front loader advice needed for Kubota M6800

[HCJ]

I have a Kubota M6800 4WD and am considering a front end loader. My dealer recommends the Woods LU 126 or 132, but I also am considering the Kubota LA1002 or LA1162. My questions are what's the difference between the two Kubota Models? Is the lift capacity the main difference or are there other important features? I expect the Woods to be cheaper. Any preferences between the two brands? Would the controls be similar or would the Kubota be better integrated with the tractor? Also I have 5 suitcase weights mounted on the front. Will these interfere with the installation and have to be removed or will these loaders fit without their removal? Anyone have any experience with these FELs or opinions? What should I expect to pay for these installed? I will use it for general use around the hunting property. Thanks!

 

[GeneD14]

You normally remove the suitcase weights when using a front end loader because with a bucket load of heavy soil, gravel, sand, etc... you are overloading the front axle and can damage or break it. The weights sticking out front also prevent you from getting close enough to a truck or trailer to dump the bucket.

 

[slowzuki]

The LA 1002 doesn't have the 4 bar linkage so the dump angles aren't as good. Also it probably has a weaker curl.

Don't know a think about Woods. ALO/Quicke loaders are pretty much the only thing installed on Kubotas up here.

 

[GinNB]

I know what you're talking about Slowzuki. Got three with Quicke loaders and the dealer never even mentioned another option. I've never seen a Kubota without a Kubota-branded Quicke on it. I will say that I prefer the old Quicke loaders (got a 9000 with the 740 non-self-levelling loader on it) to the new M35/M45 ones. Visibility is better on the older ones, the quick-attach hookup visibility is much better, and the level indicator works without falling off/apart every 50-100 hours. Dealer tells me that the new ones are stronger, but my M45 also drops when it's supposed to hold its level.

 

[Redbug]

Hello HCJ,

Down this way, Woods GroundMovers are the most common. LU126. I would go on their website and compare specs with the other loaders. I believe the Woods has more lift capacity than the Kubota LA1162. The Woods' arms are curved more and from looking at them they seem to have the bucket closer to the tractor. That would also allow more lift since it is closer in than further out. I'm not positive on the prices, but believe the Woods and Kubota are priced pretty close.

 

[GinNB]

Redbug, a shorter loader (bucket closer to the tractor) means less lift height, not more, if all other things are equal and I understood your written intent properly. It'll allow more weight to be lifted without the rear wheels leaving the ground, but limit how far out from the tractor you can dump your load, especially with the load lifted into the air.

 

[Redbug]

Hi Gin,

I was thinking of lifting load. It never crossed my mind about having less lifting height...good point. But that could be a negative factor, especially if you want to load dump trucks, etc. I was focused only on weight being lifted.

 

[Orange Krush]

Gin,

I have one of setups you are considering. Redbug knows me and the stuff I've done with mine. I have a M6800HD and I went with the Woods LU126. I told the dealer I wanted "heavy duty" and he steered me to the Woods and he is a Kubota dealer as well. I have the WR Long 4-in-1 bucket on the front as well. I've never been unhappy with performance as I've done some clearing activities that probably should have been reserved for a dozer!

 

[SKOD29]

A similar question--does anyone know what the lift load capacity (in pounds) is for my Kubota M6800 with a LA1002 front end loader? Thanks.

 

[nc redneck]

I am no expert but when I bought my Kioti 45 from a true AG dealer he recommended Woods over Kioti loader my choice no price difference. I ended up with Woods loader and backhoe and have been very happy. My Sister bought a Kioti 45 new in 2011 on my recommendation and got the Kioti loader. After 4 weeks of use one of the main lift cylinders broke the weld and fell off. Dealer fixed it no charge. I do know as of last year at christmas visit the Kioti loader is twisted and grill guard is bent. I believe I have put my Woods loader through much more abuse than they have. I also believe that Kioti and Kubota both make a great product I own both today. Point being Woods may be a good choice.
Scott

 

[SKOD29]

Scott: Thanks for the input. Do you have any idea how much weight the Kubota bucket can lift without damage? Rick

 

[slowzuki]

The loader won't be damaged by weight, the relief valve stops it from lifting if too heavy. At the bucket it should lift about 2400 lbs based on Kubotas old naming scheme. You can look up the specifics of the LA1002 on websearchs of old kubota sales lit.

 

[SKOD29]

Great input--thanks very much!!

 

[KFhunter]

I have an M6800 / LA1002 and the curl is a little weaker than I think it should be, and I really dislike the pin on attachment method for the bucket...but for a few bucks you can get the Skid Steer Quick Attach conversion adaptor.

The lift is plenty I think. I can fill the bucket to overloading with crush rock and it doesn't seem to struggle with it. Moved a lot of dirt and stuff and it's been great.

 

[SKOD29]

thanks for your input--very helpful

 

[fcoats]

I have a M6800 with the LA1002 loader. Kubota did not make a SSQA for this loader. I would get a loader that has that type attachment. You will find many things to do with it, and the ability to buy used SSQA compatible attachments is a real plus. It has about a 2,500 pound listed lift at the pins for the LA1002. It seems to be OK for most things, but I was unable to unload a pallet of sod with it. You will need to get the real tires loaded to offset the loaded bucket weight and you may want to buy or build a counter weight. You will not need the front weights. The loader will block the regular lights so you will need cab or ROPS mounted work lights. A loader is the handiest thing you can have around. Hope you enjoy it! Filo

 

[SKOD29]

Thanks Filo--good idea.

 

[art]

We like Kubota loaders as they are designed by Kubota for there tractors. We also sell ALO although for selling new tractors it is easier on warrantee work if needed with matching brands. We have had tractor companies deny warrantee as some loaders can overload the front ends. Many times off make equipment offers larger discounts then the main manufactures to the dealers.

Here are a few things I've found or been informed of by our customers.

Kubota loader valves are a plus as they allow you to multi-functions with there valve like raise and rollback at the same time. Larger lifting capacities also reduce speed of the loader operations so times causing the operator to wait to get the load raised to dumping heights.
Your tractor is used so the choices are yours to make I wish you luck!

 

[SKOD29]

Thanks for your input--this is the first time I've used this TractorByNet and all of the responses have been very helpful, so now I'm a huge fan!!! Rick

 

[KFhunter]

I have a M6800 with the LA1002 loader. Kubota did not make a SSQA for this loader. I would get a loader that has that type attachment. You will find many things to do with it, and the ability to buy used SSQA compatible attachments is a real plus. It has about a 2,500 pound listed lift at the pins for the LA1002. It seems to be OK for most things, but I was unable to unload a pallet of sod with it. You will need to get the real tires loaded to offset the loaded bucket weight and you may want to buy or build a counter weight. You will not need the front weights. The loader will block the regular lights so you will need cab or ROPS mounted work lights. A loader is the handiest thing you can have around. Hope you enjoy it! Filo

Oh man I was really cursing the headlights a couple nights ago running a compactor around the field LOL



On a side note I was lifting supersacks of fertilizer, the were suppose to be 1 ton each and I could barely lift them on to the trailer or place in the back of the truck. It did it, but just barley!
I auctually had to cheat a little by using the bucket to curl and kind of walk my way up getting the sack higher and higher until I could get it in the truck.