Front-End Loader OEM or aftermarket loaders?

[sqdqo]

Are you better off buying an OEM loader or aftermarket for a compact tractor? What brands if aftermarket?

 

[dex3361]

It depends on which tractor. There are several good aftermarket loaders. Woods, Koyker, Bush Hog and others. Compare specs: break out force, lift capacity, lifting height, dump angle and rollback angle. Most factory units are a good match for their tractor that you buy from them.

 

[sqdqo]

Do the loaders lift capacities have anything to do with the tractors size or ability?

 

[chumly2071]

Do the loaders lift capacities have anything to do with the tractors size or ability?

Definitely. Part of it is based on the axle loading limitations of the tractor, as well as ballasting and stability.

 

[dynasim]

I don't think that choice of oem or aftermarket has any effect on the usefullness of the loader. About the only real difference is that some of the oem loaders have much better visibility, since they are target made for the tractor.

However, when I was looking for tractors, a non-oem loader lowered the tractor value by 1000-2000$, IMHO. If you are going to keep it, it won't matter, but it will if you have to sell it.

Chris

 

[LBrown59]

Do the loaders lift capacities have anything to do with the tractors size or ability?

Everything

 

[RickB]

I don't think that choice of oem or aftermarket has any effect on the usefullness of the loader. About the only real difference is that some of the oem loaders have much better visibility, since they are target made for the tractor.

However, when I was looking for tractors, a non-oem loader lowered the tractor value by 1000-2000$, IMHO. If you are going to keep it, it won't matter, but it will if you have to sell it.

Chris

It's a safe bet that the original purchaser saved at least that much by purchasing an aftermarket loader to begin with. Paying more up front solely for the purpose of higher resale is called "marketing". When the time value of money is applied to the extra up-front cost, the formula usually erodes into a loss. If there is increased productivity or better features to justify the increased cost, that's another thing entirely.

 

[kebo]

Definitely. Part of it is based on the axle loading limitations of the tractor, as well as ballasting and stability.

Don't forget about the hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic pump. That plays a big part on how much it can lift.

 

[8934]

I would say it depends... Is money very tight, or just so so. If money is not very tight I would say go for the factory mount as insurance.

That way if there is an issue the tractor mfg, and loader mfg can't blame each other.

Plus you know it should work well together, and will get some back on resale.

 

[dynasim]

RickB,

I was under the impression that the OEM loaders and the aftermarket loaders were about the same price. I could be wrong, as I have not looked into purchasing a loader.

Chris