Front end loaders are invaluable in the construction and manufacturing industries. Their exceptional strength and comfortable operator area make this compact—but high-performance machine—a loader of choice among landscapers & general contractors.
Investing in a front end loader is certainly not up for debate if you expect to carry, collect or shift materials for transportation with ease and precision. What you should rather focus on is making sure that you choose the right machine for the task. Are you looking for a front end loader for sale?
Then pay attention to the following factors.
Size of the Front End Loader
Front end loaders are either small or large. As you can imagine, the size will impact the price. But the size you pick should depend entirely on the intended application. Will you be using the machine in a small space or a large construction site? Take your cue from the following:
- Large front end loader: A large front end loader offers powerful performance compared to a smaller machine. As a result, it allows you to complete your construction job much quicker making it ideal for use on a large space.
- Small front end loader: It follows that a small front end loader effectively meets the requirements of a small space. Small front loaders can easily manoeuvre tight and confined spaces.
Whichever size you decide to buy, make sure that you also look at the bigger picture. A prudent business person is always futuristic and plans ahead. Do you intend to grow your business in the near future? Buying a large front end loader now is a smart investment since the machine can accommodate larger tasks in future.
Compatibility with Your Tractors
The chances are that if you have a tractor, you’re likely to need a front end loader too. Our advice to you is to purchase a front end loader from the same manufacturer as your tractor. This takes care of compatibility issues and guarantees matched performance between your tractor and loader.
You can expect optimum performance from your loader in this scenario. Buying a loader and tractor from different manufacturers doesn’t guarantee the same.
Lifting Capacity
Consider the lifting capacity on the front end loader. What’s the maximum weight load that the machine can safely lift or carry in relation to its maximum height?
Front end loaders have different lifting capacities which affect the overall performance of the unit depending on the task. Loaders with a higher lifting capacity can carry heavier loads. Always pay attention to the lifting capacity stated on the machine.
Cycle Time (Speed)
We’ll quickly point out that there’s a trade-off between the front end loader’s lifting capacity and speed.
By picking a machine with a high lifting capacity, you sacrifice on the turnaround time of the lifting process. This basically means that a front end loader that can lift a heavy weight load will have a slow cycle time and vice versa. You’ll have to weigh the pros and cons depending on your circumstances.
Loading Technique
Modern front end loaders feature different designs compared to older models—especially where the loading technique is concerned. Modern machines allow for quick and easy on-and-off loading & that’s the kind of machine you want.
With older models, you’ll unfortunately have to dismantle the loader in order to remove it from the tractor. This design was discontinued because of its inefficiency. Make sure that the manufacturer you pick doesn’t try to pass off a front end loader with this old design as a new.
Tires on the Front End Loader
Pay special attention to the tires on the front end loader because they determine the overall performance of the machine. The correct tires allow for optimum performance of the front end loader which in turn increases productivity.
Ideally you want a machine with tires that can easily navigate the terrain you’ll use it on. We list a few examples of tires found on most front end loaders and which terrains they best excel on:
- Skid Steer Tread Tires: These tires are ideally suited for heavy duty tasks and will work well on hard surfaces.
- Turf Pattern Tires: Most small front end loaders feature Turf Pattern tires. This type is quite versatile and can be used on both hard and soft surfaces including grassy areas.
- Lug Tires: Front end loaders with Lug tires are best suited for concrete or hard surfaces.
- Industrial Lug Tires: These tires are the most versatile of the bunch and can work on literally any surface, be it concrete or soft soil.
After all is said and done, where you buy your front loader matters. Reputable vendors are your best bet because you’re guaranteed sturdy and long- lasting machines that are backed by equally impressive warranties.
Are you ready to make your purchase? Let us know in the comments section below.
