How much tractor is enough?

[jenkinsph]

In all honesty, I don't have so many projects that I will be changing implements constantly. There will be times the tractor will sit for 3 weeks, maybe even a month without me touching it. This is another reason why I have told myself a 2520 is good enough, stepping into the 3000 series price range, to not use the tractor every week, seems a bit foolish.

I don't mind changing implements when the change over is quick, such as the quick park loaders, drive over decks, things like that. I plan on getting a rotary broom and a front blade, I know those involve about 20 minutes of work to change things, but even then, I don't mind. I am in no hurry to get any of these projects done and I intend to take my time and enjoy the tinkering as well as seat time equally. When I go out on the tractor I go out there for the entire day and just go leisurely.

Also, I wouldn't think I would need to add weights to the front for mowing with the mid mower. Any time I will have a rear implement on, the FEL will be on, I don't really have any tight areas, and the areas that are tight the 2520 is the perfect size for.

What valve options should I be ordering? I know power beyond for sure, give me future access to the BH, but what else? I don't want the independent deck lift, to many issues from what I hear, needing lots of adjustment to make it work right. So just route the dual mid SCV's to the rear right? I don't have a need for the diverter either.

Sorry for the confusion, did not imean that you will be changing the implements constantly, simply that my experience dictated that I have separate machines for the different tasks.

I never have extra weights front or back on my mower when cutting the lawn. I wan't it to be as light as possible. The front weights mentioned in my post above would be chosen where front ballasting was needed in a compact form, with heavy rear implements.



About the tractor, sounds like a 2520 will work for you, I agree to wait for the newer backhoe attachment. If it were me I would get R4 tires, power beyond, front and rear remote hydraulics and the attachments and implements you think you need the most.

 

[JDTank]

No worries jenkinsph, I didn't take it personally :laughing:

I agree completely about purchasing the backhoe at a later time. Given everyone knows the 270 is coming, any 46 BH's they have will probably be a hard sell. It's like buying a headache, and buying work, which makes zero sense.

I am really resisting 2 things about the 2000 series. For one, I am a big guy, 6 foot 3, size 14 feet, and 200 pounds. That operators station looks a little bit cramped. No tilt steering. The area surrounding the steering wheel and dash on the 3x20 series looks a lot nicer, and looks to have more room.

Number two, 3rd function hydraulics. A grapple is something I would have a lot of use for. We have a large variety of trees and plants on our property, all of which grow like weeds, and every year we have large piles of trimmings to move. A grapple would make this a quick and easy task that right now is done by hand.

Unfortunately the 3x20 series just looks to big to mow with a MMM.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

Unfortunately the 3x20 series just looks to big to mow with a MMM.

Obviously I'm biased - been mowing with a 3320 / 72" MMM / R3 Turfs since 2008 and no real complaints. For me, any shortcomings related to mowing are more than offset by additional FEL & BH capacity / factory cab etc.

Originally had the JD 447 BH and now have Wallenstein. The On / Off is a lot easier with the Wallenstein and cylinder operation is much smoother as well.

Remember if you jump to the 3x20 you also get 3 range eHydro. There has been a lot of discussion regarding the pro's / con's of two range.

 

[JDTank]

Obviously I'm biased - been mowing with a 3320 / 72" MMM / R3 Turfs since 2008 and no real complaints. For me, any shortcomings related to mowing are more than offset by additional FEL & BH capacity / factory cab etc.

Originally had the JD 447 BH and now have Wallenstein. The On / Off is a lot easier with the Wallenstein and cylinder operation is much smoother as well.

Remember if you jump to the 3x20 you also get 3 range eHydro. There has been a lot of discussion regarding the pro's / con's of two range.

I guess the thing for me is, I don't really need that extra FEL capacity. There is only 2 times where it would come in handy, moving manure, and bags of bedding for the horses. The manure pile is only spread once every 6 months (2 big horses and a mini) We only get 1 skid of bedding every 6 months, so twice a year I could use the capacity, but that's about it.

Factory cab, I know I won't be able to afford. If I stumble upon a used one, then maybe, but I know brand new the cab option will be out of the cards.

3 range hydro is definitely something else I have thought about as well. Being limited to 2 ranges probably wouldn't bother me to much for my work, but of course, it is always nice to have that middle operating range.

Is there down pressure on the 3 point for the 3x20 series? Down pressure would be a definite plus for when a rear blade is involved. I have been borrowing the neighbours old 790 for trying to fix a muddy spot in our driveway to the barn, and since there is no down pressure, the blade just rides on the surface, and I have no way to dig it in. The 790 is a piece of junk in my opinion, shifting constantly for loader work, constantly clutching as well. Pretty weak machine IMO.

Better yet, does the 2520 or 2720 have down pressure?

 

[mguitas]

Obviously I'm biased - been mowing with a 3320 / 72" MMM / R3 Turfs since 2008 and no real complaints. For me, any shortcomings related to mowing are more than offset by additional FEL & BH capacity / factory cab etc.

Originally had the JD 447 BH and now have Wallenstein. The On / Off is a lot easier with the Wallenstein and cylinder operation is much smoother as well.

Remember if you jump to the 3x20 you also get 3 range eHydro. There has been a lot of discussion regarding the pro's / con's of two range.

How do you like your wallenstein backhoe?

 

[BethesdaEC]

I am really resisting 2 things about the 2000 series. For one, I am a big guy, 6 foot 3, size 14 feet, and 200 pounds. That operators station looks a little bit cramped. No tilt steering. The area surrounding the steering wheel and dash on the 3x20 series looks a lot nicer, and looks to have more room.

I am 6'1" and 230lbs and when I first looked at the 2520 I thought it was cramped too. But actually using it in the woods compared to sitting on it in the dealer and it is not nearly as cramped as you might first believe.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

How do you like your wallenstein backhoe?

I think it is the same model as yours. Since getting the Wallenstein the only thing I've actually used it for was to bury my best fur friend Cinder. In some areas the fit / finish were better on the JD. As stated it seems more user friendly.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

Is there down pressure on the 3 point for the 3x20 series?

Better yet, does the 2520 or 2720 have down pressure?

I don't think any of the JD CUT's have down pressure on the 3 pth

 

[JDTank]

I don't think any of the JD CUT's have down pressure on the 3 pth

Well that's a bummer.

It sure would be nice to have down pressure for a blade on the rear.

What options do I need to order so I can run a 54 inch blade on the front?

 

[BethesdaEC]

Well that's a bummer.

It sure would be nice to have down pressure for a blade on the rear.

What options do I need to order so I can run a 54 inch blade on the front?

I am not aware of of any modern tractors that have down force, when you have 500 lbs implement you don't need down pressure. With something like a box blade, a couple of twists on the top link will dramatically alter the biting characteristics.