New 2520 Delivered

[Runner]

My tractor was scheduled to be delivered today to I took the day off which gave me some time to move stuff around to get ready for the blessed arrival. My Deere Guy showed up around 12:00 noon. As you
can see from the pics, he had a 30 foot trailer completely loaded with toys,
er, tools. Reviewing the trailer from front to back, we have the 72 inch Frontier GM1072R rear finish mower, the Frontier BB2060 box blade (the weight box is to the left of the box blade), the 61 inch loader bucket, the 47 inch snowblower (the 54 inch front blade is behind it on the pallet and the Frontier RB2060 rear blade is behind all that on the other side of the trailer). Then we have the 42 inch Frontier pallet forks (mounted on the 200CX loader, which is mounted on the tractor). Next is the 2520 itself and, finally, the RC1060 rotary cutter (which is actually hanging a
foot or so off the back).

I have had everything hitched up and working except the blower and the front blade, both of which have to have the adapter kit bolted to the front end before they can be used. So, for now the blower and blade are stored on their pallets in the shop.

My initial impressions are the the pallet forks are very handy and the 4 wheel drive is essential. It is really NEAT to have a real live forklift around the house. So far, though, I've only used the forks to move the pallets that have the blower and front blade on them, but they work like a charm.

One thing I found out real quick is that you MUST have some kind of counter
weight hanging on the back end to be able to effectively use the loader or
pallet forks. Even just the weight of the empty bucket or forks is enough
that you can't get any traction on the rear wheels. With no rear weight on,
I had to use 4 wheel drive just to get over the 2 inch curb to get the
pallet with the blower on it into the garage. Once I put the box blade on
(500 lbs or so) it made all the difference.

After I got the box blade, rear blade, blower and front blade put away, I
hitched up the rotary cutter and made a trial pass around the
pasture. It works great and it's so quiet, you barely know it's back there.
The machine didn't seem to labor at all until it got to the 3 foot high
stuff in the swampy area, then you could hear it working a little harder.
Still, no problems handling the mower weight or with having enough power to
run it. That was done with the loader frame mounted, but the loader bucket
removed. This pasture consisted of approximately 2 foot high grass/weeds, no brush and is on a rolling hills.

After that, I parked the bush hog in the shop and dropped off the loader
which took all of about 3 minutes the first time I did it. Man, I LOVE the way the loader and loader attachments mount and dismount. It's so easy that I'm sure I'll be inclined to use them a lot.

Next, I mounted about 200 lbs worth of the 280 lbs of front suitcase weights I bought to the front of the machine. This was my first notice of a setup error by the tech. He put the front weight bracket on backwards, so I had to take it off (two bolts) and re-mount in the proper orientation. Once on, the weights mounted fine. Then, I hitched up the rear grooming mower, set the cutting height and tried out the mower. It's so heavy (approx. 678 lbs) that it tries to pull the tractor sideways down hill on the steep side slopes (I
measured this slope at 17 degrees or so). I found that putting the tractor
in low range and 4 wheel drive solved the problem. Rear wheel weights or filled tires would probably help, but for now, I'm going to try and get by without them.

I also noticed that, when the rear end started to slip a little sideways, I
could just pull up on the rockshaft control and it would instantly transfer a
couple of hundred lbs of weight from the mower to the rear of the tractor,
which also helped the situation.

As for the mower itself, it seemed to do a terrific job of mowing. Very even, good distribution of clippings and no clumping. The grass was approximately 7 inches high, dry and being cut to 5 inches. One thing though, it is so much wider than the tractor that you really have to watch it on the first pass to keep from clipping fence posts, etc. Also, I'm going to need to do some tree trimming to enable me to get under the branches with the ROPS.

While having the unit sliding sideways on the slopes sounds scary (and kind
of is...), I'd much rather have it doing that than acting like it as trying
to tip over, which it never did. Since that was one of my major concerns with buying a CUT, that was a BIG relief. I didn't mow the whole yard, just the east side, which is where the worst side slope situation occurs. I really just wanted to get a feel for the way it handled that area, because I knew that if it felt halfway comfortable there, it would be OK on the rest of the yard. The only thing about it was, I pretty much had to keep the 4 wheel drive engaged the whole time on the hilly areas. The tractor seemed to have plenty of power for the 72 inch mower, but, you could hear it working harder in the higher stuff.

Also, a portion of this area is very rough and was quite uncomfortable on my lawn tractor. The 2520 and rear finish mower was a much nicer ride.

Overall, it looks like the tractor is going to be able to do what I need it
to do without killing me, so once I get the details ironed out, it should be
fine. There is a awful lot of stuff to store though.....

Many thanks to the group here for all the helpful advice. Chris2520, you talked me into the 61 inch bucket and I'm glad for that. I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.

More pictures to come.

Happy Tractoring,

Runner

 

[Runner]

Well, I guess I STILL don't know how to attach a picture. I'll try again.

 

[broncosfan]

your photo turned out just fine...impressive! Thanks for taking the time to share your writeup. Did you ponder the 2320 in your shopping? Wondered what you though if it.

 

[Chris2520]

My tractor was scheduled to be delivered today to I took the day off which gave me some time to move stuff around to get ready for the blessed arrival. My Deere Guy showed up around 12:00 noon. As you
can see from the pics, he had a 30 foot trailer completely loaded with toys,
er, tools. Reviewing the trailer from front to back, we have the 72 inch Frontier GM1072R rear finish mower, the Frontier BB2060 box blade (the weight box is to the left of the box blade), the 61 inch loader bucket, the 47 inch snowblower (the 54 inch front blade is behind it on the pallet and the Frontier RB2060 rear blade is behind all that on the other side of the trailer). Then we have the 42 inch Frontier pallet forks (mounted on the 200CX loader, which is mounted on the tractor). Next is the 2520 itself and, finally, the RC1060 rotary cutter (which is actually hanging a
foot or so off the back).

I have had everything hitched up and working except the blower and the front blade, both of which have to have the adapter kit bolted to the front end before they can be used. So, for now the blower and blade are stored on their pallets in the shop.

My initial impressions are the the pallet forks are very handy and the 4 wheel drive is essential. It is really NEAT to have a real live forklift around the house. So far, though, I've only used the forks to move the pallets that have the blower and front blade on them, but they work like a charm.

One thing I found out real quick is that you MUST have some kind of counter
weight hanging on the back end to be able to effectively use the loader or
pallet forks. Even just the weight of the empty bucket or forks is enough
that you can't get any traction on the rear wheels. With no rear weight on,
I had to use 4 wheel drive just to get over the 2 inch curb to get the
pallet with the blower on it into the garage. Once I put the box blade on
(500 lbs or so) it made all the difference.

After I got the box blade, rear blade, blower and front blade put away, I
hitched up the rotary cutter and made a trial pass around the
pasture. It works great and it's so quiet, you barely know it's back there.
The machine didn't seem to labor at all until it got to the 3 foot high
stuff in the swampy area, then you could hear it working a little harder.
Still, no problems handling the mower weight or with having enough power to
run it. That was done with the loader frame mounted, but the loader bucket
removed. This pasture consisted of approximately 2 foot high grass/weeds, no brush and is on a rolling hills.

After that, I parked the bush hog in the shop and dropped off the loader
which took all of about 3 minutes the first time I did it. Man, I LOVE the way the loader and loader attachments mount and dismount. It's so easy that I'm sure I'll be inclined to use them a lot.

Next, I mounted about 200 lbs worth of the 280 lbs of front suitcase weights I bought to the front of the machine. This was my first notice of a setup error by the tech. He put the front weight bracket on backwards, so I had to take it off (two bolts) and re-mount in the proper orientation. Once on, the weights mounted fine. Then, I hitched up the rear grooming mower, set the cutting height and tried out the mower. It's so heavy (approx. 678 lbs) that it tries to pull the tractor sideways down hill on the steep side slopes (I
measured this slope at 17 degrees or so). I found that putting the tractor
in low range and 4 wheel drive solved the problem. Rear wheel weights or filled tires would probably help, but for now, I'm going to try and get by without them.

I also noticed that, when the rear end started to slip a little sideways, I
could just pull up on the rockshaft control and it would instantly transfer a
couple of hundred lbs of weight from the mower to the rear of the tractor,
which also helped the situation.

As for the mower itself, it seemed to do a terrific job of mowing. Very even, good distribution of clippings and no clumping. The grass was approximately 7 inches high, dry and being cut to 5 inches. One thing though, it is so much wider than the tractor that you really have to watch it on the first pass to keep from clipping fence posts, etc. Also, I'm going to need to do some tree trimming to enable me to get under the branches with the ROPS.

While having the unit sliding sideways on the slopes sounds scary (and kind
of is...), I'd much rather have it doing that than acting like it as trying
to tip over, which it never did. Since that was one of my major concerns with buying a CUT, that was a BIG relief. I didn't mow the whole yard, just the east side, which is where the worst side slope situation occurs. I really just wanted to get a feel for the way it handled that area, because I knew that if it felt halfway comfortable there, it would be OK on the rest of the yard. The only thing about it was, I pretty much had to keep the 4 wheel drive engaged the whole time on the hilly areas. The tractor seemed to have plenty of power for the 72 inch mower, but, you could hear it working harder in the higher stuff.

Also, a portion of this area is very rough and was quite uncomfortable on my lawn tractor. The 2520 and rear finish mower was a much nicer ride.

Overall, it looks like the tractor is going to be able to do what I need it
to do without killing me, so once I get the details ironed out, it should be
fine. There is a awful lot of stuff to store though.....

Many thanks to the group here for all the helpful advice. Chris2520, you talked me into the 61 inch bucket and I'm glad for that. I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.

More pictures to come.

Happy Tractoring,

Runner

Runner , i am glad i was able to help in some of your decitions.
you have a wonderful setup. and looks like you have everything you need
to take full advantage of you 2520. it is a real working tractor . aside from what some people think, it ant no baby tractor or toy.... It will really get alot done. and with all the stuff you got. you will be amazed at what it can really do. and you will be able to go from snow to grass and back to dirt... Trust me you are going to enjoy it very much.
and yes you will be glad of the 61 inch bucket. you will be able to move so much more. I am very happy for you. and by all means post more pictures for us..

I was wondering. i did not see the backhoe. did thay forget to deliver it...
Just kidding....

and dont forget to get a tooth bar. it makes all the difference in the world digging...

Chris......

 

[Runner]

Broncosfan,

To be honest, my decision was between the 2305 and 2520 and I kind of skipped over the 2320. I really liked the idea of something like the 2305, i.e., just a big lawn tractor that could do a lot of things, but I have 4 acres to rough cut and I wanted a 5 foot rotary cutter, which eliminated the 2305. I then figured, if I was going up a size to the "20" series, I might as well get as much horsepower, size and weight as possible in that frame size.

I've read of people using the 2320 with a 5 foot hog, but after what I saw today, I wouldn't want any less HP, even by just a couple. Not that the 2520seems underpowered, it doesn't, but I did have to drop down to low range to be able to power up some hills while mowing.

Chris, with all the fun you backhoe guys seem to be having, I must admit, I'm thinking about it. I can't really think of much I'd do with one right off, except maybe digging up stumps. But once the 10 or 12 stumps are gone, I'm afraid it wouldn't get used much. I decided to have power beyond installed at the last minute just in case....

Speaking of options, I didn't mention the options on the tractor, of which there aren't many. They include: rear work light, light guards, front weight bar extension (holds 7 - 40 lb weights), power beyond and iMatch hitch (all attachments are iMatch compatible).

 

[Chris2520]

Was there a reson not to install front work lights as well. you will find in a hurry if it gets dark. and you are useing loader. once bucket is off the ground. headlights shine right into the bucket. and you are in the dark. just something to think about.....

as for hoe. i did not really think i might use it that much eather. but you will be surprized at all you can do with it. once you have it....

Chris.....

 

[lincolnvt]

Congrats - awesome set up! You are going to have a lot of fun in that yellow seat.

Cheers,
Brad

 

[Thomas]

Morn Runner.
WOW,that's indeed a trailer load of fun...opps...work
Congrats on your new purchase,and many happy hours of the hour meter to you.

 

[jcmseven]

Runner,

Is there an attachment that you did NOT get with your new tractor??? Seems like you have everthing covered there.

John M

 

[Runner]

Guys,

Thanks for all the warm wishes. I put another hour or so on the machine yesterday finish mowing the front and rear yards and the Frontier GM1072R gives a beautiful cut. The only problem I'm finding is that can never operate the machine in 2 wheel drive. Any time I try, even on the slightest of slopes, I spin a tire and tear up the grass. I think I'll be paying my friendly local Deere dealer a call soon for some wheel weights....

Here is a pic of the unit with the finish mower mounted. I have better pics, but can't seem to figure out how to resize them small enough to upload here. Maybe I'll figure that out one of these days.

Chris, I don't anticipate much night loader work and the lights pretty much shine through the pallet forks, so we'll just have to see how it goes. I may add some front-facing lights in the future if it becomes a problem. As it is, the only time I normally use my machine at night would be for mowing when I have to finish up in the dark or maybe for some snow plowing/blowing. Dealer said front lights and rear lights couldn't be done, although I know there a TONS of posts on here from people who did it anyway, so it's good to know I could do it if needed.

JC, yes, believe it or not, there were one or two attachments left on the lot. The dealer said I should be proud I made him fill up a 30 foot trailer. I said I was hoping he'd have to make two trips.

After the wheel weights, my next attachments will be a receiver hitch for the three-point, carryall and post hole digger. I also plan on fabricating a receiver hitch mount to fit on the pallet fork carrier to be used for a trailer hitch, lifting hook, boom pole, etc.

Runner

 

[jbrumberg]

Runner:

Congratulations on your new tractor and all those neat attachments ! You know that you will eventually get a rear blade, tiller, and landscape rake . Jay

PS: I also concurr with the suggestion that you get a toothbar and also a cutting edge for your FEL bucket.

 

[Calvin Speers]

Congradulations Runner:
One question? Can you put your loader on with the front weight bracket attached to the tractor?

 

[Runner]

Jay, I guess in my excitement, I left the rear blade off the list, but I did get a Frontier RB2060 also. The landscape rake and tooth bar sound like an EXCELLENT idea!

Calvin, yes, you can leave the front weight extension bracket on with the loader. I'll have to look at it again next time I put it on to see if there's a way you could leave the weights on, although there would be no reason to do so. I actually contemplated the need for trying to run both the front weights and loader frame when brush hogging, my impression so far is that front weight is not that much of an issue and only one or the other (loader frame or front weights) is required, even with the heavier mowers. Of course the other option is to run the loader frame and bucket to get max. front weight, but I'm not crazy about that idea for maneuverability reasons.

I am glad I got the front extension bracket though, since it allows two more front weights for a total of 280 lbs, just in case they're needed. Plus, you can always use those extra weights in the weight box or hung on the box blade.

Here's one more pic of the machine with RFM installed.



Runner

 

[Chris2520]

I like the front weight bracket. looks very nice. I dont take the loader off much as i dont mow with it. but i would still like to get one.

as for the dealer telling you the lights cant be done. well , thats not a good sign . because my dealer did mine. Course i took them all off , and redid them the way i wanted them.. I should of just done it in the first place..

Chris....

 

[prosperity]

Question about the front weight bracket...

I have one on order (the extended weight bracket like in your photo).

The reason I bought it, is that as far as I could tell, you could only put 3 weights on the front of the 2520 without the bracket.

I know I wanted to be able to hang at least 5, and 7 is even better. 3 would not be enough.

 

[Runner]

Chris,

I hear what you're saying about doing the lights yourself to get them right. Based on recent experience, I'm thinking that I should do mine myself for the same reason, if I decide to add them. Probably best that I didn't order them with the tractor...

Prosperity,

Yeah, you're right, it looks like you can only get three weights on the standard bracket, but seven on the extended bracket. One neat thing about the extended bracket is that it has two little "dividers" built into it that are just wide enough for five weights to fit into. So, if you don't want to have to carry seven, you can just go with five and they won't rattle around or slide.

I didn't realize it until I read it in the manual just now, but the standard weights are 70lbs so you get a pretty good load with just three of them compared to the optional weights, which are only 40lbs each.

Runner

 

[prosperity]

Thanks for that info runner -

I didn't see that in the manual about the 70# weights.

I have 5 40# weights already, so the bracket will work out great for me. Plus, my dealer threw in 2 more weights so I have 7 now.