Loader gurus- need your help...

VAHighlander

New member

Equipment
Kubota M5700, L3000DT
Aug 28, 2020
3
0
1
Virginia
I am new to the forum, so thanks for any and all help. I run a M5700 on my farm. But recently bought an adjoining farm, and with it, was able to pick up a barn kept 2003 L3000DT- with only 300 hours on it. But there is no FEL on it. I'd like to add one and have been racking my brain and digging into the web to find my options. I'd like to keep it under 4K for everything. I cant locate Kubota loaders- like the LB402 and LA450 used or new anywhere. Westendorf TA 111 is crazy expensive- like 6K shipped without install. I found a sweet LA482 loader that came off an L3010. Of course the mounting brackets will probably not work (maybe with modification from a fabricating shop). That one can be had for 3500 shipped and would include a pallet fork assembly and bucket. But Im not sure how complicated it will be to modify it to the L3000. i know this could turn into a Rube Goldberg project, and have thought about selling the little tractor and then buying one with a loader. But with the light hours and pristine condition- I cant find a good enough deal on a good used one- prices for nice used tractors are SKY high right now. Any advice on loader options for this tractor would be greatly appreciated
 

VAHighlander

New member

Equipment
Kubota M5700, L3000DT
Aug 28, 2020
3
0
1
Virginia

bucktail

Well-known member

Equipment
L1500DT, 6' king kutter back blade, boom, dirt scoop ford disk JD212
Jun 13, 2016
1,251
189
63
MN
I am new to the forum, so thanks for any and all help. I run a M5700 on my farm. But recently bought an adjoining farm, and with it, was able to pick up a barn kept 2003 L3000DT- with only 300 hours on it. But there is no FEL on it. I'd like to add one and have been racking my brain and digging into the web to find my options. I'd like to keep it under 4K for everything. I cant locate Kubota loaders- like the LB402 and LA450 used or new anywhere. Westendorf TA 111 is crazy expensive- like 6K shipped without install. I found a sweet LA482 loader that came off an L3010. Of course the mounting brackets will probably not work (maybe with modification from a fabricating shop). That one can be had for 3500 shipped and would include a pallet fork assembly and bucket. But Im not sure how complicated it will be to modify it to the L3000. i know this could turn into a Rube Goldberg project, and have thought about selling the little tractor and then buying one with a loader. But with the light hours and pristine condition- I cant find a good enough deal on a good used one- prices for nice used tractors are SKY high right now. Any advice on loader options for this tractor would be greatly appreciated
Have you looked at manufacturers further west? The shipping will be more but the loader might be cheaper. Woods dual and Koyker out of SD and Leon out of Canada.
 

RCW

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
BX2360, FEL, MMM, BX2750D snowblower. 1953 Minneapolis Moline ZAU
Apr 28, 2013
9,148
5,219
113
Chenango County, NY
I'd like to keep it under 4K for everything.
Believe me, I hope you can find one. However, that ain't gonna happen as much as I wish it could for you.

A new loader for a little BX is probably $4k, complete with mounting hardware.

As you are finding, getting the loader, mounts, etc. is tough. The problem with the retrofit is the unknowns at the front-end of the adventure.

What I've found is that the unknowns usually amounts to more $$. I always hope for less, but it never works that way..... :unsure:

In another thread, I'm replacing a $44 Bendix on an old Delco starter. $30 for contact cleaner, $30 for brake cleaner, $40 for paint, $50 for bearing puller, $30 for commutator cover, $90 for slide hammer (oh wait, I just wanted a slide hammer) ....you get the idea...

Heck, there's almost $2K just in valves and hoses if they're not part of the package....

Many here recommend selling the tractor without the loader, then buying one all set up.

Tough part is the tractor without the loader is special with few hours, etc.

Wish I had better (or more optimistic) advice....

Welcome to OTT!!
 
Last edited:

VAHighlander

New member

Equipment
Kubota M5700, L3000DT
Aug 28, 2020
3
0
1
Virginia
Believe me, I hope you can find one. However, that ain't gonna happen as much as I wish it could for you.

A new loader for a little BX is probably $4k, complete with mounting hardware.

As you are finding, getting the loader, mounts, etc. is tough. The problem with the retrofit is the unknowns at the front-end of the adventure.

What I've found is that the unknowns usually amounts to more $$. I always hope for less, but it never works that way..... :unsure:

In another thread, I'm replacing a $44 Bendix on an old Delco starter. $30 for contact cleaner, $30 for brake cleaner, $40 for paint, $50 for bearing puller, $30 for commutator cover, $90 for slide hammer (oh wait, I just wanted a slide hammer) ....you get the idea...

Heck, there's almost $2K just in valves and hoses if they're not part of the package....

Many here recommend selling the tractor without the loader, then buying one all set up.

Tough part is the tractor without the loader is special with few hours, etc.

Wish I had better (or more optimistic) advice....

Welcome to OTT!!
Thanks for the advice. I am really tempted to buy that LA482 loader that came off an L3010. $2,500 plus $1,000 to ship it all to me. It has both a bucket and pallet fork assembly, all hoses, valves, 3010 mounting bracket kit etc...but then theres paying someone to modify the brackets and then install....so i get your point. It adds up quick. And its tough to buy a tractor with loader that has a ton more hours and still shell out 7 to 10K including my trade etc...
 

Dave_eng

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
M7040, Nuffield 465
Oct 6, 2012
5,235
1,017
113
Williamstown Ontario Canada
You also want to be looking for the loader installation instructions for your tractor in order to know how to connect into the hydraulic system.

Look at the instructions for a LA534 to realize how complicated the hydraulic side can be.

A friendly dealer would have these in pdf format so if you go looking bring a USB stick.

Dave
 

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