L-series loader questions

[turkish]

Long time reader, first time poster here.

I'm trying to gather info to help my dad with a new tractor purchase. He has recently priced the L3400 and L4400 (loader, 4wd, gear tranny). As far as guiding him on options, though, there is really one major issue that I'm still not understanding: QA Loaders.

For the L-series, talk me thru exactly what the QA feature is and how it's beneficial. Is it the entire loader assembly or just the bucket that is "quickly" attached/detached? Are a std version AND a QA version available thru Kubota? If so, what is the rough cost of the upgrade?

Also, what is the typical MSRP for the loader? Kubota's "build your tractor" feature is down right now, and we're trying to compare some quoted prices with MSRP. Thanks a ton, ahead of time.

 

[irwin]

Welcome to TBN turkish.

The QA system is installed with pins to the loader in place of the bucket, the QA style bucket (or grapple, rockrake, etc.) is then attached with the QA system.

I'll let other posters answer your other questions.

The second picture is from ATI " Tach-All " ATI Corporation - Tach-All(tm) Quick Attach

 

[turkish]

So it is the bucket that is quickly attached/detached, not the actual arms, etc.? Not all QA loaders/buckets are skid-steer compatible, though, correct?

 

[dex3361]

The loaders are quick detach as well. The skid steer quick detach is a bucket option(shown in previous post). By the way get the SSQD option it is worth it.

 

[medicshawn]

Think of it as 2 seperate systems. The loader arms on all new Kubota tractors quickly attaches/detaches. The buckets also are available with the Skid Steer Quick attach option. This allows you to remove and attach the bucket it 30 seconds or so. It also allows you to use skid steer buckets, forks bale spear etc. If you add hydraulics up front you can use some additional attchments such as grapples.

Definitely add it. Cheap option now. Not really a down side but lots of up side. Especially expensive if you decide to add it later.

 

[turkish]

Think of it as 2 seperate systems. The loader arms on all new Kubota tractors quickly attaches/detaches. The buckets also are available with the Skid Steer Quick attach option. This allows you to remove and attach the bucket it 30 seconds or so.

Ahh, this is the explanation I was looking for. Thanks.

So what does the QA bucket add as far as cost?

 

[big bubba]

this is a very convenient system. one snag I've run into is on aftermarket attachments other than the bucket be sure that the pin fully engages on both sides before using......on a brush claw I purchased their assembly jig must have been off a bit and I had to grind & reinforce the bracket to make a positive mate....just take a quick look every time you lock down each arm, after all it's just that angled pin that engages. all in all, you'll like it bb

 

[texasjohn]

This is for your dad.... so ease of use is, I assume, paramount.

With a QA, there are two levers that you have to pull or push to detach/attach the FEL implement. This takes as long as it takes to dismount from the seat, walk to one side, pull a lever, walk to the other side, pull that lever, get back into seat.

Strength required to pull/push the lever is less than just about any other thing you do when hooking up an implement... if pins are properly greased and implement is properly aligned, force required is easily accomplished by anyone who should be operating a piece of equipment... woman or man.

As others have indicated, there are numerous implements that will fit on the QA... bucket, hay spike, forks, long list.

If you now or ever anticipate having more than one front implement, I cannot recommend too highly the QA connection. Switching implements multiple times a day, as I do, is never intimidating or a concern... you simply just go do it... with some experience, a complete swap will take maybe 3 to 4 minutes and you are on your way again... no sweat!

The QA feature adds significant joy to the tractor operating experience...I would not have a FEL without the feature and numerous attachments to go with it.

Remember, a tractor is simply an engine... it is the attachments that make it useful

 

[Ace3]

Good information on the QA. If you are still pricing the tractor, I would suggest that you also look into the hydro transmission if you intend to do a lot of loader work.

 

[medicshawn]

On mine I don't know what the price difference was it was part of the loader price. Shouldn't really add much.

Another benefit nobody had talked about is the ability to remove the bucket. I do alot of mowing with my rear finish mower and have some obstacles to go around/near. I take my bucket off when mowing. Much easier to see when mowing easier to see and get around/near obstacles. I'm sure a little extra airflow to the radiator isn't bad either.