Swap an LA243 for an LA344

[kupitz]

I searched and couldn't find any info, looking to swap out my existing loader for the LA344 SSQA style. Does anyone have an idea of cost and difficulty level for swapping out the hydraulics? I also have a BX2751QH with hydraulic attachments (broom, plow, blower) that I have to be able to connect after the swap.

 

[bobnic]

Maybe you've already considered this, but I would be more concerned about possible difference in how the LA344 SSQA loader frame attaches to the tractor frame vs your existing LA243. The hydraulics should be the same 4 hoses, but perhaps with different style connectors. Have you considered simply adapting an SSQA adapter plate to your existing loader if your main reason for swapping loaders is to gain the SSQA?

 

[kupitz]

Maybe you've already considered this, but I would be more concerned about possible difference in how the LA344 SSQA loader frame attaches to the tractor frame vs your existing LA243. The hydraulics should be the same 4 hoses, but perhaps with different style connectors. Have you considered simply adapting an SSQA adapter plate to your existing loader if your main reason for swapping loaders is to gain the SSQA?

I have thought about that but there's a loader FS close to me that's cheaper than doing the mods to make mine SSQA. I thought the mounting frame was the same for both loaders? If it isn't then I wouldn't want to do the swap.

 

[bobnic]

I have thought about that but there's a loader FS close to me that's cheaper than doing the mods to make mine SSQA. I thought the mounting frame was the same for both loaders? If it isn't then I wouldn't want to do the swap.

I don't know if there is a difference in how the more recent loader mounts to the tractor frame, but since the LA344 loader came out for a more recent tractor series than yours, it is possible that the frame mounting is different. Just something I would check before purchasing.

 

[edritchey]

Seems like it would be easier to just get a newer BX that already has the LA344 on it.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I'm pretty sure it would be a direct swap as they take the same mounts.

 

[Speed25]

Yup, same frame on both tractors, so it should fit right in. The 344 probably has the flat face hydraulic connector, so you'd probably want to convert those to use your existing hoses. The flat face connector is known to leak and there are a number of threads around here on how to swap out your hoses/connectors. Maybe you'd get lucky and can just take the hoses off your old loader and swap them over.

Worst case scenario, just swap the parts from the end of the loader arms and use the SSQA/bucket from the new one on your old loader. Your quick hitch shouldn't be affected by the new loader since it mounts the same.

 

[Ping]

Yup, same frame on both tractors, so it should fit right in. The 344 probably has the flat face hydraulic connector, so you'd probably want to convert those to use your existing hoses. The flat face connector is known to leak and there are a number of threads around here on how to swap out your hoses/connectors. Maybe you'd get lucky and can just take the hoses off your old loader and swap them over.

Worst case scenario, just swap the parts from the end of the loader arms and use the SSQA/bucket from the new one on your old loader. Your quick hitch shouldn't be affected by the new loader since it mounts the same.

Why not just buy the SSQA adapter off a LA344? There was a recent thread about this but, from what I remember, they both use the same loader pin locations.
Regards

 

[Speed25]

Why not just buy the SSQA adapter off a LA344? There was a recent thread about this but, from what I remember, they both use the same loader pin locations.
Regards

Agreed, though you'd need a new bucket as well. Pretty sure the adapter is the BX2410 for $600 or so.

Edit:New SSQA buckets don't appear to be available at the dealerships for some reason.

 

[edritchey]

I'm pretty sure it would be a direct swap as they take the same mounts.

Well if that's the case then just a matter of getting the LA344

 

[Bearcatrp]

Why not take your tractor over to the seller to see if will mount. But, I would be worried about extra weight on the frame doing loader work. Would think Kubota engineers designed these loaders to match the tractor frame.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Why not take your tractor over to the seller to see if will mount. But, I would be worried about extra weight on the frame doing loader work. Would think Kubota engineers designed these loaders to match the tractor frame.

The LA344 is used on tractors from the BX1880 to BX23S so it's not an issue of his tractor "handling" it.

 

[Bearcatrp]

Thats provided the frame is the same thickness. Doesn't hurt to shoot off a email to kubota just to see what they say.