Buying Advice Help me pick my 2nd attachment/implement

[puffyshirt]

Hi all,

I am ready to pull the trigger on a new 2520 (like everyone else lately!), and am struggling what to get for my 2nd implement.

I know I want the FEL, but am not sure what for the 2nd. I have about 5 acres (mostly wooded) and just a small area of grass (have an X304 for mowing). I have an ATV with a blade for the 150 ft driveway which works great... so I don't need the mower or the snow blower. Don't really have room for a garden (without cutting down trees).

I plan to clear all of the brush etc this year to clean up the woods, but planned on doing that manually so I can save the young saplings, etc.

I would like to maybe groom some trails, but not sure what I would use for that either.

Anyway, don't need a 2nd implement, but with the $2,500 incentive, its like getting it for free... so... hence my dilemma

All opinions welcome. Looking forward to becoming one of you!

 

[beenthere]

Forks, if that fits the program.
I wouldn't be without mine.

 

[bakerg]

Ballast box or boxblade?

 

[RoyJackson]

Forks, if that fits the program.
I wouldn't be without mine.

Forks would be my vote too.

Ballast box is important, but they're only about $200...forks go for around $700-$800, IIRC.

 

[RickS]

I would get a box blade. When I purchased my 4010 I had the same dilemma. I went with the box blade and used it frequently. At times I did wish for a blade that would angle, and would buy one if I had the chance, but it sounds like you use your ATV for that.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

Sounds like you will be working in the woods some. Don't know if a Chipper/Shredder applies but, you might consider that.

Or, a Grapple.

 

[bikerdib]

I vote forks also. If you plan on clearing brush by hand the forks will be very useful to haul the brush out to a burn pile or whatever you will do with it. When I say forks, I don't mean bucket forks, I mean a carrier and pallet style forks.

 

[devildog1]

My vote would be a Back Blade, great for use on dirt, mulch, brush or if you live where i do, snow removal.
Devildog

 

[Gizmo2]

Forks, without a doubt and tell the dealer a 2520 with a FEL and no backhoe should come with a ballast box.

 

[gonegreen]

I wish I had a Backhoe:thumbsup: But at this point I would settle for a post hole digger.

 

[castiman]

I would say forks also but not from john deere their too heavy, forks from artillian forks, there light and well made. Is your driveway paved if not, a box blade or land plane, will help maintain the driveway and also will work for grooming your trails.

 

[kennyd]

I would say forks also but not from john deere their too heavy, forks from artillian forks, there light and well made. Is your driveway paved if not, a box blade or land plane, will help maintain the driveway and also will work for grooming your trails.

Yes, the JD forks are to heavy for sure...

 

[glc24]

I would say the box blade. Frontier BB2065!:thumbsup:

Greg

 

[Tenn_Blue]

Another vote for boxblade. You can do a whole lot of things with one if you don't have some of the other "must have" implements. Since YOU have to pay for the implement (correct?), they are not too expensive.

Agree on getting the forks, but aftermarket ones - the Deere forks are heavy and the 200cx loader doesn't have a lot of extra capacity to support them. Actually, forks are an easy project to build yourself (lots of threads about this in the build it yourself section.

 

[Gizmo2]

Yes, the JD forks are to heavy for sure...

I like heavy.......like me!

 

[crash325]

I wish I had a Backhoe:thumbsup: But at this point I would settle for a post hole digger.

A "back hoe" is the most useful attachment you can have, next to the FEL. Once you have a back hoe, you will find so many uses for it that are hard to imagine how much you will use it.

Creating trails, digging out trees, stumps, shoving heavy objects around, are a few in addition digging & trenching. My Gannon has not been on the tractor in about 4 years and its all hydraulic, very easy to use. Post hole digger is very useful, just not needed very often.

Forks are so easy and cheap to build ( I've made 3 different types.) I would never consider buying a set. I posted pictures of all three in a home made forks forum.

The balanced rock and stairs were both set with the back hoe as my only help. Neither could have been done without the back hoe. :thumbsup:

 

[kennyd]

I like heavy.......like me!

Because your head is filled with rocks?:laughing::laughing:

Sorry to others reading this...Me and the Giz have a understanding:drink:

Pole barn done yet?

 

[DavidVT]

if there is enough in the budget: Backhoe without question

if you need to be more reasonable: scraper/boxblade, forks, grapple,

 

[Gizmo2]

Because your head is filled with rocks?:laughing::laughing:

Sorry to others reading this...Me and the Giz have a understanding:drink:

Pole barn done yet?

"Me and the Giz have a understanding" We do?
"Because your head is filled with rocks?" You been talking to my wife haven't you?
"Pole barn done yet?" NO!

 

[Gizmo2]

For some reason I don't really consider the backhoe an attachment. But I certainly am not getting rid of mine. I don't use it often but when I do it is usually over an extended period of time and for some reason a shovel no longer fits my hands. Just sayin!