Many people buy a sub-compact tractor mostly for its front loader: moving gravel, manure, pallets, snow. If that is you, an electric loader does that job for the same money, without diesel. If you need a PTO, buy the tractor. Here is how to decide.
Price
The Nesher L880 sells for $19,990 with a general bucket, before taxes. A diesel sub-compact tractor with a front loader from the major brands lists at roughly $22,000 to $29,000 in Canada (manufacturer and dealer list prices, October 2026; financing promotions vary). The two machines are in the same range.
What the tractor does that the loader doesn't
A compact tractor has a PTO and a three-point hitch. It can run a mid-mount mower, a tiller, a rear snow blower or a rotary cutter. The L880 has no PTO and no three-point hitch. If you plan to mow, till or blow snow with the same machine, you need a tractor.
The tractor also refuels in minutes and can work all day. And the big brands have a dealer in almost every region.
What the loader does better
It is a loader first. The L880 is an all-wheel-drive articulated loader with a rated load of 880 lb. It turns in a radius of 8'3". Compare that with the loader lift capacity of the tractor you are considering.
Attachments built for loader work. Pallet forks, grapple, 4-in-1 bucket, auger, digger arm and snow plow.
No exhaust. It works in the barn, greenhouse or garage with the doors closed.
Far less noise. An advantage near horses, livestock and neighbours.
No engine to maintain. No engine oil, no fuel filters, no engine coolant.
Fuel
At diesel prices for the week of September 28, 2026, here is the estimated fuel saving. A tractor of about 25 hp doing light work matches the first row.
| Model | Compared with | Quebec, per hour | Ontario, per hour | Quebec, 300 h/yr | Quebec, 1,000 h/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L880 | a diesel of about 25 hp, 3 L/h | $8.37 | $7.22 | $2,510 | $8,370 |
| L1400 | a diesel of about 35 hp, 5 L/h | $13.97 | $12.06 | $4,190 | $13,970 |
| L2500 | a diesel of about 50 hp, 7 L/h | $19.36 | $16.71 | $5,810 | $19,360 |
Estimated fuel saving only, week of September 28, 2026. Pump diesel, taxes included: $2.903/L in Quebec (Régie de l’énergie du Québec) and $2.506/L in Ontario (provincial survey). Electricity, taxes included: 12.8¢/kWh in Quebec (Hydro-Québec Rate D) and about 11.1¢/kWh in Ontario (off-peak, estimate). Diesel use is calculated for light work with a standard formula; it is not a measurement of a particular machine. The comparison holds for work a Nesher loader can do. Your results will vary with your hours, your work and prices.
Estimate your fuel saving
Change any number to match your own machine, hours and prices.
default for a diesel of about 25 hp
- Diesel per year
- $2,613
- Electricity per year
- $102
Estimated fuel saving per year
$2,511
$8.37 per hour of work
Estimate of fuel cost only. Diesel defaults are the provincial pump averages for the week of September 28, 2026; the default burn rate is a formula estimate for a diesel of the size shown, at light work. Electricity use assumes the battery is emptied in the shortest advertised run time. It does not cover purchase price, maintenance or financing.
The electric loader's limits
Run time is 4 to 6 hours per charge, and a full recharge of the L880 takes about 8 hours on a 120 V outlet. In deep cold, run time drops. Service comes from Shawinigan, Quebec. If your working days regularly exceed one charge, or you are far from our service area, talk to us before you buy.
Which one to choose
| Your need | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Loading, lifting, moving, a few hours a day | Electric loader |
| Working indoors or near animals | Electric loader |
| Mowing, tilling or any PTO implement | Compact tractor |
| Working eight hours straight, day after day | Compact tractor |
| Cutting the diesel bill on a farm or stable | Electric loader for the loading; keep the tractor for the rest |
See the L880 page, build it with your attachments, or ask us your questions.