2WD with loader?

philb1010

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May 18, 2019
18
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Georgia
Does anybody have a 2-wheel-drive tractor and front end loader? How well does it work for you? So many people say you really need 4WD with a loader.
 

greeno

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Equipment
B2710 w/LA402 FEL, BL4690 hoe, RB1560, GS1560, Haban 5' sickle bar, 5' JD RC
Jul 14, 2018
187
2
18
Big Lake MN
Not a Kubota but pops had an Iseki with 2wd and loader. Awful. Most of the time I was filling the bucket with a shovel. Never again!


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leoric

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Equipment
B2650 since 2018. BH77, LA534, Forks, 60" Bucket, 60" Mid mount mower
Mar 13, 2019
76
0
6
Indianapolis
Does anybody have a 2-wheel-drive tractor and front end loader? How well does it work for you? So many people say you really need 4WD with a loader.
Put your Kubota in 2wd and try all loader work. Not 1-1 but might give you an idea.
 

Tucker Someday

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Mar 26, 2019
16
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0
Jackson, NH
I had an old Ford 2wd with loader. It was an awesome tractor and could pull like crazy. But the loader capability was not so great. Even with loaded tires and a huge weight on the 3pt. If you get enough in the bucket, you lose the traction.


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85Hokie

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Jul 13, 2013
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Bedford - VA
Does anybody have a 2-wheel-drive tractor and front end loader? How well does it work for you? So many people say you really need 4WD with a loader.
it is better than NO tractor/loader.....

but as others have said - 2wd and loader work.....not the best in the perfect world category!
 
Last edited:

North Idaho Wolfman

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L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
Jun 9, 2013
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Sandpoint, ID
Does anybody have a 2-wheel-drive tractor and front end loader? How well does it work for you? So many people say you really need 4WD with a loader.
An MX5100F is a pretty good size tractor, has a pretty good steering setup and could handle the load fairly well, just use lots of rear ballast, 1500 lbs minimum 2000lbs would be better hanging off the three point, not the tires.

If your going to use it on hard, dry, flat, surfaces all the time then you'll be golden, but if you need it in soft, wet / muddy, hilly, surfaces, better have another tractor hanging around with a tow rope. ;)
 

SDT

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multiple and various
Apr 15, 2018
3,084
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SE, IN
Does anybody have a 2-wheel-drive tractor and front end loader? How well does it work for you? So many people say you really need 4WD with a loader.
FWA is a MAJOR factor for FEL work (as is power steering) but there was once a time when just about all farm tractors were 2WD and lots of FEL work was done. BTDT.

Without FWA, you will need substantial counterweight on the lift to do much, but it can be done.

Without power steering, you will need Armstrong steering.

SDT
 

D2Cat

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L305DT, B7100HST, TG1860, TG1860D, L4240
Mar 27, 2014
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I have a 730 Case that is 2 WD, power steering and has a loader. I pick up 1200-1400# round bales and move them easily. I often have one on the back also. This tractor probably weighs 8,000# with loader! However, if you're constantly scooping material off the ground and relocating it, it's a different situation and you need 4x4 to fill the bucket. I don't need it to fill the 6' bucket on this tractor, but I install a tooth bar if I'm doing much of that kind of work.

I think the big difference in a tractor with 2 or 4 wheel drive is power steering and tractor weight primarily, unless you're constantly in extremely wet conditions.
 

philb1010

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May 18, 2019
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Georgia
Thanks for the information, everybody. I think I'm going to sell or trade in the 2WD and get a 4WD with loader, probably one under 35HP for my needs. Probably looking at Kioti or LS or Kubota but I'll consider anything whose parts and service are easy to find. Any suggestions are welcome.
 

Botamon

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Equipment
M7060HDC12, John Deere 2020 diesel
Mar 26, 2018
234
401
63
Winnemucca, Nevada
I've found that when I pick up a full bucket of heavy material with my 2wd tractor - and the ground is a bit soft - then I have problems backing up. The front tires sink in the soft stuff and not enough weight/traction on the rear tires to pull the tractor backwards. It is really pronounced when moving bucketfuls of heavy wet snow. I have no chains for the rear tires so the back tires just spin.

The 4wd has no such problem!
 

mikester

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M59 TLB
Oct 21, 2017
3,125
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Canada
www.divergentstuff.ca
It was awesome back in 1970 to have a loader on the tractor...4WD and power steering was the bees knees in the 1980s...

When I have my backhoe on as counterweight I find I dont need to use 4WD.
 

philb1010

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May 18, 2019
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Georgia
I went back to the dealership today and ordered a Kubota L3301HST 4WD with LA525 loader and 66" Quick Attach bucket. I opted for cruise control, loader level indicator, extendable/telescoping lower link arms for the 3-point, and a Land Pride 60" box blade. Supposed to be ready for delivery sometime next week.

I found out afterward LP makes a 66" box blade, so I may try to swap for that one. Would you?

We're going to try to sell my MX5100F on consignment there at the dealership. Hopefully that will work out. I loved that tractor and will miss its horses!

Only other thing on my mind now is maybe getting a Piranha tooth bar depending on how well I can push through a little topsoil now and then.
 

philb1010

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May 18, 2019
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Georgia
Here's my new L3301 after getting it a little dirty. Only thing I don't like about it is the treadle pedal. It's really stiff on the reverse. Besides that I really like it so far. TimePhoto_20190617_123640.jpg

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