CK20HST Grille guard, etc

[TractorLegend]

I'm buying a CK20HST to do mowing and grounds maintenance on 5 acres rec. property in Packwood WA. (I live in Normandy Park WA, f.y.i.) Im getting the front loader and a finishing deck. Possibly a drag behind blade. I have a long gravel (5/8's minus) driveway that the kids "sculpt" with running the atv's around that gets ruts in it.
Will the grill guard fit with the loader?
Will the loader straighten the existing driveway or is a blade best?
Currently I have no blade or bucket--Ive been using a sweet old Allis Chalmers 314D Garden tractor with 42in deck that has been getting abused due to mowing terrain.

 

[DrewL]

blade

 

[depratt_equip]

Yes the grill guard will fit with the loader, and I highly recommend getting on. It is much cheaper than having to replace the headlamp assy if it gets broken.

And yes the rear blade would be best for your driveway.

 

[DK35vince]

For driveway maintainance I much prefer a boxblade over a rear blade

 

[Kraut]

For driveway maintenance I found that both, rear blade and a box are required. Angle rear blade to move material toward the center and then use the box blade for leveling and spreading. I am currently working on re-doing a neglected gravel drive in Tn 1/4 mile plus. Have done one in Fl also a 1/4 mile long using a BX 2200.

 

[VictorW]

The rear blade will work best for general leveling. I thought about the box blade as someone else mentioned but didn't want to spend the money. A box blade will cut in a better and carry the materal. If I have high spots, I use the FEL to cut them down. To help carry the material, I made steel wings, 1 ft long and the height of the blade, mounted at a 45' angle on the ends of the rear blade. You have to add angle or something else as a stiffener to the back side of the wings. They're bolted on if removal is needed. I patterned them after what I saw on pickups with snow plows. By changing the blade angle, you can carry a good bit or let it slide out. I'm sure it doesn't work as good as a box blade but a little scrap steel, welder, and a few hours gives me something that will work for me.

 

[Steve_Miller]

Here's mine.

 

[Steve_Miller]

another shot

 

[TractorLegend]

Thanks for the info guys---I went to the lot today to kick tires and now am considering the heavier 25 and 30 HST for earth moving. But I will get brush guard whichever I get (if I have a nickel left) Regards Mark

 

[KiotiJohn]

That particular grill guard is also angles just right to allow the hood to open up right. Once you get it, I recommend you have a welder put some expansion metal in the openings because sticks/trees can get through those large openings and cause damage.

I know you're still trying to decide which you want, but think about the telescoping hitch arms (makes hookup a lot easier)and stabilizers not on the CK20, the tilt wheel and other extras for the money.

I love my CK20, but I would love to have the extras. The CK25/30 were not out when I bought.
John