I just purchased an L2800 2wd used. I am needing to have a front end loader installed. I was wondering if I should spend the extra $$ and have my local kubota dealer install a loader package or go with an off brand aftermarket type?
front end loader
- Thread starter dalkins1
- Start date
Have the dealer do it. I bought a harvest return and had them install the FEL and the subframe for my backhoe on my L2800...works great.
If you plan on keeping the tractor I would go with a Kubota loader. If you ever do sell the tractor it will be worth more with a kubota loader.
A loder on it period will up the price of the tractor reguardless of brand. There are plenty of great aftermarket companies that build loaders. Woods makes a great loader so does Bush Hog, look around and see who offers what. Each one will vary slightly in price by a few bucks.
Thanks for the post. I have called 3 kubota dealers and they all came in with a bid in the low to mid 4k range. I am going to have the dealer who is listed as certified service on the website. One of the dealers did not have that certification for some reason. They were closer, but would rather drive a little further to certified service dealer.
I would sell that tractor and get a 4wd before you spend that kind of money on a loader. $4K is a ton of money to spend. You won't get your money's worth with 2wd in my opinion, I know I wouldn't.
Oh bullshit my dad has an L275 2wd with a fel and has been that way for 30 plus years in a landscape business and never once had the need for 4wd with a loader. You're not digging to China with a loader, nor are you moving mountains with it. His tractor has made him a nice living and earned alot of money for being 2wd with a loader. All the tractors we've both owned have been 2wd and never a minutes problem running a loader. Hell even the full size Ford 555C backhoe with a 4in1 bucket was 2wd and did loader work great.
Don't sell the L2800 just put a loader on it thats ridiculous, put a loader on what you have and you'll be just as happy.
Don't sell the L2800 just put a loader on it thats ridiculous, put a loader on what you have and you'll be just as happy.
I think MagKarl makes a good point. Not saying a 2wd is useless by no means but in you would get double the use of your loader on a 4wd tractor. My L3000 has loaded rears and this time of year I'll use 4wd just about every time I use the tractor. As much rain as we have had I can't put hay out in 2wd. I've tried and it just doesn't have the traction even with a roll on the 3pt. Just my $.02
gpreuss
New member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L3200DT w/FEL, K650 Backhoe, 5' Rotary, 40" Howard Rotavator, 6' Rhino blade
I go along with MagKarl on this as well. There are a lot of times that I've run out of push with the loader, and by picking up on the load and bearing down on the front wheels I find a lot more umph. I don't think I'd get that with 2wd.
I'd have to take a serious look at the $$, however. New tractors aren't cheap. And he just bought the 2800.
One thing for sure - a tractor with a loader is a lot handier than one without..
I'd have to take a serious look at the $$, however. New tractors aren't cheap. And he just bought the 2800.
One thing for sure - a tractor with a loader is a lot handier than one without..
Well sure if the man has deep pockets and money is no object sure sell the 2wd and buy a 4wd. I did read where he bought the L2800 USED. I love how members are always quick to spend somebody else's money. Get a loader and stick it on the L2800 you currently own. I promise you, you wont notice that much of a difference from 2wd or 4wd.
If you've ran out of umph with tractor by pushing with the loader chances are your maxed out on load and have a full bucket.
If you've ran out of umph with tractor by pushing with the loader chances are your maxed out on load and have a full bucket.
On a tractor that size you can't max the loader out in 2wd.
Money is tight everywhere and on everybody but that's the reason behind offering my opinion. Before Dalkins1 goes and drops 4K on a new loader having experience from other owners might be helpfull to him. Eric I certainly respect your opinion because you have been around equipment for years. In the same sence with your experience I'm sure you have seen the added benefits that having 4wd makes.
In most cases no matter what size a 2wd tractor will loose traction before it looses power. With 4wd you can put the power to the ground and use it.
Money is tight everywhere and on everybody but that's the reason behind offering my opinion. Before Dalkins1 goes and drops 4K on a new loader having experience from other owners might be helpfull to him. Eric I certainly respect your opinion because you have been around equipment for years. In the same sence with your experience I'm sure you have seen the added benefits that having 4wd makes.
In most cases no matter what size a 2wd tractor will loose traction before it looses power. With 4wd you can put the power to the ground and use it.
Well I supposed we can hear some of the uses he plans to do with the loader. And point him in a better direction from there. I look at it like this most people who have front end loaders to do chorse and up keep around their home and property dont really used a loader on a daily basis. Its one of those things its damn sure nice to have when you need it. OK if he plans on getting into the landscaping/grading/dirtworking business with it then yeah sell it and get a 4wd. But I think honestly if its just general upkeep and maintenance around the house I firmly believe the 2wd and a loader will be just fine.
There are lots of variables- available money, intended use, typical weather/conditions, future expanded needs, resale value, operator ability, etc. With our uses on a horse farm, cutting fire wood, snow, soft fields, etc., no way would a 2WD get the job done. We would either tear up the land, or simply not be able to do the work. You can finagle a 2WD and get many things done, but not everything. With a round bale on the loader, you couldn't get a 2WD out to our round feeder, unless the ground is frozen.
I know this from experience-we used to have a Ford 3600 2WD. We got it stuck many times doing the same work that we use the 4WD now, with no issues.
Plus, the mowing that I do with my Kubota depends heavily on 4WD- some of it can't be done otherwise, no matter what you try in 2WD.
If you budget is tight, make what you have work. But, it is worth at least looking at replacing the tractor with a used 4WD with a loader- it might make more financial sense in the long run.
I know this from experience-we used to have a Ford 3600 2WD. We got it stuck many times doing the same work that we use the 4WD now, with no issues.
Plus, the mowing that I do with my Kubota depends heavily on 4WD- some of it can't be done otherwise, no matter what you try in 2WD.
If you budget is tight, make what you have work. But, it is worth at least looking at replacing the tractor with a used 4WD with a loader- it might make more financial sense in the long run.
kubotasam
Well-known member
Equipment
B2410, B7100dt, B7500,Woods BH750,Landpride 2660RFM, Tiller, B2781 Snowblower
I think of all the times I have been able to keep going with work simply by reaching down amd flipping the 4x4 lever on my tractors. Be it moving snow banks with the loader, rototilling, or pulling my water trailer up from the river. I simply could not get buy with a 2 wheel drive tractor that was the same size. I know money is tight for everyone that is why I would advise him not to waste his money on a loader for the 2 wheel drive. Sell the tractor and take the money along with the $4000.00 and buy a 4x4 with a loader already on it.
I'm trying to save the man some money Eric, not spend it for him. Those of us who have replied are sharing our experience, that's all. Good luck backing out of a hole or stopping going down a steep hill with a full bucket in 2WD.
I'm assuming if the man is willing to spend $4K for a loader, that he's got some serious loader work to do to justify the expense. In my opinion, he'd be better off selling this tractor and putting that same $4K toward a 4WD tractor with a loader. He'll be more productive and safer in the end. Just my $0.02.
I'm assuming if the man is willing to spend $4K for a loader, that he's got some serious loader work to do to justify the expense. In my opinion, he'd be better off selling this tractor and putting that same $4K toward a 4WD tractor with a loader. He'll be more productive and safer in the end. Just my $0.02.
I responded earlier...and would add this...I have had my L2800 and use it around my house and a few acres for everything...including snow removal...and the 4WD is a must for that. I got GREAT advise from folks here at Orange and it all was VERY helpful in how I decided what to buy.
When I got my used harvest return it had 135 hours and I paid 8K for it...and as I mentioned I had the dealer add the B76 (with subframe) to it. That is a great setup...as the added weight in the back is a must for use with a FEL...So even if the original post gets the FEL with the 2WD...you WILL need rear weight in the form of tire ballast AND either a box blade/backhoe/ or counter weight so that the rear doesn't loose traction. If there are only two (really one) tire providing power at the rear (unless the diff is locked) then tire spin should be considered with an FEL...and that is where I have found the 4WD very helpful if I am on a hill or moving something heavy like gravel.
The original poster didn't give his location...but I have found the L2800 and my setup to be great.
When I got my used harvest return it had 135 hours and I paid 8K for it...and as I mentioned I had the dealer add the B76 (with subframe) to it. That is a great setup...as the added weight in the back is a must for use with a FEL...So even if the original post gets the FEL with the 2WD...you WILL need rear weight in the form of tire ballast AND either a box blade/backhoe/ or counter weight so that the rear doesn't loose traction. If there are only two (really one) tire providing power at the rear (unless the diff is locked) then tire spin should be considered with an FEL...and that is where I have found the 4WD very helpful if I am on a hill or moving something heavy like gravel.
The original poster didn't give his location...but I have found the L2800 and my setup to be great.