Just test-drove a 2520 FEL/BH.....awesome

[jimgerken]

I agree, the 2520 can handle the biggest (61) bucket. On the other hand, the 61 is completly clumbsy when making atv trails in the woods. Its too big to steer it through the trees. I have the 61 and use it for snow, but all summer I prefer the 49 inch bucket with teeth, 'cause it is small and tough and will go in the ground (not as good as a backhoe) better than a big blunt-edge bucket. For snow, you wouldnt want teeth though. So, the "best" bucket might be the 54 with removable toothbar. My thoughts anyway.

 

[Skipholiday]

I agree, the 2520 can handle the biggest (61) bucket. On the other hand, the 61 is completly clumbsy when making atv trails in the woods. Its too big to steer it through the trees. I have the 61 and use it for snow, but all summer I prefer the 49 inch bucket with teeth, 'cause it is small and tough and will go in the ground (not as good as a backhoe) better than a big blunt-edge bucket. For snow, you wouldnt want teeth though. So, the "best" bucket might be the 54 with removable toothbar. My thoughts anyway.

I wouldn't want a large bucket for the same reason. I prefer a smaller bucket for the same reason.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Approximate price: $23,000 (w/o 7% NJ sales tax).

Ouch! I'd sell you a Kubota B2620 / Loader / Backhoe for a solid $3,000 less.

 

[Birdmayon]

I'll third the notion that 61" may not be the best bucket, it really depends on your needs. Of course I have not tried the 61, but the 53" works great for me and makes it pretty easy to negotiate my woods, I think larger would make it a bit more difficult to get around in tight spots.

Again, not knocking the 61, but I see alot of folks telling everyone to upgrade to that and just want to join in in pointing out that it shouldn't be a blanket statement and you need to consider your needs before jumping to the larger bucket. However, that bucket is the heavy duty one, correct? Already reinforced? That is one nice aspect if that is a true statement.

 

[Nuru]

I went from a 61" normal to a 73" HD bucket and boy is that bucket heavy.

 

[Ramairfreak98ss]

well i guess the same machine without the BH would be a decent amount less... the online price was $20,240 i think for the 2720 and 200cx loader.

 

[Seezer]

For comparison, I was just quoted a JD 2520 with 53" FEL for $15,900 in Colorado. Great machine. Dealer told me he was making 6.8% on the deal. I was also told that 0% financing would cost me ~$300 for 42 months... Seems to defeat the purpose of putting out a good financing deal.

 

[Runner]

"However, that bucket is the heavy duty one, correct? Already reinforced? That is one nice aspect if that is a true statement."

Actually, the 61 I was talking about for the 200CX isn't the heavy duty one. The heavy duty one is only listed for the 300 series loader and up, although it might fit on a 200CX.

The one I have is just the regular 61 inch materials bucket. I considered getting the heavy duty one, but they weigh quite a bit more and I didn't think it was worth losing the load capacity.

Guess the best answer is TWO buckets then, you're ready for anything.

 

[Nuru]

I went from a 61" normal to a 73" HD bucket and boy is that bucket heavy.

OBTW,with that bucket on, the loader and bucket combo seems to need some counter weight on the back even when empty. Or at least it feels like it does. I gotta bite the bullet and take the bucket off and run around with the tractor and just the loader arms. The bucket is reasonably solid, not a skid steer (which I almost bought instead), but sturdy none the less.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

OBTW,with that bucket on, the loader and bucket combo seems to need some counter weight on the back even when empty. Or at least it feels like it does. I gotta bite the bullet and take the bucket off and run around with the tractor and just the loader arms. The bucket is reasonably solid, not a skid steer (which I almost bought instead), but sturdy none the less.

A 385 BH or 485 BH would make a nice Ballast Box to offset that heavy bucket. As Chris2520 says "Everybody needs a Hoe." Now that the snow is gone, I seem to find more uses for the BH than the FEL.