Tractor choice for loader work

CurlyDave · Dec 7, 2009

Loading the rear tires, while a good idea in preventing forward tipping, does not unload the front tires when using the FEL. Only a counterweight behind the rears does this.

If you can afford it, a backhoe on a subframe is an excellent counterweight and increases the usefulness of the tractor. While a ballast box is very good, you can get a lot more bang for your buck with a home-made cast concrete counterweight. Check the forums here to see what others have done in this area.

ehchvac · Dec 10, 2009

It all depends on your needs and expectations.
I have had 3 kubotas and they all lack lift compared to my bobcats, but bobcats will whip your lawn into stir-fry in a heart beat.
That being said, my brothers backhoe loader puts the bobcats to shame, as far as lifting goes.
it all depends,...

Samandothers · Dec 11, 2009

The loader and backhoe are a great combo. The backhoe is a great counter weight for the loader, especially when there is a grapple on the loader with a mouth full of brush or logs.
When I started looking I first looked at L3400 but decided to look into the Grand L and the L3240. Price was a bit more but thought the L4240 was worth the difference to get the larger loader and the additional hp for the HST.
The Auto throttle, backhoe loader/grapple are fantastic. When I bush hog in some of my fields there are trees near the edge that I can get between and some I back in between. The HST is not only great for loader work but is very handy with the bush hog and the back and forth motion near the edge of the woods. I can keep a hand on the steering and one on the rear lift lever and not need to change gears.
Lookin forward to pictures.

daveinnh · Dec 12, 2009

I have a Kubota L4310 HST. A Fasse valve was added to use a W.R. Long grapple. I believe Kubota now offers an integrated grapple circuit as an option, that I'd definitely would order in a new tractor.

We have a Salsco chipper with hydraulic feed that needs 1 rear circuit. If you live in snow country and plan to snowblow, maybe consider the mid-mount PTO for a front blower. And cab of course.

Also, I had Quik-Tach added to the loader and a receiving bracket welded on the bucket. The grapple and pallet forks are easy to switch on and off. Kubota offers a similar option - not sure if theirs is skid-steer implement compatible.

mike69440 · Dec 17, 2009

I'm surprised no one motioned a TLB like the L39, 45, 59 or JD 110 with a fixed loader frame.
HST is great for loader work without a lot of travel. If yor roading or doing field work, I like the GST.

Nothing wrong with an L4240 if that is the size tractor you want without going industrial.
Stay away from the L3400 L4400 if you want a strong loader, and heavier machine for the overall size.

yekrut · Dec 21, 2009

Kinda agree with Mike. Jmaine - sounds like you have same needs as I did a few years back. I went with an L39. I have managed to bang it up a time or two but always operator stupidity. The frame is incredibly strong for the size of the machine. It's very versitile. If you strictly want a tractor then it's probably out as an option as you can't remove the loader frame. If you want a lot of versitility with an integrated frame then I'd look at the models Mike mentioned above.

jdbnh · Dec 21, 2009

for loader work i woudl not consider a kubota, all of the ones i have been on have slow hydraulics and the up and down response time and the bucket dump is slow. i would check out new holland, they seem to have the best hydraulics compared to anyone and they have qucik attach loaders and buckets, very easy and simple.

bill in ny · Dec 21, 2009

for loader work i would not consider a new holland. their hay equipment is good though.

art · Dec 21, 2009

jdbnh said:
for loader work i woudl not consider a kubota, all of the ones i have been on have slow hydraulics and the up and down response time and the bucket dump is slow. i would check out new holland, they seem to have the best hydraulics compared to anyone and they have qucik attach loaders and buckets, very easy and simple.

When people make claims like this they are often not comparing like vintage or comparable equipment! I sell the NH under Case as well as the Kubota's and the Cadet's compacts and we do comparables all the time!
We see manufacturers that often compare in their testing old models of the competition to tell how well their new models do or better yet, they don't use comparable models!!!!!