JD 2520 - is the backhoe really needed?

[nails_n_glue]

Hi

I have been thinking of purchasing a JD 2520 to help me manage (transform) 2 acres. Currently scrub with no grass but want to turn it the other way. Tasks I want the 2520 to do are: leveling out lumps in ground, help to clear scrub, small tree removal (getting out stumps), laying few pipes, cutting into bank, rock wall building (footings + help lift rocks) and driveway reconstruction to do.

Forgive my noviceness but what are the capabilities of the CX200 loader and do you think (in your experience) would I also require the 46 backhoe? Just how tough is the CX200. Whenever I see pictures noone has a scratch on the paintwork.


Also was going to purchase the 62D mower deck at the same time. What are the pros and cons to having hydralic lift?

Thanks for your help....

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

I had the 46 hoe on my 4115 that I used for removing stumps ranging in size fro 3" to 12" and it worked fine. The smaller "brush" type stuff I could get out with the front bucket that I had a tooth bar on. I really can't answer however if the hoe in your case is really needed. For my circumstances it worked fine and when I was done we sold it.

 

[B8FISH]

Of course the hoe is needed! Well, "maybe" is a better answer. If you want to dig footers that are below the frost line--you won't be able to do it with the bucket/200CX. Laying pipe would certainly be easier with a hoe than the loader for digging--but again it depends on the depth you were planning (or depending on area, what the building code requires).

As far as the independent lift for the 62D goes--it really isn't independent. You need to disconnect 2 of the loader hoses to make it work. If you ever plan to mow with the loader on--it does not make sense. If you ever plan to use something on the 3PT while mowing, then it makes more sense. The other downside--it costs $ that you could use for another implement at purchase time (Box Blade being the strongest suggestion based on your description and plans).

PS--if you fill out your profile, you may get better feedback from someone more "local" to you regarding the footers and digging depths etc.

 

[orlo]

Just a note:

You CAN use 3pt implements with the mower on without the independent lift. You simply lock the deck in the full up position and use the implement.

Also, you can even use it 'while' using the deck provided: The implement use position on the 3pt hitch is lower than the lift needed for the mowing height you are using and the spread of the arms with the implement you are using allows the 'tab' on the 3pt lever arm to engage. I actually do this when I use my cyclone rake on the rear since the hitch for that is 3pt mounted.

I would NOT however ever recommend buying the powerflow bagger for that reason as it bolts on the back of the tractor and requires removing one of the 3pt hitch arms (with the mechanical lift) so makes any thought of using the 3pt hitch futile.


Myself I wouldn't want to be disconnecting/reconnecting the lines all the time. I really wish they had a mechanical lever lift (like lawn tractors) for the lift.

I do have the hydraulic lift kit on my 3320 but it has a 3rd SCV so there isn't a need to disconnect anything.

 

[ducati996]

Just some action shots of the 2520, 200cx & 46BH at work. The concrete was over 1000 lbs, and in one bucket full went into my dump truck. Weigh station gave me the receipt of the weight. Very capable machine IMO

 

[ducati996]

I had the 46 hoe on my 4115 that I used for removing stumps ranging in size fro 3" to 12" and it worked fine. The smaller "brush" type stuff I could get out with the front bucket that I had a tooth bar on. I really can't answer however if the hoe in your case is really needed. For my circumstances it worked fine and when I was done we sold it.

Did you sell the 46BH seperate or with your whole machine? can I ask why?

 

[YASH2520]

As far as the independent lift for the 62D goes--it really isn't independent. You need to disconnect 2 of the loader hoses to make it work. If you ever plan to mow with the loader on--it does not make sense. If you ever plan to use something on the 3PT while mowing, then it makes more sense. The other downside--it costs $ that you could use for another implement at purchase time (Box Blade being the strongest suggestion based on your description and plans).

A $50 manual selector resolves the issue of having to disconnect hoses. The only time I remove hoses is when I remove the loader from the tractor

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

Did you sell the 46BH seperate or with your whole machine? can I ask why?

Currently we live near Philly, PA and about five years ago we bought 5 acres of land on Seneca Lake in NY. The property was all tree covered and we wanted to clear one acre as a home site. With the help of the tractor and hoe we completed that task this past summer. Since we are a few years away from building we deceided to sell the tractor to help us finance electric, sewer costs etc. At some point we will be looking to get another tractor as we will be responsible for landscape work etc. after the house is done.