Newbie

[Scott Hilberg]

Hi, I'm a new owner of Kubota BX1500 with mower & FEL. Love it - perfect tractor for me. I have read many of the discussions and appreciate the information and view points. Couple of questions regarding attachments:

1. Interested in pallet forks for FEL. I know my loader has limited lift, but would be helpful lifting things out of the pickup truck and moving brush, etc. Anyone have experience with clamp/bolt on forks? Also found ATI fork unit that is direct replacement for bucket - more install time and $$ vs. clamp on.

2. Looking for a rear blade - primarily for snow removal (perhaps some light grading). Kubota suggests 4ft blade. Would a 5ft blade be too much for my 1500? King Kutter XB?

3. Also interested in york style rake. Same question rear blade - 4ft or 5ft? King Kutter XB?

Appreciate thoughts/comments!

Thanks,
Scott

 

[albertsteurer]

Scott, I have a BX1500....only 1 year and 50 hours. But I do have a 4 foot blade for snow removal mostly. Biggest snow fall last year was only 6-8 in. I have turfs and no additional weight. I never had the slightest problem with snow removal on my 150 Ft black top drive. I wish I had gotten a 5 footer because the 4 footer at 30 degree angle doesn't really cover the tractor width that well.

 

[rbarker]

I wish I had gotten a 5 footer because the 4 footer at 30 degree angle doesn't really cover the tractor width that well.

That's the key right there. I would go with the 5 foot and I'm pretty sure there are others with the 1500 using them with no problems, at least for snow removal. There was also a very recent discussion here about the King Kutter XB blade for BX series tractors.

I have a 5 foot york rake as well for my 2200 and I think a 1500 would pull it okay. More important to me is that you get the guide wheels with the rake. It costs more but they are worth it.

Good luck!

 

[Thomas]

Good morning and welcome Scott.
Lot of good folks w/good advice here,sooo do visit often and enjoy.

 

[K10]

Scott:

I purchased a BX1500 a year ago and have put 85 hours on it. It is a great machine with plenty of power for its weight. I use a Woods 5 foot back blade for snow removal with no problems at all. 4WD and low range will push a lot of snow even with turf tires. I did however, load the tires for additional ballast for other uses.

 

[catmadni]

Two (2) notiojns that came to mind in your inquiry.

1. Don't purchase any attachment to the FEL, that requires taking off the bucket, unless you have a 'quick attach' system of some kind, or unless the use of the attahment will be extended.

Taking the bucket off is not an instant job. The use you describe seems it may be occasional. If you can afford it, get a "quick attach", then you can use any FEL attchements that may come you way. Forks, spikes, grapples, etc. I use all my budy's skid steer implements. They snap right on.

2. Only use a rear implement that is at least as wide as your 'out to out' of your rear tires. Whether it is a powered implement or not. However when it is powered, you have to consider the horsepower and sometimes make an exception. For example, I have a narrower 5' Harley Rake on my wider L3010 because 25 horse at the PTO would marginally spin the larger 6' Harley. For me it still works.

I am not certain, a wider blade and rake would probably still work. Just be careful with the tillers and the power rakes, etc. Good luck.

 

[Scott Hilberg]

Thanks to all for you comments. I think I will go with the 5ft rear blade.
Anyne have experience with the clamp on forks?

Thanks,
Scott

 

[KeithInSpace]

There have been other strings on forks. The one that struck my fancy was for Payne's Forks: Compact Tractor Bucket Forks, & Attachments, Payne's Forks

I've been a little hesitant since my bucket already has some "curl" to the lower lip because of, um, rugged use in removing stumps. Not sure these things are the grand catch-all for carrying around a 300+# pallet, but they would probably make carrying IKEA boxes to the basement stairs a little easier.

Regarding implements: I borrowed a 50" tiller and was instantly amazed by how easily my tractor worked that thing. Granted, the 1500 is a little smaller, but I wouldn't get too concerned with "overburdening" the machine with reasonable attachments. 8' wide? No. That thing is flippin' huge, too. Obviously intended for a larger machine. Nearly any 'smaller' attachment should work perfect with these tractors.

 

[K10]

I had my bucket forks (clamp type) custom made (locally) to fit over the existing tooth bar which for the most part remains on the bucket year round. They are convenient because there is less hassel removing the tooth bar which also reinforces the bucket and they work well for their intended purpose. The cost was about the same as Payne's.

 

[LBrown59]

Thanks to all for you comments. I think I will go with the 5ft rear blade.
Anyne have experience with the clamp on forks?

Thanks,
Scott

I like mine real well for my BX 23

 

[Timber]

I use my forks more than any other thing on my tractor, I wouldn't be without them ever

 

[Scott Hilberg]

Thanks all for your suggestions and comments. You've helped me in deciding on some attahments for my BX.

Great forum. I'll keep reading to learn!