Front-End Loader Kubota LA403 Loader--Will it fit a Mahindra 3015 tractor? Need some help.

[npalen]

Looking for a FEL to fit my Mahindra 3015 (30 HP) and got a price of $4300 from a Mahindra dealer.

That's "probably not going to happen anytime soon" so looking at alternatives and one of them is adapting a much less expensive Kubota LA403 to the Mahindra. I'm capable of design and fab of special adapter brackets but needing some help in the form of a few pics of the standard subframe mounting on a Kubota B3030 as well as the same on a Mahindra 3015.

Do most of the newer tractors tie the loader subframe to the rear axle housings or do they rely on the strength of the tractor chassis and just mount the subframe to the oem holes in the side of the chassis and then run support from there up to the front end of the tractor. Would be easier to not have to tie clear back to the axle housings but don't want to break my tractor in half either.

Probably would have to blast the LA403 and repaint Mahindra red as part of the project otherwise the orange and red might clash a bit.

Any help, ideas, suggestions etc appreciated. Oh, and pictures also.

 

[ovrszd]

Your tractor should have unused threaded holes in the housing for an FEL mount? Not sure if that tractor uses a subframe or not, even if it does it still has to fasten to the tractor housing just behind the engine. Those holes will provide your pattern to build a bracket.

I'd be most worried about the FEL arms in regards to their width? A trip to a Kubota dealer would give you this information. Maybe a trip to a Mahindra dealer for your tractor information? Is there an online source for Mahindra parts? This would provide parts diagrams that will show you how your tractor's FEL is mounted?

Good luck with this project. Will be following your progress!!!

 

[npalen]

Yes, the 3015 has a four hole pattern on each side to mount the right and left "towers". I'm sure the towers need to be tied to each other with a cross member under the tractor's belly along with the horizontal "rail" on each side extending to the grill area and connected across the front.

Will plan to check out some Deere and Mahindra loaders in the area.

 

[ovrszd]

Not knowing Mahindra, I can't say for sure. My Kubota has no such framework. Just a tower on each side.

Can't imagine you'd be lucky enough that a Mahindra tower would fit a Kubota FEL.

 

[npalen]

I'm sure that the towers would require modification going from one brand of tractor to another.
The mounting hole pattern on each side of the Mahindra look to be fairly beefy with four 12mm tapped holes on 125mm centers.
It looks like many of the loaders, at least on the compact tractors, mount only to these side patterns and no where else. I'm not sure of this, however, and need to do some more investigation.
It's asking a lot of folks to go out and take pictures of their loader mounting in this kind of weather.
I see that the Mahindra 3015 weighs in at about 2500 lbs whereas the Kubota B9200, which is very similar in terms of envelope size, weighs in at 1700 lbs.
I suspect that the main reason for this is in the heaver chassis front to rear.

 

[art]

When you pay less often you will find that you get less! I'd be looking for a loader that was meant to be on a 2,500 lb tractor not a 1700 lb! Do you know where it is best to mount the loader to assure you won't be breaking your tractor in half?

 

[Farmer495]

What is the Kubota price?

I am guess the Mahindra price is everything installed. You'd have to

Some brands price their loaders arms cheap, but they you have to add mounts, hydraulics, bucket etc to get something usable.

 

[npalen]

The best price I've seen on the Kubota is $2800: Used Kubota LA43 Front End Loaders for Sale | Machinery Pete

Yes, I would rather go with the made-to-fit Mahindra ML110 loader for sure but not wanting to put $4300 into it. Probably should find out if that includes installation, however. I have found a diagram of this loader where it shows arms going to the front of the tractor where they appear to mount to the weight bracket.

I would feel confident mounting the LA403 on the Mahindra and would need to modify the Kubota brackets to do so. Would need to add a valve which would probably run less than $500. Having a fun retirement project is actually a plus for me so no labor cost needed.

All things considered, including have to blast and repaint from orange to red probably indicates the standard Mahindra loader as the more feasible alternative. You guys are very convincing.

Edit: I must admit that the Chinese loaders are enticing considering they are available with self-leveling and four-in-one bucket.
China Tractor 14 with Front End Loader Tz-12D with 4-in-1 Bucket, Forklift - China Front End Loader, Bulldozers

 

[Farmer495]

$2800 + $500 = $3300 + paint + misc hardware & supplies = $3600(?)

For $700 more I'd go with the guaranteed fit and matching loader.

Can you guy one China loader or do you have to buy a container of them? Price is right if that includes bucket etc. I would guess ocean freight would negate some savings.