I need a FEL

[Woodsie]

I got use a neighbors BX18. Had a FEL on it. I absolutely need one. I have a B7100D with the 4way blade and an aftermarket BH. The whole setup works for me and I work it a lot. Well a lot for a city dweller on a big lot. Digging stumps and planting trees, plowing snow (after that humdinger back to back to back to back nor’easter) running garden tasks, ploughing, discing, etc. she comes up to VT with me to grade the driveway, fart around in the woods, pulling trees up the trail for firewood and fetch water. I am so impressed with that battle beast!

I know the FEL questions have been beat to death for this series tractor but I can’t see dropping 7-8Gs on another used tractor with a FEL on it just to get one. Are there newer FELs you can get from the dealer for $2000ish that will fit? Can I go the Chinese route or should I shy away? Not BECAUSE it’s made in China but, because of fitment issues with fittings and whatnot?

Lemme know what you guys think, thanks in advance
John.

 

[majorwager]

Check w/ Ansung, korean made, don't know if they offer loaders for older models. They have a warehouse in TX. E.A. is a dealer for them. Sub $2k might be wishful thinking.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

FEL for a B7100 runs in the $4k range new.
Used $2500 is about the norm, but really hard to find.

 

[SRG]

Here is what i turned up for my B8200 just a couple months ago....
http://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35071

I'd imagine you would turn up the same. But you could possibly fair a little better since the B7100 was slightly more popular model than my B8200.

From a major US manufacturer, i'd say you should expect $4500 or more for a complete FEL unit.

 

[Dave_eng]

This is a link to a USA made FEL for a B7100 tractor.

A B7100 has a great value in re sale.

A new loader to fit your tractor will be worth as much as your tractor.

With a used loader, having the correct kit to install it on your B7100, is like winning a big lottery. i.e. not much chance.

People with great welding and fabrication skills on this forum have made their own FEL. These individuals have skills I can only dream about.

As others have suggested, selling your tractor and buying a used one with a loader is the best route to happiness.

Dave

 

[torch]

I'm one of the ones that built my own (http://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27005) after looking for months trying to find one. Not only were no used ones to be found, but the cost of shipping a new one up here was unbelievable.

Cost-wise, building my own was in your budget. The differential of trading my B7100 for a B7100 with a FEL was almost the price of a new FEL. If you have the ability (or know someone who does and works for beer) then I recommend going this route.

 

[vic gerbasi]

you might want to try to find an Allied loader or similar made by Buhler industries made and sold in both Canada and the Us

 

[FrozenOrange]

I got a Buhler 95 on my b7100. Not bad. I learned that my FIL used 90 wt gear oil in the trans and it really made it slow. I changed to Aw46 fluid and things worked so much better. Little machine is a tank.

 

[Woodsie]

Appreciate the feedback guys. I am a weldor by trade but it’s the whole time thing. Too many projos in line to fab something up. Gonna keep lookin because, hey, you nevah know ..

 

[bucktail]

It took me a couple of years to find a used loader for my L1500, but I found one from a Belarus 250 that had been sitting in the trees for $500. I need to figure out mounts, replace the hoses, do a bunch of welding and pounding on the bucket and possibly rebuild the valve, but I think it will still be way cheaper than building one.