Tractor Loaders

Known by many names, the tractor-loader is generally a 50 to 200 hp version of a class of construction machinery referred to as “front-end loader,” “front loader,” “skip loader,” “bucket loader,” “bucket,” or simply “loader.”

Larger, often articulated-frame models are referred to as “wheel loader,” “payloader,” “scoop” and “shovel.” 

The tractor loader is a vehicle designed for agricultural and construction applications based on a tractor-like design, as its name implies, and featuring a large-capacity bucket for scooping, lifting and dumping. The bucket is generally front-mounted, wide and square and mounted to two booms extending from the tractor.

The main advantage of a tractor loader is its scooping ability, since it can scoop up loose material and carry it elsewhere without having to push it around. Depending on the front loader’s size, it can lift the material high enough to load a dump truck bed.

The tractor loader’s primary use is therefore to relocate loose material over short distances or, alternatively, serve as a loader, filling haulage trucks or trailers. Such materials include demolition debris, dirt, snow, feed, muck, sand, gravel, rocks, brush, logs, raw minerals, ore, recycled material, brush and woodchips.

On many models, however, the bucket can be replaced with other attachments such as rotary brooms, snow blowers, forks, bale spears and more.