buying a fel,,,input

uncle carver

New member

Equipment
L3200dt 4x4 industrial tires
Jun 20, 2014
18
0
0
terry,ms hinds
I got a new L3200dt(4x4). I want a Front End Loader. What are my options?
Dealer quoted $4100. What do you have and would you do anything different?
 

Stubbyie

New member
Jul 1, 2010
879
7
0
Midcontinent
There are multiple threads on this Forum on this topic posted by myself and others. A search of the Forum in multiple topic areas would be informative.

To your question: based on my experiences of multiple tractors and every aftermarket brand of loader commonly seen in my area...you need to stay with the OEM loader.

You may pay a little more but you will be so much happier over time compared to aftermarket brands.

I'm kinda picky about fit and function. I never could get any aftermarket to fit completely correctly. There was always something just a little bit off. What I found is that virtually all aftermarkets use one or three basic models and a set of adapters to fit different tractors. I had problems with bolt holes matching up, belly-bands that got in the way of acess (changing oil), alighnment problems side-to-side.

Finally landed with two Kubotas both wearing OEM loaders and they're set up like they're supposed to be--they 'fit'--and I'm happy.

I think you'll also find at resale that OEM loaders add increased value to the package.

Others on this and other tractor-related Forums will have had different experiences and different expectations and will differ from my expressed view. Evaluate all the Posters and use all the information you can gather to make the decision best for you. After all, it's your money and happy-factor.

Please post back your decision(s) and experience(s) so we may all learn.
 

uncle carver

New member

Equipment
L3200dt 4x4 industrial tires
Jun 20, 2014
18
0
0
terry,ms hinds
thanks, I am gonna try the multi search. OEM makes good sense. I recently replaced the clutch in my Harley only to discover there is a MUCH better aftermarket(ALTO). I an trying to be more "buyer savy" and do a little research.
 

gpreuss

New member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3200DT w/FEL, K650 Backhoe, 5' Rotary, 40" Howard Rotavator, 6' Rhino blade
Oct 9, 2011
1,166
6
0
Spokane, WA
The Kubota loader pretty much matches your tractor for capabilities. Any FEL is a compromise in weight, force and payload. We like to think that Kubota took it all into consideration in their loader specification.
Key things to consider -
1. Weight and CG of the empty loader/bucket. Generally, the CG is out in front of the tractor, so the weight effectively doubles on the front axle/tires. It also lifts the rear end by probably about half its weight.
2. Your payload CG is farther out in front of the tractor, so the same applies, only worse. The payload weight again is effectively doubled on the front axle/tires, but picks up the rear end by more like 75-80% of its weight.
3. The strength of the loader itself has to be matched to the tractor - you certainly don't want the loader to crumple the first time you hit a boulder.

Most of the members here recommend you have about a thousand pounds of rear ballast for loader work. I have filled rear tires - about 250 lbs/tire, plus 140 lb weights per tire, plus a 600+ lb concrete block on the 3 ph.

Kubota says the max load for the front axle is either 2650 or 2850 lbs - I forget which. The empty loader (because of the CG), plus the normal tractor weight, pretty well has you at the limit. It also has you at the limits for AG tire load ratings, although R4s do better.

Anyway, you really wouldn't want a heavier duty loader; the tractor isn't made for it. Similarly, you wouldn't want lighter duty; the tractor can bend it up. For the fit, OEM is the way to go. Your Kubota dealer is more likely to stand behind any tractor/loader? issues if it is all Kubota.
As for price, the Kubota model appears to be in line with the name brand equipment.
 

skeets

Well-known member

Equipment
BX 2360 /B2601
Oct 2, 2009
14,770
3,687
113
SW Pa
I have to go along with stubbie here cause the OEM is designed for your machine,, not to say some non OEM loader wont work. just that they are designed for more different tractors than yours and they have to be able to do that while the OEM fits and you know its right
 

Sid Post

Member

Equipment
Kubota L4600F and B2601
Oct 12, 2013
121
3
18
Texas, Oklahoma
If you were talking about a 90~150Hp tractor, I'd definitely go with another Westendorf and consider Wallenstein out of Canada but, on "little" tractors you really need to stay OEM for a huge number of reasons, most of which are mentioned above.

I hear you on the aftermarket Harley parts. I've gone down the same route with a Kawasaki dual-sport and finally realized it was cheaper to buy a KTM and pay more upfront so I don't get nickeled and dimed over a lifetime of use. I must say that the KTM worked out the box and works much better than my heavily tweaked Kawasaki.