Go BottomCompelling case for loader
 | Dave Rubin
Join Date: Posts: 1 
|
2001-09-10 31723
I'm trying to decide whether to purchase a loader right out of the gate, or whether I should (and can) defer the decision (actually, it is my wife who needs to be convinced - I'm in 'buy now' mode) :-). Part of it is sticker shock....2K to 3K isn't hay for a newbie....and consideration of the cheaper alternative: A front blade (I'll need either a front or rear blade anyway) coupled with a towed wagon.....and hiring someone on those rare occasions when other implments are needed. Perhaps I cannot see the situations where a loader is indispensable. My non-mowing tasks (as far as I can envision) are snow removal, gravel drive maintenance, one-time regrading around the house, mulching of flower beds, ultimately putting in two rows of grapevines and possibly some hops - strictly non-commercial, and whatever might be involved in maintaining a stocked pond (bring your fishing rods, guys) and a small stream across the property. Also several wooded areas and isolated trees on the grounds as well. I've just moved from half-acre suburbia to 10 acres of heaven, and trying to learn fast what kinds of 'hell' does 'heaven' have in store for me. :-) Questions include: 1) If I forego a loader now, and decide to get one later, what are the chances I can find one that is compatible (I'm looking at Kubota BX2200 and B7500)? 2) How much does it cost to rent a loader (or equipped tractor) for a day, or even to hire out the work, should I come up with something beyond my capabilities (Northern Virginia pricing)? (Or perhaps I should get friendly with lots of tractor owners who would like to fish my pond and drink my homemade beer, lol) 3) Several threads have said that you always discover new and different uses. What should I be seeing in the crystal ball? Well, I've rambled long enough....what do you gentlemen think?
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoCompelling case for loader
| mike dewald
Join Date: Posts: 1
|
2001-09-10 31724
The B7500 or similar models (7100,7300,7400)have been around for a long time and will probably continue to be. Loaders are readily available and esp. aftermarket loaders will be around in the future. The BX2200 is much newer but with its high popularity, it will also be around in the future. IMHO, if you want to wait a few years, I dont see any problems with finding a loader later. As far as a blade, most front blades are attached the loader and therefore, in your case not an issue. Go with the rear blade which is also cheaper and I think easier to use. As far as renting a loader, never seen one rented. Loader require mounting brackets and plates which have to be bolted on prior to mounting a loader and therefor renting is not really a viable option. As far as renting a tractor and loader call around to a few rental places and check on price in your area. If you rent, a trailer will be needed to haul it or the rental place will charge to deliver. For me the 3 major tools used with a tractor are the mower, loader and blade. With those 3 implements you can accomplish most tasks. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoCompelling case for loader
| Stan in Calif
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 47 Sacramento Valley- Glenn County
|
2001-09-10 31739
I think it's just a matter of time before you get a loader. I see no point in waiting, if you can swing it now. Be sure to read the messages regarding rear ballasting and safety. In the crystal ball, I see a box scraper (box blade) for driveway maintenance and grading around the house. Grading might be one of your first tasks. - Stan ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoCompelling case for loader
| Bird Senter
Join Date: Jun 1999 Posts: 962 
|
2001-09-10 31741
Dave, a front end loader will probably be available in the future, but you may be able to negotiate a better deal if you buy it to start with when you buy the tractor. And I think you'll find the front end loader is just about the most used implement of all. My opinion is get it now or regret it later. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoCompelling case for loader
 | Murf
Join Date: Dec 1999 Posts: 7249 Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada 
 Pics
|
2001-09-11 31765
Dave, try simple logic (not to infer your wife is simple), tell her she could probably get along without you, and it might be less costly, but it sure is a LOT easier on her when YOU do things, same with the loader, you CAN get along without it but why struggle. It's amazing the uses you can find for one, AFTER you have had it a while..... Best of luck. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoCompelling case for loader
| Roger L.
Join Date: Jun 1999 Posts: 0
|
2001-09-11 31767
For me the decision to get a loader was simple. I am a project type of guy and can be seen any weekend lugging bags of concrete, fertilizer, and lumber around the property. I come by it honestly; my father was the same way. He hurt his back so many times that by the time he was 50 his back pain began to be a large part of his life.....not that it slowed him down much, it just made it less fun. I think a front end loader would have helped him out.... Might have even prevented some of the damage. Mine sure has been handy, and not for the projects I ever envisioned....but just for the everyday things. I haven't hurt myself lifting since I got it.
In order for a loader to be helpful in this way it needs to be very handy. I would recommend that you go a size or two smaller on the tractor, get wide turfs or industrial tread for stability and so you can use it on the lawn and next to the house. Save even more money be getting gears rather than hydro, and buy it with a factory loader on it from the start. That combination is probably less money than you are looking at right now. That is exactly what I did 20 years ago and it has been a jewel. Its a 16 hp tractor with 4wd, 3x2 stick shift, turfs, and a loader. Just about as basic as a little compact gets. The price was about half of the one I was drooling over (and which I have now!). But that little tractor has been a member of the family for two decades. Instead of being a problem between my wife and I, she refers to it as my economical helper and is as proud of it as if she had built it herself.
Roger Loving ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoCompelling case for loader
| Rod
Join Date: Posts: 1
|
2001-09-11 31770
Get the loader now. You will get a better price and also be able to include it in the lower priced new tractor financing, if you are financing.
I have found many uses for mine on just 3 acres. It have definitely saved many backaches.
Where is your pond in NoVA? I could use some good fishing. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoCompelling case for loader
 | DRankin
Join Date: Jan 2000 Posts: 5116 Northern Nevada
Pics
|
2001-09-12 31782
I am too far away to come fishing....... but, the loader is indispensable. It is THE basic tool around the old hacienda. Especially if you mount a big hook on the top of the bucket. You will not regret buying it. Do check the threads about ballast or get a 300 + lb box scraper with the package. Hint: after you get it show your honey how to run it... they seem to get a big kick out of moving and lifting things they would not otherwise condsider within the realm of their control. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoCompelling case for loader
| Dave Rubin
Join Date: Posts: 1
|
2001-09-13 31783
I live near Hillsboro off Rt 9 in Loudoun County.
Maybe I should have a tractor-warming party. :-)
....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add Photo
Go Top
Share This