It’s been said that a tractor without an attachment is just an expensive ride to the mailbox. But what attachments are right for you and how can you decide what options are best? The Case IH Parts & Service team can help.
“My first suggestion is to share your challenges with your Case IH dealer,” says Perry Girard, Parts Marketing Manager, Attachments. “Be specific about the job you are trying to accomplish, the terrain and the area’s size. Attachments are very specialized depending on those factors. Most attachments have multiple applications, and your dealer can help you determine those opportunities as well.”
Attachments can help save time and labor efforts. You can use attachments for everything from seeding and mowing a lawn to landscaping. When used properly, attachments can do the work of several people in half the time.
Here are some of the most popular attachments:
Loaders
Loaders are one of the most popular attachments for compact tractors. The heavy-duty buckets are typically available in 60-inch and 68-inch buckets. Loaders can move mulch, dirt, snow, hay or forage. The buckets use a Quick-Mount system for easy on/off and a single joystick control position offers simple operation.
Case IH offers several different attachments to help you get all kinds of jobs done, from landscaping to mowing and more.
Mowers
Mowers offer a fine, precise cutting job for many acres. The blades create a clean and even cut, reducing the risk of objects being thrown from the mower. Yielding blades also will maintain an even cutting pattern when an object is struck, further reducing damage risk. Case IH mower options include flail mowers, flex-wing finish mowers for more hilly properties, mid-mount finish mowers for trimming and rear-mount finish mowers for expansive areas. Reversible blades result in a long life and are easy to replace.
Rotary Cutters
Rotary cutters cut through large, dense weeds, stock and brush. Blades are adjustable/exchangeable, so you can choose the right cutting width. Chain guards are standard to prevent clippings from catching. The blades and heavy A-frame are designed to prevent slowing down or getting stuck when mowing over rocks or stumps. Rotary cutter blades aren’t sharpened the same way as mower blades. In general, mower blades are very sharp, but rotary cutter blades need to stay dull. Rotary cutters can be used with utility, mid-range and high-horsepower tractors.
Rotary Tillers
Rotary tillers get seedbeds ready for planting and control weeds between rows, and are most popular with home gardeners who want a large vegetable garden. They are designed to spare the crop while taking care of the weeds. Case IH rotary tiller attachments come with all the protection you need, including grease fittings to protect driveline universal joints and rotor shaft bearings, and a chin support to quickly and easily adjust the shield height.
Blades
Blades are available for both front and rear applications. Front blades are often used for moving materials, grading and clearing snow in the winter. Blades are typically bolt-on or Quick-Attach models that can be changed quickly without additional tools. They are also fitted with a skid shoe to prevent gouging and maintain the blade at the preset height. Rear blades are most often used in landscape grading, seedbed preparation and spreading applications.
Other attachments include utility backhoes for digging and rotary brooms for sweeping leaves, clippings and snow from paved areas. There are a variety of snow-specific attachments as well.
“Attachments are an easy, cost-effective way to upgrade your equipment,” Girard says. “You may not purchase a new tractor every few years, but you can vastly change its usefulness with the right attachment.”
Today and tomorrow’s Be Ready posts will share input from the Case IH Parts & Service team to help.
