[cadman56]

I was on JB's website the other day and was looking at the JB Jr, (Sr. won't fit on my Prestige). I heard they are very well designed and fabricated. I know there are members here that have them on their L&G tractors. What I'd like to know is what do you guy's/gal's use them for? If you have them, post up pic's / vid's of the project(s) you did using the JB. I'm just kicking the idea around right now about getting one, but I'd like to see what everyone does with theirs. If I buy the bucket, I'd probably buy the blade for it also as a "package deal". TIA for all your help and ideas. :trink39:

 

[Sergeant]

Well Here is a Bunch of threads You May want to Look at http://www.mytractorforum.com/gtsea...=www.mytractorforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=45 :thThumbsU

 

[ggsteve]

I haven't had my JB Sr. that long, but I've used it for mulching the garden beds a bucket at a time, filling pot holes in our gravel driveway, clearing a wooded area for grass, filling pot holes in my neighbor's driveway, carrying firewood and scraping the ice layer off the driveway just last week to name a few. The build quality is top notch.

 

[JT42]

Mine has moved a heck of a lot of rock some of which can be seen at http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=77031. I've also used it to move dirt, gravel, and bags of concrete. The optional caddy arms are useful for moving brush and other things like fence posts, boards, and T-posts. I've used it to carry tools when doing field burns. While working on my rock wall some times I'd move some bigger rocks (big enough that I was only moving one at a time) and after dumping the rock I'd use the bucket and tractor to push the rock into place.

In addition to the caddy arms I also have the tooth bar and bucket doubler -- all accessories that I'd recommend. I added the blade a year or so after getting the JBJr. It does a nice job moving snow, although so far this year I haven't had a need to use it for that.

 

[nkaust]

yeah but that price tag gets me, if they half that price i would have already had one

 

[jhon]

I have read many JB threads with interest. This is something I would have defiantly purchased 20 years ago when my 3/4 acre property was undeveloped. I think of all the things I could have used it for year after year while I put my land into respectable shape. But at the time I did not have a lawn, so had no need for a riding mower that it would attach too. But now that I have my rider, I have no need for a JB as all the heavy lifting, wall building, grading, pond digging, stone work and a bunch of other crap has been done.

I say go for it.

 

[HydroHarold]

What an interesting statement...

yeah but that price tag gets me, if they half that price i would have already had one

I've had my JBjr w/toothbar/bucket expander since last Spring and I can assure anyone that regardless of price this attachment is worth every penny I spent on it. It's made exceptionally well out of quality materials (including fasteners and electrics), the welding and assembly is outstanding and it fit perfectly.

I guess we all want to pay half price for every single thing we buy (except maybe sushi), but let's keep the subject of attachments realistic. There's stuff out there for tractors that may be overpriced... but NOT A JBjr! One of the last cases of getting full value on what one pays for that will do what it's advertised to do and more.

To JB buyers, absolutely get the toothbar! With common sense operation this makes the JB a very good digging tool for stripping topsoil, compacted compost turning, etc. Just remember, you're not getting a "front end loader" with massive breakout force so it will rely on your smart use of the straight ahead traction of the machine, position of the bucket and not the actuators for loading. It will carry way more than it will lift of stuff like rocks and firewood...

AND I recommend the "Turbo Dump" actuator. Once you get used to it you'll know what I mean...

 

[dancote]

AND I recommend the "Turbo Dump" actuator. Once you get used to it you'll know what I mean...

Have to agree with HH on everything else, but, in my experience, the Turbo is way too fast and often overshoots. Not worth the extra $$ IMHO.

Do get the Caddy Arms.

Regards,

Dan

 

[Toolin]

I've got the JB Jr and JP (Plow) Jr.

Picked them up used in December so haven't really gotten to use the bucket yet, but did use the plow.. works well. Looking forward to using the bucket to rotate my mulch pile in the summer.

Actually I'm getting the most use just out of the actuators. I used the Turbo Dump actuator to add a power lift to my snowblower attachment. Thread with pics here if interested.

 

[nkaust]

What an interesting statement...



I've had my JBjr w/toothbar/bucket expander since last Spring and I can assure anyone that regardless of price this attachment is worth every penny I spent on it. It's made exceptionally well out of quality materials (including fasteners and electrics), the welding and assembly is outstanding and it fit perfectly.

I guess we all want to pay half price for every single thing we buy (except maybe sushi), but let's keep the subject of attachments realistic. There's stuff out there for tractors that may be overpriced... but NOT A JBjr! One of the last cases of getting full value on what one pays for that will do what it's advertised to do and more.

To JB buyers, absolutely get the toothbar! With common sense operation this makes the JB a very good digging tool for stripping topsoil, compacted compost turning, etc. Just remember, you're not getting a "front end loader" with massive breakout force so it will rely on your smart use of the straight ahead traction of the machine, position of the bucket and not the actuators for loading. It will carry way more than it will lift of stuff like rocks and firewood...

AND I recommend the "Turbo Dump" actuator. Once you get used to it you'll know what I mean...

yes it is an interesting statement and also interesting how i was just making a statement then i have to be singled out lol and if you are not looking for a deal and have no problem paying that kind of money then you have way more money than i do :trink39:

Johnny Bucket Sr System $1,479.95+$135 Shipping $ 1,614.95
Tooth bar Extra $200 free shipping $1,814.95

almost the a fifth of a brand new kubota with a loader. oh yea
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sears-front-end-loader-Wheel-horse-cub-cadet-john-deere-/250984671433?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&
hash=item3a6fda28c9#ht_500wt_1361

So if you were to get the loader at $850 you still have $964.95 to buy a tractor plus fuel and gas to get the loader. i was just saying there are better ways to spend $2K. Also a good afternoon with a torch and a welder could make one of those easily.

 

[HydroHarold]

"...also interesting how i was just making a statement then i have to be singled out lol and if you are not looking for a deal and have no problem paying that kind of money then you have way more money than i do"

I "singled you out" because you made the statement... I couldn't attribute it to anyone else. Nothing more, nothing less.

My statement, if you read clearly between the lines, was that quality stuff ALWAYS costs dough. If you don't have it or if you don't see value in a product, don't spend it. Frugal is smart. I used a wheelbarrow and #2 shovel before I got my JBjr and so can anyone that can't afford or doesn't want to spend "big money" on Johnny attachments.

 

[mikeinri]

Anyone here used the JB Jr AND the Craftsman scoop, and have a real comparison?

The scoops are on sale at the moment for about $500, and are on CL, often for $200 or less. They are made for Sears, so will probably fit many other tractors (may take some finessing).

Depending on your intended use, this might make more sense (and cents) for you...

Mike

 

[ggsteve]

Anyone here used the JB Jr AND the Craftsman scoop, and have a real comparison?

The scoops are on sale at the moment for about $500, and are on CL, often for $200 or less. They are made for Sears, so will probably fit many other tractors (may take some finessing).

Depending on your intended use, this might make more sense (and cents) for you...

Mike

I have not tried the Craftsman scoop in the field, only played with it in the Sears showroom. However I am quite confident in stating that from a utility perspective, the JB is at least as far above the Craftsman scoop as a FEL is above the JB. From a quality perspective, the JB is top notch. I can't speak to the long term durability of the Craftsman scoop, but it definitely isn't built nearly as solid. Just MHO.

 

[rockford]

Quality always costs. The overwhelming opinion from experienced tractor users seems to be that the JB is well worth the money. When I get ready to buy for my Craftsman, JB is the one I'm buying.

 

[mbrun]

...quality stuff ALWAYS costs dough...

I have to agree. I have been reasonably frugal throughout my life. I have bought cheap when all I could afford was cheap. I have also pushed myself to spend more than I was comfortable spending just to get quality and durability. I have yet to regret those cases. I still own and use every "professional" grade tool I have ever purchased while most of the "consumer" tools have long been in the landfill.

 

[txsteve]

You can't even compare the craftsman scoop to the johnny bucket Jr..They look similar but jbjr is way higher level of quality...The jbjr can be hooked up and removed less than 30 seconds..Using the jbjr on a little tractor is worth it..I'm happy with it..I plow into piles of dirt and move it from a to b then grade it,,it works for me..Now if I needed a FEL ill be looking $10k easy for a CUT...I don't think a FEL on GT will be a working machine..maybe snow or loose sand only..

 

[jay ray]

I rented a mini-excavator to remove the sullied gravel from my 10' x 40' percolator bed.

Then I used my JBjr to put new gravel in and to move the sullied gravel to make a road between the patio and shop.

Altogether moved about 30 yds.

Lots of seat time but that's what the tractor is for.

Have used it to clean up after storms, patch driveway, move mulch, push dirt back after laying pipe.

The quality is superb. The fit was perfect. Easy on/off. Has been trouble-free, no aggravation. Quality costs, but imo it has paid for itself and saved my back. Made in USA by American ingenuity too.

Got the JB sleeve hitch too. Would buy both again.

 

[mikeinri]

I'd say it's all about needs and setting one's expectations accordingly.

As mentioned, for "real" work, a CUT with loader is ideal, but would need to include a backhoe to get my money at this price range. $$$$$

Next would be the JB Jr. Many, many people here are happy with these. $$$$

Finally, the scoop. Limited of course, but has its uses. For most of my needs, I'd be willing to buy a used one and use it for "easy" jobs (moving mulch, etc.). $$$

Mike

 

[Sergeant]

I don't think a FEL on GT will be a working machine..maybe snow or loose sand only..

Your Initialed to your Opinion on a GT with a FEL Not Be a working machine other Than Lose material But I have two GT's with FEL and
Here is what another Member here did with a FEL on His GT

So FEL on GT's can be a Great working machine for More than just Lose material :thThumbsU

 

[cadman56]

Hey Sergeant - what model JD is that in the ditch? I really like that!

Everyone - Thank you all for all the info. Very much appreciated. I'm still looking at all the options I have. Over the weekend I've added SCUT's to the list although a GT with a FEL would be another option to look at. It would be really nice if the Prestige had a FEL option. :trink39: