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Others on this board know a lot more about them than I, but there are a number of things to look for: I've seen some which tap into the 3-point hydraulics, and are only usable if you chain down the rear lift arms. IMHO, this design doesn't do much for me. A much better design, I think, is one in which the hydraulics are separate from the 3-point. This generally uses a front-mount hydraulic pump (connects to the crankshaft through the hand crank hole). A dedicated hydraulic reservoir and spool valves are part of the loader design, so you can use it independently of the 3-point. It's especially useful if, for example, you have a back blade or scoop on the rear that you want to use on the same project. Some loaders have trip buckets, in which dropping the bucket to the ground "latches" it in place, and pulling a manual release dumps the load via gravity. Unless you're just moving material from one place to another, a hydraulically-controlled bucket is a lot nicer. You can gradually sprinkle gravel on ruts in the driveway, or use the bucket lip in reverse to level out something you've just dumped, or even get yourself "unstuck" by using the hydraulics to move the bucket and pull or push yourself to high ground. Finally, some loaders have very wide snow buckets (often, these are attachments which just widen the standard bucket). Don't count on moving gravel or dirt with these wide buckets, since the load will be way too heavy for your tractor.
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