Total Landscape Care Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/85701
equipment matters forks on the front for pallets of sod or bricks, while the rear can handle a three-point auger or soil conditioner. With the ability to use both ends, you spend less time switching implements and more time in the seat getting the job done." Some tractor attachments can also be used on skid steers and compact track loaders. "If you have able way to add versatility to your tractor and business. "Attachments are an aff ord- " both a skid steer and a tractor, you'd want the skid steer to focus on more power-intensive, hydraulic- related activities: soil conditioner, grader, auger," Althoff says. "With a tractor, you have PTO-driven attachments/implements, so you would want to employ the tractor for jobs that require a backhoe loader or mower implements." On average, tractors are sold with three attach- ments, so here are three of the top attachment types that will transform your tractor into a dig- ging, conditioning and off-season tool. Load up on features "Loaders are the main attachment option landscap- ers select," says Mac Payne, director of sales and business planning, Mahindra. This attachment handles probably the widest range of tasks such as digging, loading, grading, leveling and unloading materials such as dirt, mulch and rocks – making it a top equipment choice for your fl eet. Customizable options and features further extend loaders' capabilities. To keep the load from spilling, Massey Ferguson offers optional mechani- cal self-leveling on its DL260 loader for the 2600 HD Series. It keeps the bucket, forks or other front- mounted tools parallel to the ground. The loader also has a pedestal-mount design, quick-lock bucket, amplifying links and a universal skid-steer- type quick release. For a variation on the loader, Bradco has a 4-in- 1 multi-purpose bucket that functions as a loader 50 TOTAL LANDSCAPE CARE / April 2012 1 2 3 Bobcat's soil conditioner helps move material and level mounds. Box blade Other popular attachments: Box blades can handle grading work around houses. Rock buckets collect rocks and debris from soil. 4 Rotary cutters trim tough grass and brush. Pallet forks can lift sod from trucks.