NH 16LA FEL vs Great Bend FEL

[EarPlug]

I have a TC29D with a NH blue GB 240 Loader and I could not be happier with it. I has lifted everything I wanted to except for 900# round bales. I used a clamp on bale spear and due to the fact that the bale is so far out from the hinges it was all the loader coud do to lift it (but it did). I did need more rear balast to feel safe though.

I looked into converting to quick attach but the added weight adds up to just about the same problem as using the clamp on spear.

So now I just use the 3 point bale spear.

Jack

 

[Bob_Skurka]

A bit off your question, but I have a Kubota B2910 with a Great Bend back hoe. I have no complaints about the back hoe.

However, for a FEL, I have been spending a lot of time on my Kubota over the past week clearing out an industrial field of debris and it has the same style loader frame as a Great Bend. The combination of the big flat Kubota hood, and the straight loader arms really limits visibility forward of the machine. Extensive loader use on my Kubota really has made me appreciate the curved hood design on my NH TC24D. That curved hood really lets me see a lot, and I didn't realize how nice that was until I put extended time on the Kubota. IF you are doing a lot of loader work, for a $1000 difference, I might seriously consider the 16LA arms because the curve of the arms matches the curve of the hood and visibility would be greatly increased. However, if your loader work is not going to be extensive, then I'd probably save the money and take the Great Bend.

 

[djfirelt]

Here is any opportunity for all of those that told me to go wih the 16LA FEL to say I told you so!!!

After much debate I decide to go with the TC35 and Great Bend loader combination, thinking that a little decreased visibility was worth $1400.00. When I called the dealer back he told me the 03 TC35 was gone but he would sell me a 03 TC 40 with the GB loader for $17,500. I took the deal. This is where it gets fun. The tractor was to be ready on Monday afternoon. I arrived at the dealership around 4:00 and the salesman told me it would be 30 or 45 minutes. After 3 hours I went into the shop to see what was going on, and they were welding on the loader frame. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Well at 1:30am the loader was on, and now working(shipped with hydraulic lines crossed) after extensive modification and fabrication to the loader frame to make it fit, and yes it is the right loader for a TC40,(I called Bush Hog to make sure) I hit the road for the 3 1/2 hour drive home from North Carolina. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

Next day: New tractor finally home and I can't wait to try it out. Wrong... The clutch pedal hits the loader frame and does not completely disengage. That makes a terrible noise when shifting from Fwd to Rev.

Called the dealer and they suggested modifying the clutch pedal, I suggested getting rid of the GB FEL, and replacing it with the 16LA that I sould have put on it in the first place. They are trying to figure that out right now.

Moral of my story is this, When a group of people with a great deal knowledge on a particular subject give you some friendly advice - LISTEN!!! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

and, You get what you pay for. (should have listened to my father)

Thanks for listening, I will let you know what happens, but at least I do have a great tractor.

 

[Laminarman]

djfirelt

I wish I saw your post sooner. My NH deal will not sell Great Bend loaders anymore. My brother in law has one on his TC33, and it's not nearly as nice as the factory unit. Make them fix it, pay the difference in cost, and move on. I have a TC40DA with the 16LA and it's simply awesome. Get a toothbar with carbide teeth. If you do any destructive stuff it's worth everysinglepenny of the $450 or so.