favorite implements

Anonymous Poster · May 13, 2003

It's getting close to purchase time now and I'd like some thoughts on what 3 implements YOU feel are must haves. Two extras that are very handy would be informative as well. The FEL and RDFM are already on my list, but do to budget constraints, I'm getting real finicky on any others that I add. Thanks in advance: Glenn

GaryG · May 13, 2003

You will probably need a box blade to level out a nice landing strip for the radio control airplanes....

Bird · May 13, 2003

The box blade is one of the cheaper implements that I consider a necessity. Then if you're going to do any gardening, a tiller is rather expensive, but sure great to have.

frank_f15 · May 14, 2003

your profile is not filled out so i don't really know your intened use for the tractor, but one thing i would not be without is my removeable toothbar, about $300 depending on the size and the dealer.

Anonymous Poster · May 14, 2003

I find a snow blade essential, but you probably won't be needing one in Florida. [As the old joke says: "I'm moving to Florida because you don't have to shovel water."] A box blade is very handy, but fortunately I can borrow one the two or so times a year I need it. For me, a tiller is essential (plant nursery), but for most people it's probably a luxury ... but a REALLY nice luxury. In a big garden, it definitely beats a spading fork. Good luck with the implements.
Bernie

19th_VA · May 14, 2003

I'm finding lots of good uses for my boxblade, as I think many others do, too.

markie61 · May 14, 2003

Quick-attach plate with pallet forks for FEL. I cannot begin to express how useful the pallet forks are for my needs. It seems I use them more than the bucket, although I am constantly switching. I move stuff, loosen up roots around stumps, put all my implements on pallets, built firewood racks out of pallets (only touch it once!), built a man-lift platform, move logs, etc.

Oh, and I second the need for a bucket toothbar. However, make sure you get one that is easy to get out of the way. Mine has slots on each side where it is bolted to the bucket. That way, I can loosen the nuts, pull it forward, and then flip it back into the bucket if I need a smoother cut. I have no idea what brand it is....

Finally, I like my TSC logsplitter. It is slower than I like for the cycle time, but it is comfortable to use and hasn't been stopped by any log.

Mark

JohnS · May 14, 2003

Boxblade and Rotary Cutter, but as others have said, it depends on what you have planned to do. My current wish list, includes toothbar and pallet forks.

Anonymous Poster · May 14, 2003

Glenn - I'll suggest one more thing to think about. The loader is already on your list, but before ordering it, check out if there are any optional buckets available that you may want to substitute for the standard bucket that comes with it. Quite a few people have said that a "heavy duty" bucket was a good investment for them because they did alot of digging. (If offered, it's about $100 more than the standard bucket.) I recently added a "high volume" bucket because I move alot of light material (leaves/mulch) and was tired of working with a "teaspoon" when a "tablespoon" is quicker. (The high volume bucket is also great for my "snow problems.") Maybe a standard bucket will best suit your needs, but maybe an optional bucket right from the start would save you some money down the road.
Bernie

Anonymous Poster · May 14, 2003

Another attachment to look at is the york (landscape) rake. It is a very useful attachment. If you do any grading or need to rake out a gravel driveway nothing does a better job than a york rake. It has more jobs than you think until you start looking around and playing with it. This winter before I got my blade I plowed snow with it. I had my old tractor without a loader bucket so I had no choice. It got the job done. Something useful to look at.

Knowles

Anonymous Poster · May 14, 2003

I agree with the box blade.And a rotary mower if you have fields.I bought a used backhoe attachment for $1900.It is my favorite attachment next to a loader.A trailer is very nice also and can be picked up used very cheap.I got mine for around $80 and had to replace all the wood.It was built on a manure spreader frame and is very tough.

Anonymous Poster · May 14, 2003

Great info... Many thanks for the prompt responses. Main use mowing and moving already dug dirt from a soon to be larger pond. Several good ideas, have access to boxblade but as inexpensive as they are may just have to get my own. Does the rake work for pinestraw, leaves and or pinecones? That seems like an effective tool. Can't get a auger, case someone would want me to build a fence or plant trees. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Thanks again: Glenn

blurrybill · May 14, 2003

If you can swing it, I'd recommend a 4in1 bucket. It has let me move literally tons of brush after cedar cleanup -- other threads will support the utility of the 4in1. I have a heavy duty bucket, but have used it little so far. Good luck with the decision. Many TBNers might agree that with time you'll have more and more on the wish list.

Bill

pajoube · May 14, 2003

Frank,
The tooth bar, is this just to help with rocky ground digging?
If very few rocks, would the small bucket with tooth bar do just as well?
PJ

Alan L. · May 14, 2003

In order of use for me:

1. Rotary cutter
2. FEL
3. Finish mower
4. Box blade
5. Tandem disk
6. Fertilizer spreader
7. Post hole digger

Tiller would probably be in there somewhere, if I had one.

soarkrebel · May 15, 2003

My boxblade probably stays on my tractor more than anything else. a brush hog or rotary cutter is a must. i love the look of a fresh cut field. i just mowed my ten acre front yard this weekend and man does it look good.

and it does depend what you want to do . i have disc's and plow cause i plant food plots for deer.
but you may not need them.

now the tooth bar is on my list so is a rock rack and a chisel plow oh and a straight blade..........................

it never ends! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Rick Jay · May 15, 2003

glennd,

My favorite implement is the one I need at the time. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I always like the loader. In the snow, the snowblower certainly ranked high on the list. When I transplant shrubs, the backhoe moves to the top. When I was putting the fence in, the posthole auger was at the top of the list.

I'm sure sometime soon, the boxblade and rearblade will earn their keep. I've used the carry-all a few times, and the boom pole too. Each served it's purpose well.

My way of thinking is that any implement I need that gets me more seat time is a good idea. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

~Rick

Anonymous Poster · May 15, 2003

Just wanted to chime in here and mention that all these devices are nice to have if there is a real lasting need. I have 15 ac and have had a need for everyone of these devices listed at one time but not more than once.

HOWEVER, I only have day to day use for only one or two. I want a tiller really bad.. just can't figure out what I will do with it after I till up my wifes garden... 30 x 40. I have tried to justify the $1000.00 + tiller by saying boy I hate the hand tiller and how fast it would be to get the garden done.. of course it would only take 30 minutes to do it with a 3 pt and over an hour with a hand tiller.... so then the tiller would be used for 30 minutes a year maybe 60 minutes if I smoothed the garden out at the end of the year... So.. I just hired someone to come over and do it this year for $45.00... ok.. twice a year... that would be $90.00. and of course that is at his time and not normally my time... I still can't convince myself.

I guess the moral of the story is: If you can justify the use and cost of the equipment there is always rental equipment you can rent. So after all that... here is what I can't live without on a day to day.. week to week.

MMM
FEL
Rotary Mower
Blade
And my onboard AM/FM radio

Gary_in_Indiana · May 16, 2003

Beyond a basic tractor, first I'd want a front end loader with tooth bar, second would be a toss up between a box blade and whichever type of mower you'd need (assuming mowing is a consideration). Third, obviously, would be whichever of those two I didn't get second. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Casimir · May 16, 2003

I second blurrybill's nomination of the 4in1 Bucket. Mine has greatly increased the utility of my FEL, which is number one on my list. I have moved logs, railroad ties, pulled small stumps and roots out of the ground, and used the dozer blade capability a lot. They are a little pricey, but really improve the utility of the FEL. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif