Which FEL to get?

[Eric5444]

Now that I have my "new" 1610D I'm contemplating getting a front end loader to go with it and was wondering which would be best. Any interest in starting a discussion on this subject?

Which brand would be best? What size for a 1610D (I'm assuming a 4' bucket)? Should one definitely get some sort of subcarriage? Where can one get them cheapest?

I'd appreciate your help.

By the way, I do recall some previous conversation on this topic but found but couldn't find it in the new group location.

Eric

 

[Darrell2]

Eric,
I've got a Koyker 110 on ky 2310D that I've put about 5 hours on so far. Not a lot of time but it's working out well. Seems to perform very well and craftsmanship is good. Grease zerts in all the right places, good paint and decent welds. I didn't look at any others so I can't offer any comparisons. A 4' bucket seems to be standard issue in this size of tractor. Darrell

 

[crb478]

I dont think you will go wrong with any of the major brands, and the four foot bucket would be a good size for your tractor. You may want to ask the dealers if they have kits that fit your tractor, if not you may have to do some fabrication if you intend to install it yourself. If you live near the west coast there is someone who custom makes them at a very reasonable price. The price is in the 2500 dollar range installed in NC. Your does not have to have a separate subframe, and most of the loaders will only have a mid and front mounting system.
The loaders are all simular. I have a Honda brand loader on a 1720D. It was new and priced right since the tractors were discontinued, but I had to do a good bit of fabrication to make the subfram fit my tractor.

 

[Eric5444]

Darrell and CRB,

Thanks for your responses. I seem to keep hearing good things about Koykler loaders. Wonder if they differ much from Allied ones. And what about Bushog? Is there anything special to look for or any special features that are especially good to have?

I also wonder if there is a way to get Yanmar loaders, assuming that they might be as good as the tractors. Anyone know?

Eric

 

[caveman]

I have a 1610D with a bush hog FEL.Got it on a skid & installed it in about 3 to 4 hrs with help from my son inlaw. The hardest part was probably removing and reinstalling the driveshaft for the front axle.Have used it about 15 hrs,no problems yet & saved 200 Bucks by doing it myself.

caveman

 

[lens12]

I like the Kelley loaders over the Koyker. I'm a dealer for both. The Kelley loader bucket is better sized to the tractor. It isn't as deep. I sell half 4' & half 5' buckets. The Koyker requires cutting 2" out of the frame to mount the loader.

 

[jimstractors]

My supplier makes a custom loader beefier than any others I've seen or used. Cost is around $2500 installed, but he has a 3 week waiting list. We are near Victorville CA (Roy Rogers country). If interested, give me a call 661-433-1060.
Jim
Jim's Tractors

 

[gws]

I have a bush hog qt1846 on my ym1810, Been very happy with it.

 

[fenneran]

I have the same one (QT1846) on my YMG1800D. The only issue I've had with it is sometimes when I am going down a rough section of the field, the control arm shakes too much and starts to bounce on itself, so the bucket starts to jump around a little. But this is more due to my going to fast for the conditions then the control being poorly built.
Frank

 

[Eric5444]

Thanks for your advice. I was particularly interested in thecomment favoring Kelly over Koykler loaders, the reason being a better sized bucket. Is there much difference in price?

Jim's comment regarding his supplier of a particularly sturdy FEL was also interesting, though I wonder which brand it is (NUCO?). (I'll give you a call, Jim).

I'm also wondering if I put a FEL on my tractor will it add so much weight that I will have trouble getting up steep hills? I do some work in alower valley and have to go down a very steep hill to get down there. Traction is an issue coming back up, at least with my old 1300D (haven't tried the 1610D there yet). Would a FEL create problems?

Is there anything else I should know before taking the plunge? Thanks again for your help.

Eric