NH 16LA FEL vs Great Bend FEL

[djfirelt]

I'm getting ready to purchase a new TC35A, and one of the dealers I am talking to is trying to sell me an 03 TC35 with a Great Bend FEL (said it is made by Bush-Hog) The guy said that the lift capacities are the same and the aftermarket has a taller lift height. I just wanted to get some imput before I drive 3 hours to look at the thing.

New 2004 TC35A w/ 16LA(pin on bucket) $17,900

New 2003 TC35 w/ Great bend ( QA bucket + flex link ends)
$16,900

any advice would be great.

Thank You
David J

 

[KENSFM]

I would go with the factory NH 16LA FEL. Will probably work better, increase resale value, and is better built. Somehow a loader named "Great Bend" does not sit right with me.
Just my opinion,
Ken /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[raynman]

djfireIt,

Is the GB FEL NH Blue? It may look out of place if it's not /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

I think I would stay with the NH FEL! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[DocHeb]

If it doesn't have that same smooth curve of the hood, and that proud blue color - how could you even consider it? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Lift height just means it gets higher and more leverage to tip you over.

 

[PineRidge]

David if you have ever taken a NH FEL off or remounted it on the tractor you wouln't trade it for the world. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[AndyMA]

You may want to take a look at this Bush Hog Press Release. Bush Hog Great Bend

Andy

 

[djfirelt]

The dealership has pictures of the tractor and loader on their web site. It is blue and appers to match the color pretty good, but it does not have the curved lift arms that the 16LA has. It looks more like the 7308 FEL on the TC30. I'm also not sure about the location of the loader control. I'm not sure if it is on the fender like with the NH FEL or on the loader frame.

For someone who moves about six round bales a year (5'x6' and around 1000#) and would have no other reason to take the bucket off, is the QA bucket worth the extra $350-$450 dollars or would the clamp on bale spears work OK for moving just a few bales???

Thanks again for the input

David J

 

[thcri]

If I remember right "Mosey" got that loader and after he had was very dissapointed. Do a search for 246 Bushhog or something like that. My personal opinion is to stay with factory products. If there is any problems you have one company to go to and not two companies blaming the other. Just my opinion and am willing to pay extra for Factory.


murph

 

[grainger12002]

David J-You might try a tc35 on one or two of the round bales,make sure it acts the way you want it too. I found it very light in the rear end and akward to handle with the 16LA-just some advice. If you have access to some bales,try it first.Good luck and be safe-lloyd

 

[tootallal]

I think you got a really great price. I just bought the 35DA (new body style) with a 16 bucket. Unit equipped with hydro and turf tires. $20,100. Delivery is April 3rd. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif