[mark_v]

I'm looking for a pros vs cons of both, beside the obvious of price and lift range. Ultimately, I'll make the choice, but I like the wealth of knowledge and the opinions I get from here.

Specifically, has anyone bought a TS, and then wished they had spent more for a loader, or bought a loader and realized they could have done most homeowner type duties with a TS?

I'm looking at both for my 430, to turn it into a "workhorse only" and using the 318 for grass and the dreaded leaf collection. I realize there are more loader options for the 318, but I think I would be better served with the diesel power for the heavy stuff.

I'm looking at either the Johnny Bucket or the IMF loader.

Anyone have a preferred after market product (other than those I have mentioned) for both choices? And can I get them in Green?

Mark V.

 

[chuckv]

Mark,

When you say "workhorse" tractor, will the bucket or loader stay mounted, or does it need to be swapped out with a blower, etc.? If the latter, the ease of putting the Johnny Bucket SR or similar scoop/shovel on and taking it back off (along with the storage aspects...) will be a big advantage. I have never regretted buying the JBSR, and consider it a much easier/safer attachment to use on our sloped property, particularly for my wife to use. The low center of gravity is less of a concern...

Chuck

 

[mikeduwe]

Cant do this with a johnny bucket

Or, when you end up with a "package deal" and have to take a monstrosity of a collection box home with it, the loader is your friend:

 

[dg330]

I want a loader

 

[jasbro2]

Mark, I have a loader and a rear scoop tote they are both great attachment the scoop tote is very easy to take off and mount and does a great job the loader is able to do a lot more but is pretty much a fixture on the tractor.

 

[Richards]

Mark, I have an Or-Bilt FEL that attaches to the front of my 318, and uses the system hydraulics to run it. It has a load capacity of 450#, and a lift height of 70".

Richard

 

[Richards]

Mark, forgot to add that it's a 5 minute job to put it on or take it off.

Richard

 

[mark_v]

Chuck,

If I go with a loader, it would more than likely stay attached. I really don't feel I have a need (I know need is irrelavent to some folks here

)for a blower, and I have a converted 56 blade for whatever white stuff we get here in Va.

We do have somewhat sloped terrain on both properties. I hadn't considered the center of gravity part, so thanks for bringing that up.

Mike, I have considered the load / unload factor, and that's why I picked up a 18' landscape type trailer a while back. It hauls a few tons, and in my advanced condition, I don't have to display any acrobatics for the occasional passersby when I try to climb up in the pickup bed.

Richard, I have communicated with the OrBilt folks. What I do like about that system is what you described, the ease of install/uninstall. I need to get both my machines together and see if my fabricator can come up with a bracket that will allow me to use it on either tractor.

That may be the best of both worlds.

Anyone think that could be done?

Mark V.

 

[david_louw]

Mark

Check the "What to look at -- Used 332" -thread. After seeing the Youtube, you may also want to consider a Buford loader. Dawid

 

[mark_v]

Dawid,

Thanks. I have seen pictures of that unit. It's neat to see it in action.

However, after searching some threads here, I only saw reference to the Buford Loader being used on 300 series.

I will contact Mr. Liskey to ask about a 430 version.

The way that thing is built, it looks like it would do everything I need and then some.

Mark V.