You know... earlier this year, I was in the same situation as you. I got a hand-me-down 2165 cub to mow my yard. I have 2 acres, a long *** drive way, and numerous landscaping projects (not to mention just general land mantainence). I looked at some of the loaders for the 2165 (johnny buckey) and decided they all pretty much sucked. Nothing short of custom would do what I wanted it to do. Plus, these mowers aren't designed for heavy work. If you don't plan on doing heavy work, then that's all fine and dandy. The Johnny bucket is worthless. Anyone with half a brain and some skills can make one. Plus, they don't lift much and not very high. You'd be better off to invest in a nice wheel barrow and some gloves. Some of the other outfits mentioned are much better. I believe it was evan4434 who had a good thread going on some of the other options as far as a loader goes. When it comes to a blade, they can be found... They are pricey for what you get and the folks who mentioned getting an old IH cub are on the right track. You can literally about get the old IH cub AND blade for around the same price some folks charge for just the blade on that newer cub you have now.
In the end, I bought myself a new Sc2400 with a MMM and FEL. It was the right choice for me, but it may or may not be right for you. I knew that little cub mower was never going to be the tractor I needed. So, I bought a tractor and haven't looked back. That 2400 mows better than the 2165 too... but, keep in mind, a 2165 is no 3206... so, take that for what it's worth.
