the garage for next year.

 

[The Deerslayer]

Well it finally arrived over the weekend, 2014, 155 hrs. L3901 with 4 in one bucket and a mower.
Questions: do I have to have counter wt. to lift a 500 lb. log? or, when do I need a counter wt.?
- and what is an easy to use counter wt.? The tractor came with water ballast in the tires.

Congratulations!!! :cool2:I suspect you will be very pleased with yours;I know I am with mine. Is it safe to say that you actually have something in addition to the ballast in the tires besides water?

 

[goldbill]

Nothing but water at the moment, the dealer mentioned some add saline, depending on the winter temps. Our winters are mild, rarely below mid 20 f, I wondered if covering them with insulated blanket would suffice?
Oh ya, it has the hydrostatic gears.

 

[goldbill]

Deerslayer, what do you use for ballast?

 

[The Deerslayer]

Deerslayer, what do you use for ballast?

Rim Guard, which is essentially beet juice and is actually heavier than water. Pull up their website for more info. You may want to consider adding something vs going with blankets. I would be concerned about freezing as you noted mid 20's. But then again if your dealer and those locally have had no issues due to historical temps in you area, maybe you would be ok.....I would err on the side of caution with your new baby.

 

[gwstang]

My tractor also came with water in the rears. It doesn't get very cold down here in Central Alabama very often. Maybe down to 32F-25F in the winter for a short time. I think I will just add a couple of gallons of the RV type antifreeze to each tire, maybe that will do unless it gets way below the above temp. range. The RV stuff is supposed to be non-corrosive and safe for pets if it gets out somehow. The RV stuff is available at walmart etc.

 

[Toolguy]

Don't count on RV antifreeze to be safe for pets. It will kill grass. I found that out one spring when I started my boat on the hose in the driveway after being winterized with it. A few days later a section of grass where the water ran off the cement started to turn yellow. I would not want my pets to drink that stuff. It may be less toxic than normal antifreeze but it is not safe to drink.

 

[varmint]

Doesn't seem like there is any perfect liquid for tire loading... beet juice seems best, but it ain't cheap. DO NOT USE calcium chloride... you will regret it if you own the tractor for any length of time.