New accessories for the 265

[DJRuss]

I just wanted to share some pics of the new sleeve hitch and disc harrow I just installed. So far I've just used the machine for grass cutting so it'll be fun to explore it's gardening capabilities.

The hitch is JD part LP31357 and made for the x500 series but also compatible with my 265. I had my eye on a NOS original hitch on ebay, the kind with the frame that goes underneath and operates with the lift handle, but it sold before I had funds available. I'm glad I went with this one after all though as now I can leave the mower deck installed. The disc is Brinly #DD-55BH.

Both parts are actually made by Brinly and seem very heavy-duty for their purpose. The only issue I had is both were missing hardware, the hitch a LOT, the disc just two nuts. They were good about getting parts shipped out at least. Maybe count on a delay and taking inventory of anything you order from them though.

I've only played with them in the garage a little but the hitch seems easy to operate. With the disc on, it only takes maybe 10-15 lbs of force on the handle to lift.

I want to plug greenfarmparts.com for their good prices and customer service. It's been nothing but a positive experience with them so far. I ordered a couple 42lb suitcase weights also for less than anywhere else and they still qualified for free shipping!
HD and Lowes sell the Brinly / Agrifab stuff but I found the best price on the disc at Northern Tool by a solid $50 if picked up in store. FYI for anyone else interested.

Next project is restoring a 30" mechanical tiller I picked up from CL for cheap. It's a rust bucket but should do the job well after some TLC.

 

[CCWKen]

I remember the days of trying to garden with a "garden tractor". It was like trying to pull a loaded 20k trailer with a Volkswagen. Always a source of frustration and a generator of four-letter words. Bought a good tiller and left the tractor for the lawn.

 

[DJRuss]

Welp, I'll let you know how it goes. So long as I keep my expectations reasonable, it should be enjoyable. The 30" mech tiller is quite a piece of equipment from what I've read. And if it all doesn't work out, I'm only into it all $300 or so and will find other uses for the sleeve hitch like a landscape rake or rear blade.

Ideally I'd like to get a subcompact with 3ph and pto. It's not in the budget though and would be underutilized by my needs. I really don't want to walk behind a rear-tine tiller every year if that's what you meant.

 

[DJRuss]

CCWKen: I'm also curious... Were any specific tasks or implements especially frustrating? Maybe I can avoid those.

 

[beenthere]

DJ
I cringe when I see that small disk behind on the sleeve hitch. Reminds me of the day when I had such behind my 8hp wheel horse. Finally, had to get on it and ride it for weight, while one of the boys around 5-7 ages drove the tractor. Wow, about 45 years ago now.
But it is a great way to start and you will do good things with it. Just the fabrication had to be enjoyable.

 

[CCWKen]

CCWKen: I'm also curious... Were any specific tasks or implements especially frustrating? Maybe I can avoid those.

Anything that requires traction. Those lawn tires are made for lawns. Plowing is out and most cultivating. You might get the disk to work with a couple of sacks of sand on it, if you can pull it. The soil will need to be soft and not compacted. Also, you won't get anywhere with the deck on. So you'll have to pull that off every time you want to "garden". Like I said, I got more done with a rear-tine tiller. It had an offset cultivator blade attachment and worked great for making rows or just cultivating with the tines raised (set by the depth bar). It had real "tractor tires" and would drag you through the dirt if you couldn't keep up.

 

[DJRuss]

It worked great. I had two cinder blocks on the disc and a couple weights on the front to counterbalance. Traction was no problem though I was a little scared of that and was prepared to get bar tires if needed. The deck stayed on and was no problem for the most part.

The soil is pretty sandy here and was already tilled this year. The purpose of this disc is to further break up and smooth ground that's already been plowed or tilled and for that I have no complaints.

Ultimately I plan to remove the deck altogether and get a dedicated grass cutting machine like a zero turn. This 265 will be just for gardening and other chores then.

 

[tk tom]

We have been rototilling with the JD 265 since 1986 and that thing has been a champ. I got stuck once because I was an idiot and tried to do it when it was too wet, made a mess more than anything. My 4x4 Kubota I have now would have been stuck also, just worse. You can change to bar tread tires, use chains, put front weights on... do all kinds of things to help these buggers out and get a ton of work done. It will never be as easy as having a larger machine but they can do some pretty incredible stuff if you plan to go slower and be more careful as you work. Have fun!

 

[Smoothas]

DJ Russ-- looks good!! Glad it worked for you. Don't be discouraged by a few "posters"

 

[DJRuss]

Late response here, but thanks guys! I recently added the agrifab landscape rake and a gorilla dump cart/wagon. Both have come in very handy and I'm having fun with it.