Trying to decide on a loader

k5blazerboy · Oct 23, 2012

Well I've had my JD 4300 for about 10 years now, and mostly just use it to mow with. I've been dragging my feet trying to decide on buying a bigger machine, and have just decided to keep the 4300. It's got 2100 hours on it, and I just feel comfortable knowing everything about it, rather than buying a used one that I know nothing about. So I've decided that rather than buy another machine, I would be really happy with the 4300 if it just had a loader on it. I have tried to price a John Deere loader at the local dealership and was told they could no longer get the hydraulic kit that was needed for my machine. The power beyond kit I believe. (If any one knows otherwise, please explain). My machine only has one set of remotes out the back, and no other hydraulics. My question is twofold; I have priced a Bush Hog, Westendorf, and Koyker loader to put on. All three are comparable in capacity, but I would like to know of any opinions/experience of the brands. The Westendorf and Bush Hog are almost a $1000.00 more than the Koyker, but sometimes you get what you pay for, and I would hate to spend $4400.00 on a loader that I hated, when I could have spent $5300.00 on one that I love. Also I would like to know if anyone can tell me what to look for, to make sure I have I can hook these to my tractor. I have told all three companys the specifics of my tractor, and they all say that it is no problem that I currently don't have hydraulics on it. I have priced all three loaders cash and carry, so I'm concerned with getting all the required parts, since I will be installing myself. I'm confident in my skills to put it on, but unsure what to double check. If I check the websites of all three, the manuals show all the hydraulics that are attached to the loader, but don't show how the hydraulics are attached to the tractor. Thanks in advance for any help. Edit Post Reply Reply With Quote
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Charolais · Oct 24, 2012

I've owned 2 loaders and ran tractors with loaders helping neighbors. They were Bush Hog, John Deere, Long, Farmtrac ,Quicke and Allied. I use them filling spreaders with chicken litter and wood ash. So I ran them for days and some weeks. When I starting looking for a new loader for my Deutz Fahr I took my time and read, visited dealers lots and looked and visited other farmers in my area to see what they had. It looked like Quicke was going to be the one till I found from 2 dealers that every Quicke they had installed the mounting plates holes were off on every loader on different tractors. So I searched some more. I decided on Stoll. Quicke makes a very nice loader but the redrilling or slotting the hole deal made me stop there. The Stoll is right there with Quicke and didn't have to modify any part of the loader to get it bolted to the Deutz. It came with 3rd function mounted at the cross tube and the cross tube is lower in the arms than other loaders I've use so it's easier to see what you're doing from the cab. I have used several different quick attach types and I'll have to brag on the Euro quick attach. It's the simplest, fastest, strongest system I've seen to date. I pull one handle and lock it over a catch, set the bucket down and back away, pull up to the forks, raise and lift the forks, tilt back and it latches itself when tilted all the way back. It can be fitted with a small hydraulic cylinder and change attachments and never leave the seat.

The folks at Stoll were very helpful answering questions I had before purchase. After I bought the loader I called and asked about the color code as I needed to touch up a couple of places that the paint got scratched up while installing. They had no problem giving me the color code. You might want to check Stoll out. It's the best loader I've ever used and they back the product and have answers for questions.

tmc_31 · Oct 25, 2012

About 12 years ago I had my dealer install a new Koyker loader on my Ford 2000. I was very happy with the price and the loader. I built a set of pallet forks for it and lifted some pretty heavy loads.

Tim

Camdigger · Oct 26, 2012

Hmmm. loader wish list:
1.) quick detach. That is the provision to easily hang the loader on a stand a be able to drive away with just the mounts and maybe the towers left on the tractor.
2.) attachment quick 'tach
3.) in your situation with limited on board controls, I'd opt for a loader package that included a joystick valve
4.) grapple fork I ran loaders for years without one. Using a grapple made the loader almost as handy as a pocket on a shirt.

Running a loader off your existing hydraulics can be done. Sometimes as simply as installing quickcouplers on the loader to match your existing outlets and tarp strapping the valve open. Works fine for open center systems, but may not work if your JD is closed center.

Camdigger · Oct 26, 2012

According to tractor data TractorData.com John Deere 4300 tractor information the 4300 hydraulic system is open center.

Another option might be to contact a tractor wrecker. A JD wrecker may have a power beyond adaptor from a parted out unit.