Garden Tractor Loader

[Anonymous Poster]

Thanks for all the info. I'd really like to get a bigger machine, BX2200, TC21, or a JD425. But they're all on the expensive side for me. Can't justify spending 14 grand for a lawn mower with a loader. I've had my eyes open for used ones, but the BX and Boomers are too new (and too good) to find on the re-sale market.
Wish me luck,
DougR

 

[Roy]

DougR; It is a tough decision - what you really need, and are willing to pay for. If all you really need is to cut the grass, then stick with an L&G. If you really need more capability (tiller, loader, box blade, etc), then look for used Ag units. You may be able to pick up some older 2WD or 4WD unit, gear driven, with a loader, for the same price as a L&G (high hours). Bottom line, determine what you really need, and what you really desire. If it's a FEL you yearn for, then the L&G will not stay around long. You'll won't be happy with it. If you really only want to cut the yard, and was only looking at the loader as a for-fun implement, then go with the L&G. Good luck in your decision.

 

[Thomas]

Roy,
I understand what you are saying and I to have my doubts,for some reason those type of loader mounts on a light frame seems to cost $$$ in the long run,/w3tcompact/icons/frown.gifbut than again thats where common since comes in./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Take care and stay /w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif

Thomas..NH

 

[scruffy]

Wen,
Can't say if Kubota produced any pics of the 2wheel drive L175 with a loader, but mine has one, and it does ok, haven't tried lifting the Empire state building with it, but until I get it up to the Oregon property, its strictly for 'play' (no keyboard)! Of course 4x4 would be nice, but
I don't need all that much capability.

 

[W5FL]

Yeah, I used a loader for 5 or 6 years on my 2WD Massey. It worked ok, but severely overloaded the front tires and front end of that tractor resulting in a failure of the front casting. I continually got in a problem with the bucket full and I could not get enough traction to back out if it was slightly uphill or get enough traction to fill the bucket at times. It is a compromise and about a $3000 one at that. There are many 2WD loaders used every day to do useful work, but no one that worked by the hour would do it as you could make the $3000 back in a few months in increased productivity.

If 2WD cost more than 4WD, then no one would buy it as it has no advantage except initial price, but marketing would tout it as a wonderful feature for tractors primarily used for mowing. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif