This Is Why You Ask BEFORE You Buy

I get a lot of emails asking to help size an attachment to a tractor model. And I know the answer for most without even thinking about it. But sometimes I need measurements and weights and specs. And with that information, you too can size the attachment to your tractor. So today I talk about customer who wrote in asking if the rock bucket he bought would work for his tractor. Short answer, it wouldn't. And I use this customer to explain how to think about this topic.
Products in video:
Iron Craft Grapple: tinyurl.com/58une7a6
Precision Mfg Big Mouth Grapple: tinyurl.com/28nt55fx
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This video is for entertainment purposes only. Good Works Tractors (Good Works Lawn & Power, LLC) cannot be held responsible for content found in any video. Always reference your owners manuals, use extreme caution, and proceed at your own risk.

[@Hunt904]

A man willing to help someone even when they may not purchase something from him speaks volume in todays market. Much respect and just shows your just head to help 👍🏼

[@johnhelbig7110]

I’m a retired Kubota dealer and viewed myself as a machinery consultant. Invariably, the customer’s first question was “how much is this?’. My response would be, “first let’s talk about what kind of work you’re trying to accomplish”. I tried to manage expectations of what the equipment would do. Another question for someone buying a loader was them asking what size of tree they could push over with their BX subcompact tractor. My answer was “you could push your Christmas tree off your porch with it.” Again, managing expectations.

[@grapnel87]

Courtney, I think its super kind of you to reply to peoples emails asking for advice, especially on products that you don't sell or from people that are not buying from you. You must spend a lot of time on the computer. You have more patience than I do. I have learned a lot watching this channel and I like the Speeco quick hitch I bought from your site. The lift capacity is the only thing on my 1023 that disappoints me, well that and the how high the 3 point lifts. I needed to be able to lift pallets out of my truck that weigh over 1,000 pounds. I spent hours on KZbin and dealers web sites researching, trying to find something that would work for me. I went to the JD dealer twice to look at equipment, both times the salesman was not available. I emailed a couple other dealers and pretty much got no help. I looked at a JD 2&3 series, but they didn't seem to be much capacity, if any, and they were expensive. I had a hard time finding something small that would work. Ended up with a Branson (TYM) 2515H. It will lift plenty, but having enough rear ballast is a must! Thanks for your channel.

[@G.I.JeffsWorkbench]

Another example of why you’re a great business owner. Honesty & concern for customer satisfaction. Keep doin what you’re doin.

[@badgerlandturf]

Your POV was spot on, there are times when customers contact you for information and then still make the wrong decision about buying. If they valued your opinion in so far as asking for it, why not take it? I had this SO MANY times in the lawn care business. Cheaper/faster “isn’t” always that way. Glad you put this info out, steer people in the right direction!

[@chrischoin7402]

A few weeks ago I'm on my Grand L 3560, 900 lbs ballast in rear tires and 550lb Box blade. Full bucket of wet dirt was around 1,000 lbs of dirt and believe me could have lifted more but stability was kind of scary. The tractor wobbled a lot with even small bumps. Can't imagine a smaller 2,500lb tractor attempting anywhere near that. Videos like this have helped prepare me to always keep thinking of weight ratios front and rear. Always lift very slowly after curling the bucket... feel the load and dump some or all if it becomes unstable.

[@JeffGeorgalas]

Kudos to you for even attempting to help that guy out who didn't even buy his attachment from you. People just don't think very much. If I'm not buying an attachment from you, I wouldn't have the balls to then call YOU to ask about that attachment. Some people just don't have a clue. He's wasting your time, and you don't even get the benefit of earning a few bucks from his transaction.

[@fondy44]

I knew very little about tractors when I bought mine (as a favor to a relative who needed the money). Channels like this one and Tractor Mike's have helped me avoid wasted money and probably injury. I started buying my attachments from GWT because of the value this channel provides to newbies. I can retain information much better through a GWT video than by having a distracted salesman shout specs at me in a noisy parking lot.

[@dpistone10]

What a great video. Thank you so much for caring so deeply for your customers.

[@Sudden35]

I have myself asked Courtney questions and he has gotten back to me with an answer and even quicker than I expected. I have never seen a business owner like him to be honest with you all. I really can't say enough good things about him and his business. I hope his business thrives and he have great success. All business owners take note here!!!!!!!

[@stickboy9475]

it is amazing you will find the time for this. I agree there is not enough of this today, but it will take so much time. Good luck, and much respect.

[@loutoolguy2644]

Thanks for being so helpful to all who needs it.

[@firsttimefarmer]

This is what makes you a great source of products.

[@tman3831]

Hey hope things are going well. Thanks for putting out quality videos

[@tracyphillips3325]

Great video. Very useful information.

[@wraith3951]

Sounds as if that guy wanted you to give a “Stamp of Approval” for what he couldn’t comprehend. I understand he wanted the best bang for his Buck but he wanted you to “ok” it at his deciding size of bucket

[@Mike-Wisconsin]

An this is why myself an a few other friends only order from you. We know we can trust you and your opinion. An everything that we have ordered has always showed up in a very timely manner and worked perfect.

[@donaldbaker6961]

Thank you for your help

[@brianhildom9372]

I recently bought a Homestead 66 inch grapple for my 2032r JD. It is around 280 lbs and is light because it's made from Hydrox steel, they can use thinner steel. Titon uses thicker cheaper steel, heavier to compensate for strength. Know your equipment and do your research. Good job Courtney!

[@timstapp374]

Courtney, your integrity is beyond reproach. I admire you Sir! Question for you: Have you looked at any of the attachments produced by Tomahawk in Nappanee, Indiana? If so, have you considered offering their attachments as dealer? I'm in Big Rapids, MI. and am considering their pallet fork attachment for my Kioti CS2520. I work for a lift truck dealer, so obtaining forks is no problem, but I'd like to get an honest, forthright opinion on their product. I've worked with woodworking companies in the area extensively, so their integrity is good with me by association. But, I also value you and your opinion. I've only owned my Kioti for six months and have come to realize that the tractor is the smallest investment. Attachments quickly add up. I don't mind buying the best quality that I can afford at the time of purchase, but I don't want to buy "Uninformed"!

[@dave.lawrence.3894]

GREAT Video!! You must ask before you buy!! You won't be able to call them to stop shipping on a sale... He should have gone the tractor dealer and asked about it before buying!!!??? 😮☹️😮‍💨👍🙏

[@scottdonbrosky5968]

To many people think that bigger is better, they’re too hopeful, and most honestly, too ignorant.

[@tman3831]

Not related to this video but im glad to see you getting into kioti. I picked up a ck3520sec earlier this year and its been great. Do you know if you are going to be selling grill guards for these?

[@tylerd4522]

I feel like "capacity" is a great word to use, and extremely commonly used, but that "capability" is another extremely important word that isn't used probably nearly as much as it should be. The relationship between the 2, when accounting for the empty weight of the bucket, is what you're actually able to accomplish for work, in regards to lifting.

[@beetlefang]

Thanks for all that you do...maybe just haiku the emails and answers as a perpetual FAQ list on your site? So others can reference that list before wasting your time after time...

[@michaelcangley1868]

I always thought it was odd that the 20 series John Deere tractors shared the 120R loader used on the 10 series. To me, it seems like the 20 series tractors are big enough to handle at least a couple of hundred more pounds. I think the 120R is perfect for my 1025R when using the proper amount of ballast. But then again, what do I know?

[@mrmichaeltscott]

I haven't lost anything off the rear since you steered me to that Speeco. ❤ Should I include a Pat's easy change warning. What a PITA.

[@PurpleNovember]

Interesting. I’m definitely curious about this! How did it happen? I’ve used Pat’s for years and never had issues except for the thickness on a few implements. I’m trying to picture what could happen and I’m just getting the spinny wheel. I’m not saying you’re wrong, I totally believe you, I’m curious about what was going on.

[@garycox7508]

I'm pretty sure that the lifting specs quoted by Deere are calculated with the a bucket attached. So you can add that 180-ish pounds to a rock bucket or whatever. That said, I agree completely that the rock bucket in question is waaay too heavy to be useful for a 2025R (speaking as a 2025R owner). The artillian rock bucket would have been a better choice. It's only about 190 lbs (pretty much the same as the original bucket) and only costs $1600 plus it includes the well-respected Artillian craftsmanship. No brainer IMHO. Redline Systems offers a similar right-sized rock bucket for subcompacts at around $1000 and seems to be a well-built attachment as well.

[@spudgamer6049]

For those that dont know, compact tractor FEL lift capacities are almost always measured by hydraulic relief limits, rather than stability limits. The systems are usually deliberately designed so that loader arm structure is stronger by a significant margin than the hydraulic system. OTOH, almost all compact tractors are more stability limited than hydraulically, at least stock. Some to a fairly extreme degree. This is why ballast is so important, and more so on those with light wieghts and powerful FELs. I know some manufacturers that like to brag about how light their machines are, but when you're just going to have to turn around and throw ballast on them to fully use the FEL, it becomes a bit less of a selling point except in a few narrow situations.

[@kevinpampaxton9270]

You are right,that guy isn’t thinking big picture.

[@bigpicturethinking5620]

I agree.

[@JCWren]

I've seen several videos of people using rock buckets on tractors for separating rock and dirt, and they don't impress me. Seems like that's definitely more a skid steer attachment, particularly if you want to really shake the bucket. Now for firewood, they do seem pretty useful.

[@bugkiller5293]

I have been watching you for a while. I have a John Deere 1023. with the belly mower. Not real happy with the belly mower, love the tractor. Been looking at a Flail mower. the belly mower is a 60" cuts heavy grass no problem. Question will I be able to run a 60" flail mower? 1023 PTO HP is 15 HP, Lift 758LBS. I do realize this is probably pushing the size and in heavier places would have to take smaller cuts. but on light places could still take advantage of the larger 60". I am new to this tractor thing and need good advise!

[@aronbraswell1589]

and this is why I trust your content

[@1958johndeere620]

I'm going to put a 6 yard bucket on my BX2380. Its fine.

[@adamm2716]

i was going to make that mistake too, when i bought a grapple, but you steered me to a smalled one, it's worked out well. i figured i can lift 650 lbs with my 4210. it might be more but thats the round number i give people to let them know if i can move it with the tractor or not

[@tjt1992]

Greta advice!

[@kylesmith8769]

Some people have no concept of weight compared to capacity. The only thing that guy would understand is you can only use attachments up to ??? Pounds and still have a capacity for payload.

[@drozcompany4132]

That customer sounds like he thinks the loader limitation is ballast weight, not hydraulic limits. Unfortunate cuz now he'll have to deal with return freight.

[@BG-vq9fd]

You make sense.

[@ruslankadylak2999]

Speaking of overweight attachments, what forks are optimal for JD 2025R?

[@wallyborni4411]

I wanna ask u a question as an owner of a bx Kubota and JD, does the AF10 JD snow plow will work on a BX80 series?

[@welderteach]

What’s a perfect size snow pusher for a kioti ck 2620?

[@PurpleNovember]

Stuff like this is why I went to the construction/heavy equipment side…to learn I will still have to be a substitute teacher.

[@jack_brooks]

Courtney, you should do episode demonstrating using inappropriate large implements just to get the point across. And then show adding more ballast doesn't do anything.

[@frankwrogg2515]

Hope he was lifting space rocks 😂😂

[@sewerman911]

It's like talking to people that buy travel trailers.

[@jacobscott3265]

I have a question. My barn burned down and I am looking for a couple good recommendations for zero turn brands. I have 5000$ to spend. I mow about 6 acres

[@lcee6592]

I think the Land Pride website has something that matches implements to your model of tractor (of Kubota.) Manufacturers of implements should have at least a general guide for on line sales, as to recommend tractor PTO hp, FL minimum rating and 3PT lift.

[@hughhead9079]

All 2025R owners are trouble! Hahahaha! It's a good machine for "light to moderate" landscape work without tearing up the yard. Does basic driveway maintenance and moving bulk mulch/sand/gravel piles and bush hogging up to 2" stuff. But totally agreed, no way it's 120R loader is gonna handle anything useful over 750lbs total on the loader near the ground or about 450lbs at full height.

[@bierbarrel]

You can't possibly make me any smarter. My wife has been trying for 35 plus years with zero success!

[@richardbritton5280]

You're the Man ty 🏆🏆👴🐕🚜🤠😎🙏🙏

[@TimButler-zp3gz]

I have a John Deere 1023e I have bought at 6 ft greater blade it was on a 8N Ford tractor is it too big for tractor

[@jimmcknight3021]

His first mistake was buyng from Titan that mostly produces cheap imitations of North American and Italian products at an inferior quality. There is a reaaon why Titan Implements changed their name to Ironcraft. They didn't want the confusion of what they make versus Titan. It is hard on the bank account, but you have less failure issues with the quality on products that aren't made in China.

[@donalexander4083]

there is an epidemic of folks these days who do not bother to check the specs on anything before buying it and expecting it to work

[@justinb1488]

750lb lift capacity? Holy crap that's really not much. I have the kioti ck2610 and it supposedly can lift 1835 lbs at the pins. I bought a 66" bobcat demo grapple that was pretty wore out for a screaming good deal. I welded the broken cylinder mounts and a brand new cutting edge. I'm guessing the thing probably weighs 950 lbs in its current configuration. It's certainly overkill for my tractor and could probably only lift a few hundred lbs, but I figure I can either remove some metal from the grapple or sell it and buy a smaller unit down the road. For now though, it was the only way I was able to afford a grapple when the cheapest Chinese option is around $2000. I'll be trying it out soon! Sometimes you make do with what you can get for the right price at the right time, but I would think people should be more aware of the capacity of the tractor they are buying. Particularly by the time it comes time to shop for attachments. Maybe I'm one of the rare few who looked at all that info before buying a tractor😂

[@ramonmacias9013]

So the little summit tractor can lift more than that John Deere? How much more does the Deere cost?

[@Noah_E]

They make it hard to compare by only publishing FEL pivot pin ratings. JD 2025R - 594 lbs 500mm out from the FEL (803x74%). 915 lbs 24" from the 3PH. Summit TX25H - 685 lbs 500 mm out from the FEL (925x74%) and 1,168 lbs 24' from the 3PH. So 15% greater FEL capacity and 28% greater 3PH capacity for 20-25% less $$. You can say a lot about John Deere, but good value for money isn't one of them.

[@ramonmacias9013]

@Noah_E this is kinda making me lean in the direction to want to risk buying a summit

[@PurpleNovember]

7:05 Maybe you could put something on your website giving a brief description of how the FEL and three point work. Explain the mechanical limitations involved, hydraulic pressure, ballast, front and rear axle capacities, tire load rating(check out 9.5x16 ag tire and what a L6060 can lift), loader frame limitations... Maybe explain what all the numbers mean for the different measurements, lift forward, breakout force, etc. Safety stuff too. Just a thought

[@genewilliams7497]

Newbies……. That’s the biggest problem period. Most folks that got into the 20 acres and a sub compact tractor homestead lifestyle are not able to understand equipment and it’s limitations.. they also drive the accident/injury stats involving tractor accidents in my opinion. You’ve got a tough job talking to the wall trying to convince some folks what they are doing wrong……. They just don’t know….what they don’t know!! Unfortunately it is life and death in a lot of cases with equipment.

[@Noah_E]

My dad was an EMT and Fire Chief for years. The vast majority of farm accidents were older folks who had been farming for decades. A farmer with two decades experience died from a rollover in the nearly flat field across from my shop when I was in HS. They get over confident and start to ignore basic safety like getting off equipment with it still running to open gates or change attachments. Wearing baggy clothes that get caught in equipment. Hooking the rear of 2WD tractors to stumps on the bottom side of the axle and flipping them. Going up a hill at an angle because they've done it a hundred times, but this time they drop a tire in a groundhog hole and roll. The list goes on. The newbies tend to be so worried they over think and go out looking a little silly with every pad and guard they can buy.

[@genewilliams7497]

@@Noah_E I would agree with you on the older folks years ago. But that is a totally different dynamic I’m talking about that has happened since COVID…. I myself have a lifetime of experience farming and operating heavy excavation equipment and like you my dad was a fire chief and mom an EMT in a rural setting….. That said in my 63 years of life on this planet my experience is that Real Farmers are NOT the accident prone folks think…. It’s mostly always inexperienced and new operators that are involved in the majority of accidents in the world today…. My background the last 42 years in heavy farming, industrial construction and mining operations…. So safety is kinda flowing deeply thru my veins. You make good points all especially the getting complacent and not paying attention to what you are doing

[@TruthAlways59]

How can you prevent rodents/squirrels from eating the wires in your tractor? I have a new John Deere 5060E, 2024 model, and the wiring was chewed threw in 4.4 hrs!

[@mrpips000]

It'll lift it fine because it's a John Deere. If he parks a Ford near it it'll lift even more.

[@harrycraviotto2375]

This is crazy how these folks won’t do their own research, and it depends on what kind of tractor you have as some have better lifting capacity than others. Read your tractor manuals!!

[@goldcicada4985]

i bought a new john deere 5075 and it was an expensive mistake 2 years and 200 hours in it and the problems i have are 1) the hydraulic top arm is hitting the hydraulic lines when i rise the equipments 2) the 3 point control is connected with a break wire that makes a loop and water gets trapped in it so it rusts and gets stuck 3) the fuel gage is constantly droping to empty 4) the bottoms of the fast gears that are positioned on the gear leaver are constantly broken because of humidity John Deere was supposed to be good im disappointed 😥

[@justanotherviewer52]

Sometimes math is hard?

[@estrellametal1]

It's easy and cheap. Ai can do everything you think would cost 70k

[@kevinpampaxton9270]

Limitations of the hydraulics

[@struckus]

as a very new tractor owner..this level of ignorance from an operator on a tractor's capabilities and limitations is downright scary..not to mention he sounds very stubborn when given the proper information.. this guy is going to get himself hurt

[@Rusty-Metal]

The lack of common sense with people is astounding.

[@andrewjameson6842]

Some people can not be educated no mater what you tell them.