L series loader question

[allanwms]

I have a L2900 and looking to put on a used loader. Kubota lists the LA480 as the stock loader. I currently have access to a LA680 (L3600) and a TL720 (L3500) that are off L-series tractors. How hard would it be to get either of these two loaders mounted on a L2900?

Thanks
Allan

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

While the LA480 and LA680 are the same style there is differences in the frame and mounts between the two that make them incompatible.
The LA680 is heavier and longer and will probably just overload your L2900.

The TL720 is a completely different loader that just will not work, it meant for a tractor with a different frame and body setup.

With a cutting torch and a welder anything can fit but should it... Probably not.

 

[allanwms]

Thanks. Used is the only feasible option for me as the new aftermarket loaders are pricey $6-7k. The Woods have a notation that they won't work with turf tires. If I had done my research I would not have bought a unit without a loadèr. But...I will work through it and be patient for a used LA480.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I understand, I bought mine without a loader and I had to search high and low to find a loader for mine, I found one this spring, woods loader, came off a tractor one larger than mine but same frame and mounts so it bolted right on.
Look at Bush hog, Woods (they make several models that will fit the same tractors, like one model might not work with turf tires but another model will.
also there is Ansung, Westendorf, Allied, and others.

 

[allanwms]

I found some pictures of a L3600 with the LA680 loader and the frame appears identical to the L2900. I know there are has to be differences...does anyone have a L3600 with the LA680 that could send some measurements?

 

[Bluegill]

You need to do some digging and fine out what models around the L2900 use
the same frame. I bet the L3600 is a larger frame.

If I where in this situation, I'd leave the L2900 set up for mowing and find
another rig with a loader, I don't like to mow with the loader on anyway. Or
trade yours for one with a loader?

 

[allanwms]

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=201147961535&globalID=EBAY-US&alt=web

This actually made me say WHAT?!!!!...because of the price. ..lol. I got all excited...

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Some people are delusional as to what they want for there used equipment, if that included the tractor then it would be a fair deal.
I bought a nice Heavy Duty Woods loader with quick detach and in Excellent condition for $2k.

 

[Bulldog]

Thanks. Used is the only feasible option for me as the new aftermarket loaders are pricey $6-7k. The Woods have a notation that they won't work with turf tires. If I had done my research I would not have bought a unit without a loadèr. But...I will work through it and be patient for a used LA480.

You need to find a new dealer if your's in wanting $6 or 7K for a loader. I can get a new Kubota loader installed on my M9000 for $6K. I just priced one here not long ago. I'm just guessing but I bet a LA480 wouldn't be over $4K brand new.

If you go to Kubotas site and build a L3200 the LA524 loader is a $4100 option. So going by that the LA480 should be cheaper. My LA450S was $3500.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I found some pictures of a L3600 with the LA680 loader and the frame appears identical to the L2900.

A lot of Kubota's of different sizes "look" the same but they are not.
L2900 3 cylinder engine
Wheel base 65.7"
Length 111"
Width 52.2"
Height 59.6"
Ground clearance 12.8"


L3600 4 cylinder engine
Wheel base 71.1"
Length 118"
Width 56.1"
Height 60"
Ground clearance 13.2"

So as you can see there is a big difference in them, that's why a L3600 does not take the same loader as the L2900.

 

[ShaunRH]

My L3200 has the LA524 on it. I think the difference between that and the LA680 is only the detachable buckets and such, at least I recall the dealer telling me something like that.

Anyone know anything different?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Sorry but your dealer is mistaken!
There is a huge difference between the LA524 and the LA680, No comparison at all in fit or design.
The LA524 does not have any sub frame or front mounting point because they reworked the frame on the L3200 and it all mount to the middle of the frame.
On the LA680 there is a front mount and axle bars to stabilize the loader.
Even trying to mount the LA524 on the L2900 would break it in half.

 

[WFM]

A friend of mine has an 1985 Kubota. He commented to me both his sons bought the same size Kubota as him. But the years are in the 2000's , he says the tractors side by side, the newer ones are cheaper. Much smaller Hyd cylinder's . Half the size he clams. The '85 with loaded rear tires and ballast , digging out a rock with the FEL will completely lift the rear end off the ground. Now that's power. My FEL has no where near that power.

 

[Tom Covellone]

I just installed a new Westendorf T-111A FEL on my L2900GST tractor. The loader was $4800.00 plus freight, direct from the factory. I installed it myself. The 60" bucket also came with a quick removal feature.
Westendorf had the loader in stock but had to make the brackets to fit the tractor.
The problem finding a FEL for a L2900 is not the loader itself but finding a manufacturer that still makes the mounting attachments to fit the specific tractor. Ansung, Kubota, & Bush Hog don't make the brackets anymore. I don't remember if Woods does or not.

 

[Bluegill]

A friend of mine has an 1985 Kubota. He commented to me both his sons bought the same size Kubota as him. But the years are in the 2000's , he says the tractors side by side, the newer ones are cheaper. Much smaller Hyd cylinder's . Half the size he clams. The '85 with loaded rear tires and ballast , digging out a rock with the FEL will completely lift the rear end off the ground. Now that's power. My FEL has no where near that power.

I had a 1979-80 Kubota years ago and still have a 1989 model, neither are built any better than my newest one.

My L3800 with loaded rears and no counter weight on the 3 pt will left the rear off the ground, but I rarely use it without at least 500 lbs on the 3 pt. Usually have 800-1000 lbs on there. A tractor with the rears in the air is no good!

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

A tractor with the rears in the air is no good!

UHHHH NO IT NOT!

 

[stumpbucket]

I found some pictures of a L3600 with the LA680 loader and the frame appears identical to the L2900. I know there are has to be differences...does anyone have a L3600 with the LA680 that could send some measurements?

My set up is exactly what your looking for. L3600 w/ LA680 loader. I can give you measurements if you need. Though just from the pictures of your tractor I can see its not going to fit. I have my loader off at the present time cause I lost one of the front loader mounting pins up front and the bearing of all on one ear busted the mount. So I'm in the fixing stage now. What a mess.

 

[gpreuss]

I had a 1979-80 Kubota years ago and still have a 1989 model, neither are built any better than my newest one.

My L3800 with loaded rears and no counter weight on the 3 pt will left the rear off the ground, but I rarely use it without at least 500 lbs on the 3 pt. Usually have 800-1000 lbs on there. A tractor with the rears in the air is no good!

I'm in the same boat with my L3200 - with loaded rears and 140 lbs/side wheel weights, the FEL will easily put the back end in the air! I put 600+ lbs on the 3ph before doing any loader work. I wouldn't particularly want any more capacity in the FEL - I think the stock loader is borderline too big...

 

[Bluegill]

A friend of mine has an 1985 Kubota. He commented to me both his sons bought the same size Kubota as him. But the years are in the 2000's , he says the tractors side by side, the newer ones are cheaper. Much smaller Hyd cylinder's . Half the size he clams. The '85 with loaded rear tires and ballast , digging out a rock with the FEL will completely lift the rear end off the ground. Now that's power. My FEL has no where near that power.

What we likely have here, is his older tractor being a Grand L and his sons tractors being basic L models. The Grand will have a larger loader than the same HP Basic L model. So Not cheaper made, but cheaper models...