Front loader essential?

[finnercy]

Hi
I just finished building a house, now I have a 1.5 acre area to transform into a garden, a garage to build, drive way to put in and drainage ditches to put in on a sloping site. I have big piles of dirt that need to be used to contour the place as well. I was thinking of getting a used older 30hp tractor , however I am struggling to find one with a front loader and seems to be difficult/expensive to add one after. Got me thinking maybe I could manage without the front loader and the following rear mounted implements would cover my requirements:
1. Backhoe for general digging
2. Rear dirt scoop/transport box for moving piles of dirt/stones
3. Rear forks - general lifting
4. Box scraper

Maybe a trailer as well.

So can I manage without a front loader?

 

[searcyfarms]

well of course you could but i would not recommend it ever, once you have a loader you will not know how you survived w/out one!!!

 

[MaineGuy1]

I don't know how I would get by without a loader, but after having one I have devised all kinds of ways to use it so I may be biased

 

[3Ts]

So can I manage without a front loader?

Yes, but - - They used to clear for buildings with an axe, pick, and shovel. (This was told to me when I asked if what I wanted was big enough)

I consider a front end loader (and 4 wheel drive) to be essential for a tractor. When I got my first loader, I wasn't sure it was worth the cost, but got it anyway. Years later, it has turned out to be so useful that I would not get a tractor (as a homeowner) without one. Commercial or serious Farming is different.

 

[big bubba]

agree with all above.
if you'e looking for an "older" tractor w/fel, highly recommend one hyd controlled rather than mechanical linkage. i've seen a lot of the ladder on older machines. no comparison to hydraulics. you'll thank yourself with as many projects you suggest
also....welcome to the forum, you came to the right place

 

[52wej]

A friend wisely told me years ago that a front loader on a compact tractor is the best wheel barrow you will ever find!. That and the rear forks will be more valuable than any of the other implements you have listed. If you do get rear forks, get a hydraulic top link for your tractor. It will save a lot of work adjusting your loads. A backhoe is nice, but from my experience, you will use the loader much more. W. Jones

 

[dodge man]

Kind of like deer hunting without ammo. Yeah in theory you could beat the deer to death with the rifle......,

I bought my first tractor 10 years ago mainly as a mower and a short time later added the FEL for a project. It turns out half the hours are FEL work for me. It will surprise you how handy it is.

 

[searcyfarms]

what kind of budget and what part of the country do you live in ?

 

[atsah]

The loader is so useful I would never buy a tractor without one. The versatility of the loader is tremendous..

 

[boomer1025]

For all the dirt work you are planing, I'd look for a TLB. Then once you get the dirt work, ditches done, sell it and get a tractor w/FEL for maintenance work, mowing and garden work. I'd find some one to work up the garden till you get a tractor.