Took delivery of a new 3215 HST two days ago. Ordered it with the FEL and backhoe. I used it for about an hour to dump some gravel at the end of the driveway to fill in depression. My father and I have 25.5 acres in north Louisiana with lots of trees and brush that has taken over what was pasture/farm land. I bought the tractor to help my 80 year-old dad with working the property into shape. He lives on the property and has been using far too much physical labor trying to clear the brush. I live 300 miles away and work full time so I can't be there much except for vacation. I also bought a 46" commercial grade zero turn radius mower for him/us since the tractor won't accept a belly mower with the backhoe. The tractor could use some rops mounted work lights. I'll be trekking down to the auto parts store and see if I can find a set of lights. Any advice here? I'd like to mount 2 or 3 lights that swivel so I can point them where I want. Any other comments about this model is also welcome. Also, I have the tractor covered with a tarp for the time being until we can construct a storage shed for it. My dad would be content with one of those portable carport jobs with the skinny poles and aluminum sides that stop 5 or 6 feet above the ground. I'd prefer an enclosed building with a concrete floor and electrical service for performing maintenance and keeping the machine totally out of the elements.
3215 HST
- Thread starter Boit
- Start date
- Views: 1837
Dougster
Veteran Member
Congratulations on the new tractor and welcome to TBN!Boit said:
No advice to give you about the lights... but I wouldn't leave that tarp on there for very long. I think you are better off leaving it uncovered for now so long as you can find some shade from the mid-day sun. I don't like those flimsy carports either. I've seen way too many blow away. There is no substitute for a simple garage (or similar). I might go with one of those metal framed, soft-sided "garages" temporarily... provided, of course, that the metal frame was anchored down like there was no tomorrow!!! Dougster
MajMac392
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2002
- Messages
- 411
- Location
- Southern Maine
- Tractor
- Cub Cadet 7234, John Deere X300 Riding Lawn Mower
Boit, nice tractor. There are several posts on how people have come up with mounting lights on their tractor. I don't think anyone has a kit per say that you can slap on and hook up easily. I'm surprised that manufacturers don't have a set of optional lights to put on that are engineered for the tractor because most of us have come up with some work around. If you do use the loader at night the regular headlights aren't a lot of good. I bought a light kit made by Peterson that were called Docking Lights, model V525S-2, with a switch and wiring ($35), then had my Car Quest dealer order a couple of magnetic mounts to put on the bottom of the lights. The magnets were about $10 each I think made by Grote #43300. I also cut a piece of plate mounted it to the ROPS and then attach the lights to it when I need them. I mainly use them for plowing snow in the winter so take them off during the summer.
I ordered a magnetic based spotlight yesterday. It is 8 million candle power and is connected to the battery posts via spring loaded clamps. That should get the job done.I went this route because I wanted to be able to remove the light if needed and used elsewhere at will.
Since the tractor cannot accept a belly mower with the backhoe attachment, I'm looking into a bush hog brush mower for when I take the backhoe off(not an easy task from what I'm told). Anyone with this tractor or maybe 2815 with a bushhog can recommend the correct mower attachment? Thanks
DigginJB
New member
It isn't that bad once you've done it a couple of times. An earlier thread discussed some of the more challenging points, mostly being sure to relieve all pressure before trying to undo the 'quick disconnects'. I take mine off pretty frequently, and usually spend about 5-10 minutes coming off & 10-15 going back on. But the first few times were with a printout of the manual in hand, for sure... As for the right bush hog, go for a big'un, your 3215 will handle 5' implements just fine. Have fun! (and stay safe.)Boit said:
bill6
Silver Member
Hi Diggin, on my 3215 (gear) I used a 5' bush hog. It's about the right size. One brand I like is HOWSE. They make economy, medium, and heavy duty cutters. They are quite affordable, and the powder coated red is pretty close to Mahindra red. I think HOWSE has not enjoyed a consensus of favor with other implements, but their rough cutters are known to be very good......
Savagepike
Bronze Member
bill6 said:
I agree... match the cutter's width to that of the rear tractor wheels for the best fit. And maybe use Pat's QA for ease of hookup. I use a bushhog sq600 5' behind my 2615 and am more than pleased with it for light cutting. I've spent several hours adjusting it and it will now cut my front field close to what a finish mower does. I also know people with Howse cutters and they have no complains either. I would have gone with Howse if the bush-hog wasn't part of my deal tractor deal.