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.

Picking up your new front-end loader from Fastenal is an exciting moment—but once it’s on the back of your pickup or trailer, what’s the best way to unload it safely at home? In this article, we’ll walk you through the pallet dimensions, the Fastenal pickup process, and several safe, practical ways to get the pallet from your truck bed or trailer to the ground—no forklift required.

Having trouble getting the spring-loaded pins to line up on your Little Buck Loader or Little Bull Loader? In this quick video, Luke walks you through the underside channel of the loader base, where the weight bar attaches and how the spring pins engage.

If you own one of the older John Deere lawn and garden tractors that our loaders are built for, you may eventually run into a bit of hydraulic drip around your quick connects. Don’t worry, it’s a common issue, and luckily, it’s easy to fix with a few simple tools and a quick trip to your local JD dealer.

We recently worked with two customers who ran into the same frustrating issue with their John Deere 4X5 series tractors: a stuck hydraulic valve. If you’ve got an older John Deere garden tractor, this is something to watch out for, especially if your levers haven’t been used in a while. Fortunately, there’s a simple way to get things moving again without jumping straight to a costly replacement.

In many older vehicles, OEM parts are hard to come by—or wildly expensive. Our fabrication shop can often save you time and money by repairing or reinforcing components with precision welding instead. From brackets and frames to mounts and joints, we’ve got the tools (and the experience) to keep your car road-ready.

If you’ve invested in a front-end loader for your garden tractor—or you’re thinking about it—you already know how much time, effort, and back strain this tool can save. But what exactly can you do with a compact front-end loader like the Little Buck Loader or Little Bull? And just as important: what shouldn’t you do? Let’s break it down so you can get the most out of your equipment—without pushing it past its limits.

Located in Sycamore, IL, we provide expert welding and fabrication services across the greater Chicagoland area—trailers, boats, fences, auto frames, and more.

When you need more than muscle on your job site, the right attachment makes all the difference. Our Heavy-Duty Boom Pole for skid steers is built for jobs that demand strength, reach, and control. Whether you’re clearing storm damage, lifting trusses, or moving heavy equipment around your property, this boom pole turns your skid steer into a multi-purpose powerhouse.

Discover the top summer projects made easier with a front-end loader. From gravel driveway touch-ups to yard cleanup, our American-made loaders help you work smarter.

If you own a front-end loader and you’re still moving brush, logs, or debris by hand—or relying on a clunky strap or chain—it’s time to upgrade. A mechanical grapple attachment transforms your loader into a serious workhorse by giving it grabbing, gripping power without the need for extra hydraulics.

Every so often, we hear from customers having a little trouble getting their Little Buck or Little Bull Loader to mount correctly to their John Deere garden tractor. Don’t worry, this is an easy fix, and we designed our system with this exact issue in mind.

We hear it all the time—“I just need to convince my wife.” And listen, we get it. Buying a front-end loader or grapple isn’t just a purchase, it’s a lifestyle decision. So whether you're lobbying over dinner or subtly leaving the browser tab open, here are four perfectly rational (and marriage-friendly) arguments to help you get that sweet spousal approval.

When it comes to maximizing the utility of your John Deere 120R front-end loader, the JD Talon is a game-changer. Designed for John Deere owners who need a rugged, no-hassle, mechanical solution for handling brush, logs, and debris, the JD Talon is an essential grapple tool for landscaping, farm work, and property maintenance.

If you’re looking to extend the versatility of your skid steer, a boom pole attachment is an essential tool for lifting and transporting heavy loads with precision and ease. Whether you're handling logs, fence posts, construction materials, or other bulky items, our 70-inch Boom Pole for Skid Steers is built to get the job done efficiently.

John Deere’s 400, 420, and 430 garden tractors have earned a devoted following thanks to their power, versatility, and durability. Built between the late 1970s and early 1990s, these models remain highly sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate their rugged construction and ability to handle tough tasks.

The John Deere 425, 445, and 455 are among the most respected garden tractors ever produced. Built between 1992 and 2001, these models are known for their reliability, power, and versatility. Whether used for mowing, tilling, or heavy-duty yard work, they have stood the test of time—and they’re even better with a front-end loader.

For many John Deere enthusiasts, the 318 is more than just a lawn tractor—it’s an icon. Known for its rugged build, hydraulic power, and unmatched versatility, this model has remained a favorite among collectors and DIYers for decades. If you own a 318—or any of its 300-series siblings, including the 314, 316, 317, 322, 330, and 332—you already have a workhorse in your garage. And with a Little Buck Loader, you can take its capabilities to the next level.

If you own a John Deere X700 series lawn tractor, you already know its versatility and power. But did you know you can take it to the next level with a front-end loader? Our Little Buck Loader and Little Bull Loader are fully compatible with the X700 series, offering a plug-and-play solution to boost your lawn tractor's capabilities.

If you’re searching for ways to boost the functionality of your John Deere garden tractor, adding a front-end loader is a great solution. Below, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about front-end loaders, their costs, compatibility, and best practices.