Front-End Loader Anyone tried after-market loaders?

[froggy]

I agree with "edv". Where are you gong to take it to be fixed if something happens to it or the tractor? Doubt that a Deere dealer would have anything to do with a non-Deere loader. If tractor is still under warranty, I think you would have problems getting the tractor fixed if the problem was a result of the non-Deere loader.

 

[HammerFour]

I imagine your Deere dealer will work on anything you bring him as long as you are paying for it....aftermarket, other brand, whatever.

The service side of the dealership wants to make a profit just like sales, etc.....

I have a SMC loader on my Kubota, it works great.

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

Where are you gong to take it to be fixed if something happens to it or the tractor? Doubt that a Deere dealer would have anything to do with a non-Deere loader.

Most large dealerships (that I have seen)carry more than one brand of equipment. I can think of three dealers whithin close proximity to me that sell and maintain Bush Hog. I have gone to A John Deere dealer, a Massey Dealer and a Kubota dealer who carry them. I got mine with Cub Cadet yellow. You can get them in green for sure. I know of two people who HAVE WORN out the mounting points on their Deeres.

 

[froggy]

I agree if you are paying for the repair, but if it a warranty issue on something they didn't sell, no way will he get satisfaction.

I gathered that he would buy his loader from someone else besides his Deere dealer.

 

[Ghuqu]

I'm out of the warranty period so I don't have to worry.

I've been shopping today and could not belive the prices I got.

JD 430 FEL, 61" bucket pallet forks dealer install: $3900, $4100, $4500, $4800 (4 dealers in my area)

GB 260/ BH M246 FEL, 60" bucket pallet forks dealer install: $4500. Called the manufacture and BH and GB are the same loader, just different decals.

Woods 1012 FEL, 60" bucket pallet forks dealer install: $5049

I thought the OEM loader would be twice the price not more than $500 cheaper. What gives? I'm about ready to give up on the FEL and look at a single bale wagon ($1200 w/ hydraulics) or a small heavy utility trailer.

 

[ThistleKop]

Get the best deal that works for you and buy it. You will never regret your decision. I would be in a real pickle if I had to choose between my fel or brush hog.

TK

 

[froggy]

IMO this pricing is typical when you do not purchase a FEl with your tracor in the first place as a package. The dealers seem less willing to give you a break on pricing at a later date unless you have bought a lot from them in the past.

 

[froggy]

You may want to look at this website for John Deere loaders and pricing:
http://www.midlawns.com/compactImplements/ComLoaders.htm

 

[CMunger]

The M246 Bush Hog is a new style Mid-Mount Loader, the 430 JD is a conventional style. The mid-mount has the long sub-frame that runs along the lenth of the tractor frame, which actually strenthens the tractor, and does not have a frame that wraps around the nose of the tractor obstructing engine access. To compare apples you need to price a BH QT loader to get a price comparison. The mid mount is much better, and will spec much better, and at 4500.00 is a better buy.
Chuck M.

 

[lacamo]

I have a MF 275 with an after-market FEL. No complaints regarding operation, however, the frame totally blocks access to the engine -- I can't even reach the drain cock to change the coolant. What a pain! Had to replace the alternator and needed a special wrench just to get in there. Next tractor will have a factory installed FEL -- unless I can find a cheap skidsteer which is what I really want.