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Loaders The most popular attachment to a tractor is a front end loader. Many times a customer purchases a tractor just to move the loader around. Most years we do not sell a compact tractor with out a loader. Loaders are arguably the most important addition to a tractor. Most of the time we recommend the factory loader for each tractor. The factory loader was designed especially for a given tractor. Capacities, mounting points, front end strength were all considered before the loader was designed. If there are any warranty issues there is only one manufacturer to deal with. Any time a front end loader is installed, rear counterweight is required. The rear counterweight lessens the risk of rollover, improves traction and eases the load on the front axle. Counterweights include a backhoe, loaded tires, a concrete block or a weight box. Loaded tires are preferred in many situations. The weight is wide and low, which improves stability. In addition the loaded tires are always on the tractor. Changing from one implement to another, or a counter weight, in order to use the loader safely, is not necessary. Today, almost all loaders are quick attach. While you are shopping pay careful attention to used tractor loaders some brands may come off faster, but with time they rattle more and do not fit tightly to the tractor. Most of our customers never take their loader off. It is good counter weight when using rear implements. The real advantage of a quick attach loader is the shop does not spend hours taking a loader off so they can work on a tractor. Quick attach buckets are becoming more prevalent. The preferred method is a universal, skid steer style quick attach plate. This allows the user to hook up a variety of attachments to the front end loader just like the three point hitch allows a variety of implements on the rear end. With a universal quick attach, forks, a bale spear, or a grapple bucket can all be used in place of the bucket. |