Loader Vs, Big Dirt Scoop?

[Nuru]

Just got a look at this website, http://www.westendorfmfg.com/

This firm makes small 3 Pt. Dirt Scoops that are 48" and 60". They also have some hydraulic versions. What do you guys think? For $800, for a 60" dirt scoop, might not be so bad. They also do good loaders too, quick release and less than JD.

 

[JohnMiller3]

<font color=blue>...What do you guys think? For $800, for a 60" dirt scoop, might not be so bad...</font color=blue>

So... you're trading your 4100 tractor in for a larger model to use this...? /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[TresCrows]

A 30 inch is the largest practical size for a 4100 size machine. I would be careful with after market loaders, they may not be compatible witha MMM and also doubt they perform equal to the JD unit, could be wrong, but not likely.
J

 

[Nuru]

Actually, one of the JD dealers is using it on his 4100 (non-hydraulic - not pictured on the website), and he says it wokrs pretty well. I am still looking hard at rhe 410 loader, but this scoop intrigued me, as long as you keep the weight down below 700 pounds, I think it may work our pretty well for moving light weight matterial like mulch and small loads of rocks - will save the shoveling?

 

[Nuru]

Tres, yes I am still looking hard at the 410 loader. Also a 36 inch scoop will work well too on a normally aspirated 4100, but since my 4100 is , ..etc. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif.

Now if I had a BX2200, well yes I agree that a 24" scoop is the largest size practical for that machine (I am sorry, I could not help having an opportunity to poke a little fun /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif at a very capable tractor's High Priest!)

Tres, I am looking to see if the 48" scoop from this company is practical for my 4100. I think the 60" maybe a little too big, but that 48" might be just enough. They also have a away of making it like a dumping forklift, but how that works remains to be seen. I will talk wit them on Monday.

 

[jyoutz]

Nuru, I have a 36" scoop that I use on my 4100. Works great and I think that I could use a 48" scoop. Its certainly better than a shovel and wheel barrow. BUT, I would advise against getting too much money into a scoop. Because you know that you will eventually buy a loader. They are SO HANDY AND VERSATILE compared to a scoop. I would advise that you forget about aftermarket loaders if you want to use your mid mount mower. You see, the 410 loader is the only one compatable with the mower linkage. I almost bought a Great Bend loader until I discovered that the subframe would have to be dismounted with tools and the mower subframe reinstalled every time I wanted to change from loader to mower. The 410 is so sweet and handy and is perfected matched to the tractor. By the way, I still ocassionally use the scoop when I'm moving lots of loose material and I want to double my capacity over just using the loader.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Dirt Scoop
24" Dirt scoop-- $145
30" Dirt scoop-- $159

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HoyeTractor@aol.com
Or call us at (940)-636-3910

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[Mike_S]

Nuru--I used a rear dirt scoop on my Kubota B8200HST which is close in capability to your JD4100 and I also used it on my JD955 and it was a lot better than a wheelbarrow. I moved a lot of materials with it, but ignorance was bliss and I was a lot younger then and staying turned around in the tractor seat didn't seem to bother my body much then. Having used a JD FEL on two 4400HSTs, I can tell you that there is no comparison in using a rear scoop vs. a FEL. As I look back at owning a Yanmar, two Kubotas and three Deeres, and primarily using all except the 4400's as lawnmowers, I realize that having a FEL IS a reason to own a tractor whereas I could have probably mowed faster and easier with a Grasshopper, for example. People in my area (south of Kansas City) are STILL cleaning up after that last ice storm and I saw a person yesterday using a JD445 with a FEL picking up limbs and moving them and dumping them onto a pile. A couple of weeks ago I removed the bucket and added the forks, placed a pallet on them and helped my neighbors move their limbs onto burn piles. The FEL is way more versatile than the rear scoop--been there and done that! Good luck in your choice. Mike S.

 

[Nuru]

John, Actually I have seen this website, the 30" scoop is a very nice price, but If I get a scoop at all it will be larger. And if I get a 48" or 60" scoop with hydro lift, the 410 loader is out of the picture.

 

[Nuru]

Jyoutz, thanks for the input. I do not plan to mow with a loader on the front. I do currently have chores that can use a scoop or a loader. I am not picking up debris at this time , but you never know. One thing is that the loader is $2500+ (I definitely have to get a MMM, so ...etc), and that is over my budget for this year's purchases, and the scoops vary from ~$160 to $800 (hydro-lift), so they are well within the budget. BTW, you are saying that the 36" scoop has more capacity than the loader? Are you using a 60" bucket?