Front-End Loader Most powerful third party fel brand?

[JDeereman]

General question that came up the other day that stumped me and got me thinking too hard so i though i'd ask it here: what third party north american made fel brand is generally considered the strongest (strongest boom, hardware, etc) and most powerful (greatest breakout, greatest lift, etc) for a given frame size in say the 40 to 75 hp tractor class range?

Theo

 

[akajun]

I know the Bush Hog 1487qt on my 1428 massey is very strong. I have tested it to its limits and was very impressed.

 

[firefighter9208]

I have a Bushhog M346 loader on my M4800 Kubota. I have abused it and it has come back for more. They are made in Selma Alabama. I actually chose it over the comparable Kubota loader. BTW, you can get them in green to match your tractor if it's a John Deere. Check the out @ Bush Hog&reg - Performance You Can Count On .

Chris

 

[JDeereman]

I guess most of us think of woods and bush hog right away in terms of third party brands. my friend had brought up the koyker brand but i'm not seeing any proof or specs where they are any stronger. the discussion wasn't about a loader for any particular tractor and really centered around the idea that one would have to build one for oneself if a really heavy duty loader was needed - meaning one markedly better than a new tractor manufacturer would typically offer.

Theo

 

[kennyd]

How big and heavy duty are you talking? You are still limited to what the tractor can handle. I am sure the big aftermarket company's like Woods, Bushhog, Koyker, and Westendorf all strive for the best specs as a selling point-but they can't risk tractor damage just to get highs specs.

 

[JDeereman]

How big and heavy duty are you talking? You are still limited to what the tractor can handle. I am sure the big aftermarket company's like Woods, Bushhog, Koyker, and Westendorf all strive for the best specs as a selling point-but they can't risk tractor damage just to get highs specs.

Completely true and no one smart would ever want to exceed the front axle carrying capability as that could be a costly mistake. on the other hand, my friends and i feel we are seeing a tendency by some tractor manufacturers to skimp on their loaders on newer models with an obvious eye toward lower cost and perhaps less strain on their machines to the detriment of the needs of buyers and users. of the four brands you mention, which do you feel provide the strongest products frame size for frame size?

Theo

 

[kennyd]

of the four brands you mention, which do you feel provide the strongest products frame size for frame size?

I have not looked at the specs for any of them...My loader is OEM and if I bought a new tractor it would be OEM also.

 

[JDeereman]

I have not looked at the specs for any of them...My loader is OEM and if I bought a new tractor it would be OEM also.

I should restate my last message to point less of a finger at the tractor manufacturers and more of a finger at some of the dealers ordering them. fact is that some of the strangest combinations i've seen personally were most likely mismatched at the dealer level.

Theo

 

[kennyd]

I should restate my last message to point less of a finger at the tractor manufacturers and more of a finger at some of the dealers ordering them. fact is that some of the strangest combinations i've seen personally were most likely mismatched at the dealer level.

Theo

I agree...I have seen a lot of new tractors with aftermarket loaders also I just wonder if it has to do with better specs from the dealers perspective and/or better profit margin?

 

[RickB]

I agree...I have seen a lot of new tractors with aftermarket loaders also I just wonder if it has to do with better specs from the dealers perspective and/or better profit margin?

The more typical reason is a less costly bottom line for the tractor/loader package. After all, the number one reason to buy/sell an aftermarket loader is price. Features and specs normally are distant second and thirds in whatever order. Aftermarket manufacturers have to price under the OEM's and if they can beat their specs, so much the better. If the package isn't price competitive, it doesn't matter how pretty it looks sitting on the dealer's lot.