Welcome to the Little Buck Loader Blog!
Looking to get more out of your John Deere or Kubota lawn and garden tractor all year long? You’re in the right place. The Little Buck Loader Blog is your go-to resource for expert tips, maintenance guides, product updates, and real-world stories from folks who’ve turned their tractors into four-season workhorses with our American-made aftermarket front-end loaders, grapples, and accessories.
Here, you’ll find:
Advice on maintaining your Little Buck Loader, Little Bull, and Z Buck
Tips for seasonal property care, from snow in winter to brush, mulch, and gravel in spring and summer
Updates on our growing arsenal of grapples, including the KBX Talon, the JD Talon, and the Antler Grappler
Behind-the-scenes stories from our family-owned factory in Sycamore, Illinois
Whether you're an experienced operator or just starting your tractor journey, our goal is to help you make a smart, all-seasons investment in equipment that works as hard as you do. Explore the blog and see how the right attachment can save your back and transform your property year-round.
Why Ballast Weight Matters on a Garden Tractor (Especially With a Loader)
Proper rear ballast isn’t optional. It’s a key part of how your tractor stays stable, predictable, and safe while lifting and carrying material. In this post, we’ll break down why ballast matters, what happens when you skip it, and the two most common ways Little Buck Loader owners add rear weight.
The Mystery of Our Mechanical Grapple: How It Works (and Why It’s So Clever)
One of the most common reactions we hear when someone sees our mechanical grapple for the first time is: “Wait… how does that work?” There are no extra hydraulic hoses. No third function kit. No switches or solenoids. Yet the grapple opens and closes smoothly, right along with the bucket. To a lot of folks, that feels like a mystery…so let’s pull the curtain back.
How Fastenal Shipping Works (And Why So Many Customers Choose It)
Shipping a front-end loader isn’t like shipping a box from Amazon, and that’s exactly why Fastenal shipping is such a popular option for Little Buck Loader customers. If you’ve ever wondered how it works, what to expect, or how you’ll unload it at home, this guide walks you through the entire process step by step.
Why Little Buck Loaders Feel Faster: The Hydraulics Behind the “Zippy” Response
One of the first things customers tell us after running a Little Buck or Little Bull loader is the same thing: “This thing is quick.” That responsiveness isn’t an accident, it’s a direct result of how our loaders are designed to work with your tractor’s hydraulic system (stay tuned for part 2 where we will compare and contrast the use of actuators for tractors that do not have onboard hydraulics). In this article, we’re going to break down why Little Buck Loaders feel fast, what’s happening inside the hydraulic circuit, and how features like one cylinder per function and a lockout valve dramatically improve performance.
How to Keep Your Turnbuckles Tight on the Little Bull Loader: Troubleshooting & Easy Fixes
Owners of the Little Bull Loader for John Deere garden tractors (like the 425, 445, 455, and X700 series) love the strength and versatility this aftermarket, American-made front-end loader brings to their property. And like any well-used attachment, a little maintenance goes a long way toward keeping everything running smoothly.
A Simple, Inexpensive Way to Protect Your John Deere Garden Tractor Hood When Attaching a Loader
If you own a John Deere X700 Series or another John Deere garden tractor, you already know how much capability a front-end loader adds to your machine. Whether you’re running the Little Bull Loader or any other aftermarket loader attachment, attaching and detaching the loader can feel intimidating the first few times.
Recently, one of our Little Bull owners shared a simple, inexpensive hack that protects your tractor hood and side panels during the loader installation process. It’s clever, cheap, and worth passing along to the rest of the LBL community.
Comparing John Deere Garden Tractor Loaders: Little Buck vs Little Bull vs QuikMount
If you’re shopping for a front-end loader for your John Deere garden tractor (or compatible Kubota BX series), you’ve likely come across our product families: the Little Buck, the Little Bull, and now the QuikMount. Each offers its own balance of capability, ease-of-use and value. In this article we’ll walk through compatibility, mechanism, pricing, and key use-case differences, so you can choose the setup that’s right for your tractor, your tasks and your budget.
Will a Little Buck Loader Fit My John Deere?
Find out which Little Buck and Little Bull Loaders fit your John Deere or Kubota, see all compatible attachments, and get back-saving, all-seasons performance for your tractor.
The Engineering Behind the John Deere 425, 445 & 455, and Why It Still Matters
The John Deere 425, 445, and 455 series represent the best of both worlds: rugged old-school reliability with enough innovation to still feel modern. Add a Little Buck or Little Bull loader, and you’ll understand why so many owners call this combination the ultimate setup for small-acreage work.
How to Replace a Cylinder on Your Little Bull Loader
Even with the toughest equipment, wear and tear can happen over time. Every so often, a hydraulic cylinder may fail and need replacement. Fortunately, swapping it out on your Little Bull Loader is a quick and straightforward process, just a few tools and a little know-how, and you’ll be back to work in no time.
Top 7 Fall Lawn & Garden Projects Made Easier with a Loader or Grapple
Fall brings a long list of outdoor chores that require moving materials, such as leaves, compost, storm debris, firewood, and more. With the right loader or grapple, those backbreaking jobs get faster, easier, and a whole lot more efficient. Here are the top 7 fall projects where your tractor, outfitted with a front-end loader and grapple, can really earn its keep.
Comparing Little Buck and Little Bull Loaders for John Deere Garden Tractors
Many of our customers ask us to explain the differences between the Little Buck Loader and the Little Bull Loader. Read on for a table that compares and contrasts the key factors when making your decision of which loader to purchase. Hint: You can’t go wrong either way!
The John Deere 45 Loader: A Classic That’s Hard to Find, and THE Perfect Aftermarket Solution
For decades, John Deere has built equipment that lasts, and among its attachments, the John Deere 45 loader remains one of the most iconic. Originally designed to give garden tractors big-machine functionality, the 45 quickly became a favorite for homeowners and acreage owners who needed to move dirt, gravel, firewood, and more.
The Little Bull QuikSystem: Quick-Attach Power for Your John Deere
For years, Little Bull owners have counted on their loaders to handle tough jobs around the property, from moving mulch and soil to clearing snow and gravel. Now, with the Little Bull QuikSystem, we’ve taken that versatility a step further. Built around a simple, rugged quick-attach design, the QuikSystem makes it faster and easier than ever to swap between tools, so your tractor is always ready for the task at hand.
Understanding the Float Function on John Deere Garden Tractors, and how it relates to FEL’s
If you’re new to using a John Deere garden tractor with a front-end loader or 3-point hitch attachment, you may have come across the term float function (also called float mode or float position). So what exactly does it mean?
Why the John Deere 425, 445 & 455 Series Are the Best Garden Tractors for Front-End Loaders
My prospective customers come to us to help them decide which garden tractor to purchase (that is compatible with our loaders), and time and again, we point to John Deere's legendary 4X5 series. Built to last, engineered for real work, and compatible with front-end loader attachments like the Little Buck and Little Bull, the JD 425, 445, and 455 models are true classics. In this article, we’ll explore why they remain top picks, how they compare, and what makes them so ideal for loader work.
How Do I Keep My Hydraulic Hoses from Rubbing on the Front Tire?
If you’re running a front-end loader on your John Deere garden tractor, you might run into an issue where the hydraulic hoses get a little too cozy with your front right tire. Read on to learn how fellow operators are solving it.
What to Know Before You Buy: Little Buck or Little Bull Loaders for John Deere X700 Series
The John Deere X700 series is a powerful and versatile line of lawn tractors, and one of the most popular platforms we support at Little Buck Loader. If you own an X700 or are considering purchasing a loader for one, here’s everything you need to know to ensure a smooth and successful setup with either our Little Buck or Little Bull front-end loader.
Yes, You Can Mount Your Loader by Yourself—No Heavy Lifting Required
One of the biggest perks of the Little Buck Loader is how easy it is to install—even by yourself. You don’t need a second set of hands or special equipment. With just your garden tractor and a little patience, you can go from pallet to mounted loader in under an hour.
The Perfect Loader Setup: What to Order with Your Little Buck or Little Bull
Investing in a front-end loader is a big step toward making your John Deere garden tractor more capable, efficient, and fun to use. But if you’re only buying the loader itself, you might be missing out on the full potential of your setup. In this post, we’ll walk you through a simple formula for building the ideal Little Buck or Little Bull system, from essential ballast weight to versatile accessories like grapples and pallet forks. Whether you’re working on your acreage every weekend or just need help managing seasonal projects, these add-ons will make your loader even more powerful and practical.