slightly used LA243 or new LA243A?

[socapots]

So i recently picked up a used BX2360. I'm now in the market for a loader for it.
My local dealer has a slightly used LA243. Sales man said it's the same as the LA243A. Just an older model. My online research tells me the newer model has reinforcements to it. But I've not found anything other than that.
Can anyone add to that ? Or is that about it.
Anyone have any advice? Or things to be cautious of buying a used loader attachment. I can tell from the faded paint that the unit has been out in the sun alot.

As far as pricing goes, the new one will cost about 2900 bucks( i install), the sales guy is going to get back to me on an installed price for the used model. He said it was missing bolts for the pieces that attach to the tractor. And because of that he would prefer they installed it. I think all pricing includes a ballast box and grill guard as well.

Thanks for reading, and for any advice.

 

[socapots]

My bad. Put it in the wrong section.

 

[CaveCreekRay]

SP,

It depends what you plan to use your loader for.

Digging (which I have never had luck with) with a loader is the hardest thing you can do to it. Those stresses are the ones that really load up the structure and it sounds like the older loader may have minor issues. If your uses are around the house/farm with light loading for grains or gravel, you probably will not stress it enough to matter. You can always look at the A-model to figure out what they gusseted up for extra strength. For under a couple hundred, you could probably have a local welder improve those spots yourself and then hit the upgrades with a can of paint.

I had a 1970's Ford which developed a crack on the loader frame. I had the local welder gusset the crack and re-weld it. Solved the problem. I bet the new Kubota loaders are way stronger than that old beast was.

The question is whether the used loader will be more than a couple hundred off a new one. If its $500 off, I'd jump on the older model. That loader is for a machine that is not all that common so your dealer knows he may sit on it for awhile. You may be the last customer interested in it for 6 months. In the meantime, it sits out in the weather and depreciates further. Who knows, in the GWN, it may be buried under snow in the dealer lot until spring. He most likely would like to move it -now.

Offer him $500 less than he offers it to you for. You can always meet somewhere in the middle. If he sticks to his price, make him warranty it for 90 days. As long as the cylinders are not pitted, and the seals are not weeping, it may be fine. My loader came faded as the whole machine sat out after the first owner bought it. Nine months in the Arizona sun faded the loader arms but not the machine. My loader has worked flawlessly for three years.

Let us know how you make out!

Ray

 

[socapots]

Thanks for the response.
The slightly used one is sitting partially buried in the snow right now. Lol.
Didn't even think that they could be having trouble offloading it.
I guess I'll have to start with seeing how much they want to charge for it.
I might be better off just getting the updated one.
I'll post back here when i find out more. The sales guy is slow at times getting back to me.

 

[SLIMSHADIE]

My understanging the difference is reinforcement. The 243A has the option for a quick attach for bucket. Internal gussets for strenght that you cannot see. But plenty of people installed the quick attach on the regular 243. I think it all comes to price and as long as the cylinder is ok as Cave creek mentioned. Check the welds for cracks, hoses and quick couplings in good working order.

 

[socapots]

Thanks again guys.
I still have not herd back from the sales guy. Probably get ahold of him by mid week.
See what he has found.

 

[socapots]

Finally herd back from this guy.
He figures 2000 plus tax installed. Won't sell it unless they install it. Something to do with missing hardware. In the end it word be 600 cheaper than new and i install. I'm leaning that way.
I asked if it would have any warranty. Probably take another week to hear back. Lol