Front End Loader

[hector]

Can anyone shed some light on the options I have on a FEL for my B7500HSD.My books list Kubota models LA272 and LA302,any idea on going prices for these? Also, is there an aftermarket loader that will fit my tractor that is of equal or better quality than the Kubota brand?

 

[gerard]

All prices I've seen all center around the $2700-3200 range but that was for 5 foot loaders probably a little bigger than you're looking at. The OEM equipment is well made and not expensive enough to justify getting aftermarket equipment, at least not that I've seen.

 

[Bird]

I agree with Gerard; I'd much prefer an OEM loader myself. The one I got on my B2710 a year ago was $2,900 (LA401 with 54" bucket).

Bird

 

[PaulB]

My LA301, which is last years model of the current 302, was $3,000. The 272 is this years model of the 271 which was meant for the B7300, and is similar but with a 10 percent or so lower lift capacity, and a little less speed. Unless you are sure you need one, I wonder if a rear scoop and a 3 point carryall wouldn't do most of what a loader does, for a lot less $. My loader sits in the garage 90% of the time, but then again when I do need it, there is nothing else that would be a suitable alternative.

 

[Mike H]

Something to consider when purchasing non-OEM equipment like a loader is that the fit is more likely to be a concern. With something attached to the 3 pt, you know the interface will be common because it's an industry standard. Not so with a loader. Furthermore, the OEM has a vested interest in not making the engineering details necessary to guarantee interchangeability public information. The fit is going to involve physical (dimensional), hydraulic (pressure, flow), and what I'll call functional (lift capacity relative to the tractors c.g., etc.). The OEM loader designer is going to have all the details in all these areas. The aftermarket supplier is going to get them from something other than the OEM's engineering drawings. Does this means Woods can't design a good loader, absolutely not. But it does mean, some caution is adviseable. I'm sure there are folks here with stories of loaders, mowers, plows, etc. that didn't quite meet expectations.

 

[W5FL]

PaulB,

I have never found any reason to take the loader off of my tractor for the past 7 years. It is useful almost on a daily basis. Yesterday it was a sky hook and ground post for stretching a fence after carrying a 300# roll of 5 ft fence about 1/2 mile in the bucket. Can't do that with a carry all or scoop.

My dad finally got a loader after many years and believes that is the best attachment on his tractor. He also uses it daily and has never been off of the tractor. Since a hay spear, forks, or a bucket can be used, they are very useful for many things and have the very distinct advantage of reach and height over 3 point equivalents. Hard to find a more versitile attachment for a homestead or farm or ranch in my opinion.

 

[PaulB]

All true of course Wen, you will get no argument from me. All I was saying is that if, even temporarily, $$$ is a big issue, I might buy a FEL after I had some other implements. In my case, my tractor retails for about $9,000, and the FEL was $3,000, so my FEL cost 33% of the total cost of my tractor. If I had to, I would forgo the FEL and spend $3000 on 3 point implements. Best of both worlds of course is to do both/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif