Just Got My New 3202

[goatfarmertim]

Just got a new JD 3203 and so far I love it. Got a FEL and a Box Blade and
Scrape Blade and Rotary mower. I needed a 4wd and hydrostatic trans due
to a disability.

I'll keep you posted on how this tractor does. I don't see to many that own
one.

Tim

 

[Neophyte]

Congratulations!

Which FEL did you get?

Did you get the iMatch?

 

[goatfarmertim]

Got the 300 loader and no didn't get the quick match.

In fact the salesman didn't mention it. I have read about it
here. how does it work. "pleads ignorance here"

Thanks,

Tim

 

[Neophyte]

What brand of Box Blade, Rear Blade and Rotary Cutter did you get?

The iMatch allows you to hook into your iMatch compatible non-PTO implements without getting off your tractor. It can also work with your PTO implements but you will still need to get off of the tractor to hook up the driveline. Basically, it eliminates all the hassle of connecting up each individual link. It also helps to reduce cussing, frustration, pinched fingers, banged up knuckles, pulled muscles, the desire to plead with inanimate objects and the need for the "bar & hammer of coercion".

After using one, you will never want to take it off. You will want all of your implements to be iMatch compatible. I'm currently trying to make all of my older implements compatible.

With the iMatch you simply:
1. Unlock the iMatch latches (this can be done from the tractor)
2. Back up to your implement with the 3PH lowered
3. Raise the 3PH
4. Lock the iMatch latches
5. You are ready to go!

I think the iMatch sets you back around $200. It also adds a little extra weight to your ballast. With all of that said, if you rarely switch implements, it may not be worth it for you.

If iMatch wasn't an option, I would have definitely got telescoping links and/or lower link quick hitches (like Pat's Easy Change).

 

[jdbower]

The iMatch allows you to hook into your iMatch compatible non-PTO implements without getting off your tractor.

It's that "compatible" thing that I hate. There's an industry standard, attachment vendors should follow it!

I'm currently trying to make all of my older implements compatible.

How's that working out? My biggest headache is my DR chipper but I think I'll need to fabricate an inverse iMatch bracket for it. As of now I'm using Pat's Quick Hitch and it's much better than without, but still far from an optimal solution.

 

[BenderKC]

How do you like your DR Chipper?

 

[jdbower]

How do you like your DR Chipper?

Other than a screwed up mounting frame it's not bad. I got the PTO chipper/shredder but I think I should have just gotten the top-discharge chipper (not sure if I'll be shredding much and the bottom discharge chipper is a bit annoying if you let your brush piles get too large).

I've found that it's important to start the PTO at low RPMs, I stopped the PTO to lift the chipper so I could remove the chips that pile up underneath and when I started the PTO at high RPM a piece of hardwood got caught in the blade and I snapped the belt. It was $150 to replace, but DR was nice and gave me a mulligan - they covered it under warranty even though it was my fault.

 

[Neophyte]

It's that "compatible" thing that I hate. There's an industry standard, attachment vendors should follow it!

If you have older implements it can be an issue but there are ways to make it work in most cases. For newer implements, you just need to ensure that they are iMatch compatible before making your purchase. I think most vendors would be designing around this these days. At a minimum, most Frontier and Landpride implements should be OK.

How's that working out? My biggest headache is my DR chipper but I think I'll need to fabricate an inverse iMatch bracket for it.

I'm making it happen, it just takes a little time and money. I have purchased some of the JD iMatch Bushing Kits (see attached), which makes things easier. The JD part number is BW15056 and they are around $30. These are the same kits they use on the iMatch Ballast Box.

You bring up a good point about the inverse iMatch bracket. I have been expecting to see something along these lines. I think there is a market out there for this. Perhaps one of the specialty fabricators out there will come up with something novel like a rigid iMatch compatible A-frame with adjustable links on the implement side to make up the difference.
.