New 1025R, what do I need now?

Phew, sounds like you’re headed in the right direction with a pretty good base. My opinion, from experience, start using the tractor and see what you need next. I may have ordered a few things in the past that I didn’t really end up using all that much. I have gotten a lot of really good feedback on here, just this past week a post I made actually talked me out of an implement I was thinking about getting based on feedback I got. My recommendation is start using the new toy, see where it leads you, then ask lots of questions when a need arises.

Good advise. I’m expecting to pick up the tractor by the end of the week. My honey do list for the new tractor is, shall we say not short... 😀

With the change to ordering stuff online and the associated lead times, I prefer to stock what I need vs being down for a week or two... Also the finance committee has green lighted the tractor, but in a month or three... 😀

You look to have a lot of it covered! Did you get the loader 3rd function Hydraulics? Most people recommend to just get them with the tractor, build the cost in to the loan (if you financed) and a lot of times the labor to install will be cheaper with initial setup.

Ballast- That FEL will need ballast on the rear to be safely operated (and save some wear on the front axle). This is another thing that that if rolled in to the loan might make sense to go with (and its painful) the suitcase weights and a heavyhitch ballast option. A Box Blade is decent ballast, but likely doesn't meet the needs for a max load on the FEL. The cheaper option here is a ballast box full of [gravel, marbles, lead, cement, pavers, scrap steel, pizza crust, etc.] The cheap end for ballast boxes is Titan and the high end is JD Green. Edit: There isn't much different between them, fit and finish likely. Search for "which ballast box" and you'll find this is a VERY dead horse.

We're good at spending other people's money, (SOPM)... But since you opened the door...

If I were doing it again, I'd go with the HH and suitcase weights and roll them in the financing - but I just spent $320 on (2) 42lbs and (2) 70lb weights... and I need at least 2 more 70s, will likely do the same order again soon.

Load rear tires, heavy hitch or some org of rear ballast, i0match quick hitch, Kenny (Bolt on hooks) has some excellent storage boxes that mount to the i-match hitch. Kenny also has some other slick parts like a step. Loader mounted rear view mirrors are really nice too.

Get a ballast box and load it with something heavy. I filled mine with concrete because I can't ever see wanting to change the weight of it. Mine's a Titan and although it does need the top link mounting tabs reworked to be perfect, it serves it's purpose and has a nice hitch receiver on it too.

I'll just tell you my wishlist...

- a toothbar would be nice for digging with the FEL.

- a hitch receiver on my bucket would be handy for moving trailers

- a set of pallet forks would be great too

- and a box blade to maintain my driveway

I did include the jd ballast box. I’m not expecting any really heavy FEL jobs. Mostly sand, gravel for building walkways. I’m hoping to avoid fill the rear wheels as sometimes I need to mow some soft ground.
I also did include a iMatch.
A toothbar I’m still researching.
I debated on the third function. Decided how often it would be useful, ex with a grapple, the seldom need didn’t justify the cost.
A wheel spinner and battery tender are on my list, I just forgot to list them.
Thank you

For your rear ballast, if you do decide to get a HH & suitcase weights, make sure & get the cart also. Makes life alot easier. It's nice way to store them & move them around.

RoyW2 said:

I did include the jd ballast box. I’m not expecting any really heavy FEL jobs. Mostly sand, gravel for building walkways. I’m hoping to avoid fill the rear wheels as sometimes I need to mow some soft ground.
I also did include a iMatch.
A toothbar I’m still researching.
I debated on the third function. Decided how often it would be useful, ex with a grapple, the seldom need didn’t justify the cost.
A wheel spinner and battery tender are on my list, I just forgot to list them.
Thank you

Click to expand...

A full bucket of gravel is pretty close to a 'max' load. 😁

Edit:
Some math behind the gravel weight:
1 Yard of gravel is Apx 2200lbs
27 Cu/Ft Per Yard
53" 1025 bucket holds 7.8Cu/Ft (3.46 buckets to a yard)
2200/3.46 = 635lbs
A heaping gravel bucket would likely be pushing 700lbs.

RoyW2 said:

I’m new to diesel, I’ve been using a gravely zero turn for 20 years using 5 gallon cans. What should I look for for diesel handling.

Click to expand...

Same thing..a yellow 5 gallon jug...I like the one I got from my dealer for $30 9 years ago...Someone posted one from TS,,If they offered a Single Point in 2012 I would have got it...just put one on and it is like having an "Easy Button".

You asked what else do I need? I'll suggest seat time.

You may want to get these too.

LVA16296 John Deere RH Adjustable Lift Link - LVA16296
Mount on the left side so you can pick 3 point attachments up about 2 inches higher

John Deere Compact Utility Tractor Seat Cover - LP68694
Seat cover is a must have item!

John Deere Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) Warning-Light Brush Guard Kit - BLV10400
Highly recommended. They have saved my lights on multiple occasions.

John Deere 72-lb Cast Iron Rear Wheel Starter Weight - UC13499

If you have hills, you may want to look into wheel weights and spacers. Mine used to be tipsy but its so much better since i put on 1.4 inch spacers and the 72 lb iron weights.

You can get everything except the spacers from your dealer or through online sites like GreenPartStore - John Deere Parts and More - Parts for John Deere Lawn Tractors, John Deere Lawn & Garden Tractors, John Deere Mowers, John Deere Attachments, John Deere Accessories
or Green Farm Parts - John Deere Parts Catalog Online Store

Congrats on your new machine

Tires? Go Versa-turf


You need to use ballast always when using the loader. I used to think ‘I’ll use it periodically’ until I almost went over when teasing you some blackberries by the roots. I hooked an ash root and curled and the tractor came up and started to tilt fast. The front axle pivots left and right. You need enough weight so that hydraulic relief kicks in before the loader lifts you instead of an unseen, immovable object.

I have a 5' CountryLine tiller. The weight of it is 638 lb. So I would think that would be enough ballast with my 1025R / 120R, even with no wheel weights or liquid, yes?

I'm going down to sign the paperwork today and wasn't sure if I should add the BB or not. Since I don't have the 1025R yet, I'm not sure if the 5' tiller will be too large or bulky on the 1025R? I don't plan to use the tiller on the 1025R. I use it on my Ford 1700.