3130 Quick Attach Bucket

[Teabagger]

Hello, new user here. I just wanted to start by saying this is a great forum and I have found a lot of useful information from very helpful people. My brother and I have a medium sized landscaping company here in New Jersey. We have decided to upgrade from a 1987 Kubota L2250 to a brand new 3130 with 723 FEL and BH90. The only thing we cannot decide on is the quick attach bucket. It looks like a great idea for using different attachments such as forks and a plow pusher box. My question is how much does it take away from lifting capacity and break out force, and how far it it pushes the bucket away from the arms by adding this bracket. Any help would be appreciated. Thank You.

 

[Secretec]

Teabagger,

I have a L3130 DT with the QA. I really like it. The weight doesn't seem to affect the lifting power of the loader. I also have the heavy duty bucket and the bolt on cutting edge. Allot of weight out there in the steel alone, but I have lifted full buckets of dirt with no problems. I'm glad I have the QA setup. It is nice to drop that bucket when it's not needed like when brush hogging for example. Wish I had some other attachments for the front, but they will come with time. Good luck with your decision.

 

[RedAg02]

I don't think you can go wrong with the Skid Steer QA option. It's better to buy it up front because if you decide you want it later you'll have to buy a new bucket also. I would also recommend R4 industrial tractors. The L3130 w/LA723 is a great tractor with lots of power but the standard AG tires are too narrow for the loads that the LA723 is capable of. Especially in the landscaping business where you'll probably be turning a lot. The R4's should wear better too. Hope this helps.

 

[_RaT_]

The QA will indeed drop the loaders lift and curl ability as it pushes the bucket over 6" forward. I find the loader lift is decent but the curl a little weak. I came from a L48 and this may explain some of my reason for saying this. If you really think you will be adding forks etc., I would definitely get the QA. If you think there's only a remote chance, you could add it later and still save your bucket by welding on a QA bracket. My dealer does not recommend the QA if your attaching a 4N1 simply because the bucket is already so heavy and the QA diminishes the lift capacity further. The good thing is that the LA 723 is about the best loader when compared to the competition. It's incredible ease of removing is second to none. I remove/replace mine routinely. 30 seconds off about 2 minutes on. I would rather unload the loader then have it on if it's not needed. This was one of my main reasons for dropping down from the L48. I read about R4's vs R1's. I don't know if that was asked but the R1's will easily handle any loads this loader throws at them. I have R4's but that also had to do with my soil and the thicker more puncture resistance the stock R4's offer over the stock R1's. The L3130 looks like a great tractor. I have not tried the shuttle or DT but would think given the smaller engine that the DT would be a great option. I prefer HST and one reason I went with the slightly more HP L3830. Other then that, they are very similar. I cannot say enough great things about the L30 series. If your opting for the HST, the cruise control can actually be used as a hand control instead of the pedal. It allows for differential braking. Great tractors, great loader!

 

[CTyler]

I don't have that loader but have a Woods 1016, 72" bucket with QA. It lifts VERY FULL heaping buckets of damp, wet or muddy dirt, road gravel, 3/4", 1 1/2", 3" rock, no problem. Well almost no problem anyway, the box blade is hardly enough weight when I really fill the bucket. When digging the curl pops up anything I ask it too.

 

[_RaT_]

Teabagger, I think your getting some good advice. There are some sharp L30 series owners here. The QA certainly offers a great deal of versatility to your tractor and I am very much in favor of that. If you think you will use it, or are even unsure, I'd opt for it. Rat...

 

[Dave___in___CT]

HI...


The 4 Kubota dealers I priced the L3130 at all recommend the QA feature on the 723 loader... ~$380...

R1 vs. R4 tires... if I recall correctly...
...the R4's have a much wider footprint... better weight dispersion...
...increase the overall rear width by about 1 foot... better stability on inclines...
cost several hundred more though...


Dave...

 

[_RaT_]

The one area where I find the R4's less effective is in traction. If I'm sideways on a hill I slide down the hill much easier. It's a tradeoff and I opted for the R4's for the very reasons you mention. They are tougher and resist punctures better too. Your correct from my experience too, most dealers do price in the QA, I think it's a great addition for those who may or do swap loader implements.

 

[5030]

Teabagger:

I hope it's Lipton and not sleepytyme!!!

I have about the same setup as RaT, except I have the largest, 5030 with the cab. I have the LA 853 loader with the QA option. I agree, it's a good option. I don't notice any lack of curl ability but the breakout is a little weak. One thing about the QA is you might have to file off the corners of Bobcat attachments to allow the locking pins to fully seat. I have a set of IR-bobcat forks that I had to modify just slightly to all the pins to drop all the way down.
RaT is right on about the mount and dis-mount of the loaders. Kubota did away with the front mount as they had on previous years. 30 seconds, 2 pins and four couplers and you are free with no loader. The reverse attachment takes about 2 minutes, just like RaT says except for one thing. It's very important to dis-mount the loader on a level surface, preferrably concrete. Because it's just a 2 point mount, if the loader isn't exactly in the same plane as the uprights on the re-mount, the mounting pins will not fit. That can be a royal pain in the A**.

 

[Haz]

I have the L3430 HSTcab and the LA723 with QA option and I find it excellent. I bought a Kasco snow plow to fit and it is on and off in 30 seconds. It is also nice to take off the FEL bucket when I am brush hogging.

Haz