FEL on 2WD L2800 and L4300?
- Thread starter sandbag3
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- kubota l4300
ddb123
Platinum Member
Yes, you can. I don't know about costs. I would guess at least a couple grand for an old used one. I used to have an L4300 with FEL and two wheel drive. Traction will be an issue even with good counterweight on the back. You can still do it, and it will be okay, but particularly if you have any hills, you'll always wish for four wheel drive. That's not a good enough reason NOT to put a loader on, but just wanted to mention my experience.
nybirdman
Super Member
You may want to look at a rear scoop,a lot cheaper than a FEL.
ddb123
Platinum Member
You might be able to get by with a 3pt scoop. Lots of people use those and are happy with them. Not the same as a FEL, but can still move a lot of material. If you do decide to get a FEL, I would let your other uses determine which tractor you put it on. If you need your bigger tractor for lots of pulling or mowing, put it on the smaller tractor. Or vice-versa. The compromise with a FEL on a tractor (especially 2wd) is maneuverability. So if you need to get your smaller tractor into tighter places, put it on your bigger tractor. Transmission might be a determining factor, too. If either of your tractors has a hydrostatic transmission, you would probably prefer that one to have the loader. If they both have the same tranny, then no difference.
You have two good tractors, so you're already pretty lucky!
You have two good tractors, so you're already pretty lucky!
LD1
Epic Contributor
Yea, let the uses dictate what tractor to put it on, but I would opt for the larger tractor.
As others mentioned,you are going to need to weight down the rear. Not just for safety, but to even use it at all. I have a 3400 with ag tires. In 2wd with no weight on the back, backing up even a incline spins the tires with NOTHING in the loader. And even just raising it to full height EMPTY is scary. The 3400 is a very light machine for its size.
If I had a 2wd machine, at the very LEAST I would want to load the tires AND put 1000lbs on the back. (a 55gallon barrel filled to about the 50 gallon mark is 1000#. Or a good medium-heavy duty 5' rotart cutter would work.
As others mentioned,you are going to need to weight down the rear. Not just for safety, but to even use it at all. I have a 3400 with ag tires. In 2wd with no weight on the back, backing up even a incline spins the tires with NOTHING in the loader. And even just raising it to full height EMPTY is scary. The 3400 is a very light machine for its size.
If I had a 2wd machine, at the very LEAST I would want to load the tires AND put 1000lbs on the back. (a 55gallon barrel filled to about the 50 gallon mark is 1000#. Or a good medium-heavy duty 5' rotart cutter would work.
SSdoxie
Elite Member
An FEL on 2wd is better than no FEL at all. I have a rear scoop, used it for a few years before getting tractor with FEL. It did the job (mostly) but was real pain to use. All your work, other than driving from point A to B is in reverse. Without good front counter-weight it gets kind of "fun" to steer sometimes. I still have my rear scoop. Packed full of clay it makes a great 800# counter-weight for FEL work.
You have 2 tractors to choose from, put FEL on the heavier one.
You have 2 tractors to choose from, put FEL on the heavier one.
ddb123
Platinum Member
SSdoxie
Elite Member
Thanks to all for the assistance. I have Taylor-Way disc harrer #377 to use as a counter weight but then the whole contraption would look like a train. Maybe I will just put on a 3 point hitch and attach a full 55 gallon drum as someone suggeted. It appears that the larger machine will get the FEL-now to determine the costs. I am almost afraid to ask the local dealer!!!