Best choice for front loader?
 

OK, not sure if this is the correct spot to post this thread, but I've been thinking I'd sure like to have a small tractor with a front loading bucket. Something easy to hook up would sure be a plus, too. Any suggestions? Cub or (whispering quietly) something else? :biggrin2:

I've had a Danco RD-1000 and now have a Kwik-Way and I really like the Kwik-Way!

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=9246

The Danco RD-2000 or RD-2149 are good choices but the Johnson and Kwik-Ways are easier to find. The RD-2000 is for NF's and the RD-2149 is for WF's. If you have the tools and cash the P.F. Engineering plans are awesome! It will cost you about $1500 and they have plans for a backhoe as well. Make sure that you get a loader that has the hyd rams on the bucket as well. Stay away from the Danco RD-1000 and RD-300. Both just lift the arms up and have a trip bucket. The RD-300 is the only loader that I know of that will mount on a O.

It will take about 30 mins to take the loader on and off but I would suggest keeping them on the tractor at all times. It gets old take them on and off again. A I've said before a FEL is my favorite attachment!

Well said Duke!!:beerchug:

I personally have a Johnson Loader and like it. It does what I need it to and was easy to mount on the 129. I agree with Duke,
have a dedicated cub with the loader. PITB to take off and on all the time. I've never used any other brand. I do like the fact the KwikWay's have self leveling buckets. You can still buy the KwikWay's brand new, too.

If someone was to build a loader, is it possible to use the tractors hydro pump to run it? I am not sure if there would be enough hydro fluid to run everything. Just a thought I had because it would be nice to just plug it into the front ports and hit the lever to energize the loader circuit.

No not enough power to run the loader and you'd need more fluid as well.

Thanks for the input, guys. Now...which tractor is the best choice for a front loader? :bigthink:

Depends on acouple of things. With Danco the controls were on the left side so I prefered the 122. With the Kwik-Way controls on the right I prefer a hydro.

Are you going to build a FEL or try and find a used one? Matt G has converted his Kwik-Way to his 682. (if memory serves me right) I think the wider the tractor the better. Better base then a NF.

Not all of the Kwik-Ways had the self leveling buckets but it's a great feature!

At this point, I probably would be buying a loader. Actually, I'd like to find a tractor with loader combo. Is a 982 the best choice? How would it compare to JD or Kubota of comparable size?

A SGT would be a great choice for a laoder but they are pretty rare on SGT's. Papaglide has one on his super. Lets see if I can find pics for you.