What implements do I need?? BX25D + setting up homestead

[Biff09]

Hi all,
I'm hoping to get some feedback on implements. I'm new to operating (~50 hours on my BX25), have just bought a chunk of land, and will be:

- Having a house built (hiring a builder most likely)
- Building a gravel driveway (currently just dirt/mud, never been a road there before)
- Setting up a large garden (1/2 acre)
- Setting up an orchard (1/2 acre, then growing)
- Clearing snow
- Building a walking path around the property for the family (as time allows)

I've just bought a box blade from EA that should be here in the next few days.

Bottom line, with a limited budget, what other implements would you recommend if any?

Thanks!

 

[k0ua]

I don't have one, but from what I have seen you might want to consider a ratchet rake for your bucket to help you clear out brambles and brush for that walking path. It can even help with clearing for your garden spot. It seems the owners that have them speak highly of them and they are not all that expensive.

The Ratchet Rake, 52 in. - Tractor Supply Co.

 

[jeff9366]

And the Ratchet Rake does light grading with the down oriented short teeth. It will do a driveway fine.

k0ua is correct, as always, on clearing brush and garden.

Had you not purchased a Box Blade I would have suggested a Rear Blade : Angle Blade : Back Blade for grading AND light snow removal. You will certainly need the Box Blade to create the foundation area for your house.

 

[motownbrowne]

A PTO rototiller for the garden will be a nice tool. Get one just wider than your tire tracks. Also, a back blade for snow. A bush hog would be nice too. Should be a good variety used on craigslist of most of that stuff.

 

[newbury]

<snip>
Bottom line, with a limited budget, what other implements would you recommend if any?

Thanks!

A PTO rototiller for the garden will be a nice tool. Get one just wider than your tire tracks. Also, a back blade for snow. A bush hog would be nice too. Should be a good variety used on craigslist of most of that stuff.

It's difficult to find a good rototiller on a limited budget. I tried for 4 years before I found my 5' KK, and that cost $800.
Two things which can be inexpensive are clamp on pallet forks for the FEL and a small trailer or pallet forks w/ a carryall box for the rear, when the BH is off.
One of my first purchases for my B7610 was a 3pt pallet fork from Agri-Supply ($160). Slide a pallet and box on it and you've got an excellent carry-all.

If your going to be fencing much in I'd recommend a PHD, again I got mine from Agri-Supply (< $500 w/auger). I just used mine again last weekend and it sure makes digging holes easy.

Build a barn/shed/pole barn to get things under cover.
Other things to invest in, but often overlooked, tarps to cover what you can't cover otherwise, chains for pulling and fastening stuff (including tarps), lot's of bungee cords and rope.

 

[skyhook]

And the Ratchet Rake does light grading with the down oriented short teeth. It will do a driveway fine.

k0ua is correct, as always, on clearing brush and garden.

Had you not purchased a Box Blade I would have suggested a Rear Blade : Angle Blade : Back Blade for grading AND light snow removal. You will certainly need the Box Blade to create the foundation area for your house.

Hey Jeff, would this rake work for breaking down an ice covered gravel road?

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Hey Jeff, would this rake work for breaking down an ice covered gravel road?

I'm not Jeff but you would use the boxblade to break down the ice covered bravel if it's very hard and deep then the RR will smooth it. If lightly covered/thin then the RR will do it.
Boxblade, RR and tiller are my recommendations first for your expressed needs. BB and tillers can be found used but rare to find a used RR.

 

[Cherokee140]

You did not say if you will have to deal with trees, but if you do a chipper would be nice if you have lots. You said orchard and free mulch would be nice....just remember to let your newly made mulch sit about 6 months before you put it around your tree....you want it to help with water not leach the good stuff out of the soil around the fruit trees. If nothing else you can chip up the pruning off the fruit trees, you will always be doing that.

The brush hog is a good idea, as well as a finish mower or mower deck for your machine. If it snows a lot perhaps a snow blower.

 

[jeff9366]

Hey Jeff, would this rake work for breaking down an ice covered gravel road?

I'm sorry, I live in Florida. I can't give you an opinion on RR versus snow or ice.

Someone else?

 

[AStanton]

Hey Jeff, would this rake work for breaking down an ice covered gravel road?

I don't think anything mechanical can deal with that. You will need ice-melt, sand, or spring.