Woods vs Kubota FEL

[theboman]

I have a Woods 1006 FEL on my B7500. Over the weekend seen 3 B7500s on trailers (all brand new) in North Carolina and all with Kubota FELs and just from looking the Woods FEL is built a whole lot better and stronger. My dealer told me the Woods was the better loader and at a lower cost.

Bluegrass, Pick It Up!

 

[GlueGuy]

Got specs? We can compare.

The GlueGuy

 

[theboman]

On the Woods 1006
Maximum lift height: 84 inches
Digging depth: 3 inches
Reach at maximum height: 23 inches
Lift capacity: 630 lbs
Maximum dump angle: 45°
Attachment roll back angle: 23°
Breakaway capacity 950 lbs
Pressure tested: 1,500 PSI
Lift cylinder diameter: 1-1/2 inches
Bucket cylinder diameter: 1-1/2 inches
Approximate weight: 1,460 lbs
Tractor horsepower: 11 — 20
Tractor drive: 2 & 4 wheel
Bucket (optional): general purpose
Bucket sizes: 48 or 54 inch
Bucket struck capacity: 48 inch = 6.0 cubic feet
Bucket struck capacity: 54 inch = 6.8 cubic feet
It does not say how thick the buckets are but the Woods look bigger.

Bluegrass, Pick It Up!

 

[GlueGuy]

Bo,

I plugged your info and the Kubota LA302 info into a spreadsheet (see attachment).

Seems that both loaders are similar in many ways with a few notable exceptions: Woods loader is heavier (I think, because it's not clear that the LA302 weight includes the subframe, but even so, it would have to be real heavy). Kubota operates at higher pressure. Woods can lift higher. Kubota has higher lift capacity.

There are several things that are empty that we would have to guess on.

The GlueGuy

 

[theboman]

The Woods 1006 and the Kubota 302 have nearly the same specs. But the 1006 costs less than the 272 loader. I still believe the Woods buckets are a lot heavier than the Botas, and the construction beefer, but I didn't have a tape measure.

Bluegrass, Pick It Up!

 

[GlueGuy]

Bo,

I agree. The one major claim to fame for the 'bota FEL is the speed of operation. Both loaders have the same size hydraulics, but the 'bota operates at higher pressure and is lighter. This has to be what makes the difference in speed.

The GlueGuy

 

[Wingnut]

I thought I would stay out of this ... but the continuance of responses forces me to rethink.
FYI ... when I bought my L3710, the dealer noted that I could save $500 by opting for the Woods 1009 rather than the Kubota FEL. He stated, categorically, that there was no difference (other - I pointed out on his lot - than the fact the Kubota had a guard on it). I specifically asked about the controls ... since I had test driven an L3410 for a day and loved that joystick. Again ... he was adamant that there was no difference ... so ... looking at the two FELS ... I thought ... $500! So I went with the Woods. It's a good FEL ... BUT ... I've regretted since day 30, the choice. The joystick operation is NOT the same ... you cannot lift and curl at the same time. Also ... I need to but a replacement lens for the front lights ... which the 'bota guard may have prevented.
My advice ... go Kubota!
For the record ... I have had zero problems with the Woods .. woks fine, handles ok. Just the joystick operation that annoys me because I know it could be better.

too bad that common sense ain't

 

[r0GuE]

Also: just a thought as I don't know for sure.
If the woods IS heavier, wouldnt that mean that the tractor would be able to lift LESS product? Seems like too integral an implement to go with an aftermarket. Of course my perspective is on a BX so the B may be different.

Rogue

 

[BBearden]

I went with the Woods 1016 on my L3710. It's specs were better than the kubota. (If memory serves!) I have been happy with it. It came with the quick detach bucket (bobcat style). The bucket also seemed sturdier. I ran a circuit up fron to run a grapple. I felt I received more FEL for the money with the Woods. Even though, I think you can't wrong with either one. Good luck.

 

[theboman]

It's the Ford vs Chevy thang all over again. Ah, GMC fella here but maybe not after getting a $500+ fuel pump (thank goodness for extended warranties).

Bluegrass, Pick It Up!