Loader What can you do with a loader?

[dustinfox]

Hi people... Back again with more newbie questions... I'm still pondering my first tractor purchase. When I started my research, I assumed a loader was just that (i.e to scoop and load) and if I needed to do anything else I would need an array of implements. However, I am starting to find out that a loader bucket is a much more versatile tool. What kind of things can I realistically do with a loader besides the obvious?

For example: Stumping? Clearing? Removing stones? Leveling small ridges? I have a 400' gravel driveway that I am pretty sure will need the attention of a box blade or grader blade. But I also need to do things like remove stones and stumps, level the ground (to expand the yard and create a small pasture), and move fill from "hilly" areas to low areas. My land is mostly soft wood (pine, spruce, etc) with thick mossy ground. Most of it is probably 8 - 10 inches of mossy loam with a sandy clay beneath. In fact, the eastern side was a sand pit many years ago. Thoughts? Will I be disappointed if I buy a tractor expecting to do any of this without a backhoe or some other tool?

Much appreciated!

 

[MarkV]

I don't think you will be disappointed. Most of what you mention a loader will do. Naturally it depends on the size of the tractor/loader vs. the size of the stone. The one project you mention that can be disappointing is removing stumps. A loader most likely will not pull up to a stump, of any size, and pop it out.

Good luck with your search.

MarkV

 

[Western]

I don't think you will be disappointed. Most of what you mention a loader will do. Naturally it depends on the size of the tractor/loader vs. the size of the stone. The one project you mention that can be disappointing is removing stumps. A loader most likely will not pull up to a stump, of any size, and pop it out.

Good luck with your search.

MarkV

X's 2 and to add, It's like having a high dollar wheel barrow some days, extra set of hands on others. The uses and convenience are numerous, I have even used mine to move and raise heavy furniture up to the back deck, (strapped on of course). But it's not a bulldozer, so always know you and your tractors limits so "stuff" doesn't get broken

 

[Chuck K.]

You may want to check out this thread..

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/209308-what-strange-things-have-you.html

 

[rd_macgregor]

Chuck K. beat me to it. That thread will show you some of the versatility of the loader...basically, if you need to lift it, the FEL might just save your back!

If you are going to work in the woods, the loader will make sharp turns a bit dicier, but will make your work go a lot better (but be warned that you'll then want a grapple!). Also, the loader bucket is (often, though not always) a great help if/when you get your tractor stuck.

The biggest drawback to the loader (and the tractor and implements in general) is that I now see lots of jobs that can be done that, before tractor, I could just write off as undoable...my wife keeps expanding the honey-do list and I've lost one of my best excuses!

BOB

 

[nybirdman]

Add a tooth-bar to your bucket edge for better digging and two or three hooks welded (or bolted) to the top edge of the bucket.Can't imagine a tractor without a FEL.That an good box-bladed,you can move a lot of dirt.

 

[ovrszd]

The list of things a loader can do is only equaled by the number of dollar bills it takes to buy one!!!

A very expensive tractor attachment but clearly the most used.

When I built my new shop I stood in the bucket while running all the electrical conduit in the 12' ceiling.

 

[Combustix]

I made a 4x8 platform to strap to my bucket and hung the soffit for my garage and then used it to paint it. Like ovsd you can get to high places.

 

[flusher]

I use the FEL on my tractors for stuff like this

 

[Mark Page]

Getting large game out of the woods is a perfect use. Drag them out to the trail and then haul 'em to the barn.