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.
1. Compatibility: Same Fitment Across the Line
One of the big advantages: all three systems are rated for the same core list of John Deere models (and select Kubota BX models):
John Deere 425, 445, 455
X465, X475, X485, X495
X575, X585, X595
X700 series
2. Mechanism / System Overview
Little Buck:
A robust front-end loader designed for garden tractors; our “OG” FEL.
Lift capacity to full height @ pivot pins | 340 lbs
Rugged, utilitarian, and no-nonsense appearance.
Attaches to your tractor’s existing front weight bracket using spring-loaded pins. Lightweight design for easy mounting/removal.
Little Bull:
Crafted for maximum durability and long-lasting performance.
Lift capacity to full height @ pivot pins | 440 lbs
Sleek, modern styling that blends with tractor lines.
Also mounts to your tractor’s existing front weight bracket with spring-loaded pins plus mid-mount frame brackets for added stability. Includes a detachable jack on rollers to assist with mounting.
QuikMount:
Modular frame/plate system with quick-attach capability built-in.
Lift capacity to full height @ pivot pins | 440 lbs
Designed to let you start with the frame/plate + bucket now, then add attachments (forks, grapple, etc.) later, converting into a full loader system over time.
“Quick-attach” means you swap tools (bucket ↔ forks ↔ grapple) fast rather than reinstalling entire loader.
3. Affordability / Price Comparison
Here are the current retail prices for each option, excluding shipping:
Little Buck: $2,990
Little Bull: $3,290
QuikMount: $3,990
What this means:
If your focus is simply a straight loader for everyday tasks, the Little Buck gives strong value at the entry-point.
The Little Bull gives you added features, stability, and design.
The QuikMount comes in at the highest price point but adds flexibility via quick-attach and modular expansion, making it a strong value if you plan to add attachments or want tool-swapping versatility.
4. Use-Case & Value-Proposition
When Little Buck is ideal:
You use your tractor with loader many times per year.
You don’t anticipate needing a grapple or forks frequently, just a bucket for mulch, gravel, snow.
You want the best value for a full hydraulic loader.
When Little Bull is ideal:
You have heavier loads (stone/gravel), or you value higher capacity/robustness.
You don’t mind the slightly higher investment for premium build.
When QuikMount makes sense:
You want one system that can evolve: bucket now, forks/grapple later.
You do multiple types of jobs (lifting, loading, forks/grapple use) and want quick-tool changes.
You’re investing in “coat-hanging year-round” capability, not just a bucket once in a while.
The slightly higher upfront cost is offset by future attachment flexibility and tool-swapping efficiency (saving time, labour, and hassle).
5. Final Thoughts & Recommendation
All three systems share the same compatibility and core build quality (manufactured in the USA, built for John Deere garden tractor hydraulics). The main decision comes down to how you plan to use it and how much value you place on modularity.
If your work is mostly bucket-focused and you want best entry value, go Little Buck.
If you’re moving heavier stuff or want the premium build, Little Bull is the way.
If you want open-ended flexibility, tool-swap capability, year-round use and future-proofing, the QuikMount gives you that platform.
In short: Choose for the tasks you do today and the tasks you’ll want to do tomorrow. Once you know how your tractor spends its days, you’ll pick the loader that delivers value every time it lifts.