Mid-Mount Mower Why doesn't it work?

[RobertCoram]

Greetings, all. I have a Kubota BX2230 with a front-end loader, belly mower, and bushhog attached. I can raise the mower and use the bushhog but when I try to use the mower independently, the bushhog drops down so low the skids dig into the ground. I can't operate the belly mower independently and this doesn't make sense. I have tried every possible PTO setting but nothing works. A neighbor thinks the hydraulic system was installed wrong. It is easy to unhook the bushhog but I am too old to unhook and rehook every time I want to use it. Does anyone know if it is possible to use the belly mower independently when the bushhog is attached? Many thanks. Robert Coram

 

[oldballs]

I think the short answer is "No" you can't. And I don't think the bushhog can be chain in the up position. But this subject comes up regularly. So try the "Search" function for more info. But maybe I'm wrong.

 

[jeff9366]

Neither the BX nor B series tractors from Kubota have Position Control. To hold a Bush Hog at a certain height you have to add "check chains".

Fortunately check chains are just a $30 addition. I leave the chains on the 'hog between uses, the brackets stay on tractor ROPS.

REFERENCE + PHOTOS:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...271185-kubota-b3300su-zerco-check-chains.html

Your question is not entirely clear. I hope this helps.

 

[RobertCoram]

Thanks to all. I'm new with Kubota and learning every day. But given the well thought-out design of the tractor, this one surprises me.

 

[jeff9366]

Was your question answered? I have no experience with MMMs.

Other brands of small tractors omit Position Control and Draft Control as well.

Check chains are simple and they fulfill the need for Positon Control when 'hogging, the only need I have found for Position Control.

About at the 40-hp size Positon Control usually comes standard.

Draft Control, which is used mainly for plowing, is almost always optional. Fields are rarely plowed now; "no till" + genetically modified seed is more economical.

 

[TripleR]

What they said, the 3PH movement is what raises the MMM, look in back and you can see the linkage. I don't think check chains that keep the 3PH raised will work well as it will inhibit the movement that allows the MMM to lower. Before going to the trouble to try this just chain you 3PH arms in the up position and try to lower the MMM to see what happens.

We have a BX2200 and 2660 as well as a John Deere 2305. The 2305 offered an optional hydraulic lift for the MMM, but it was expensive and we don't care for it as it tends to drift down too quickly. As mentioned this comes up regularly.

 

[Gator6x4]

Actually the answer to your question is simple. Unless you had an independent lift system installed for the Middle Mount Mower the three point lift arms are what raises and lowers the middle mount mower. Look on the three point lift arms and you will see a rod attached to each one leading towards the front of the tractor. When you raise the lift it pulls back on the mower, which is retained by the system hook up on the front of the tractor. This causes the mower to raise. You can raise the middle mount mower and insert pins to hold it up while you use a implement on the rear.

So if I understand what you are saying you have the Front End Loader, the Middle Mount Mower and the Rotary Cutter all installed on the tractor. You want to use all independently without the fuss and bother of having to remove one of the implements. Not going to happen. Why one would want to mow a yard with a Middle Mount Mower while a Front End Loader and Rotary Cutter were installed escapes me.

My recommendation would be remove the Rotary Cutter when not in use and read your owners manual.

 

[uglyboywith11fingers]

whatever the OPs reason for wanting to do this, the check chains will do the trick.
the 3pt arms drop the bushhog because of that weight on the arms. Use chains to support the weight, and the bushhog will not pull the 3pt arms down. Ever wonder why Kubota put the hooks for check chains on the tractor in the first place ?
Essentially the same as pinning the MMM arms up when you don't want them dropping and perhaps getting in the way.

Pete

 

[TripleR]

whatever the OPs reason for wanting to do this, the check chains will do the trick.
the 3pt arms drop the bushhog because of that weight on the arms. Use chains to support the weight, and the bushhog will not pull the 3pt arms down. Ever wonder why Kubota put the hooks for check chains on the tractor in the first place ?
Essentially the same as pinning the MMM arms up when you don't want them dropping and perhaps getting in the way.

Pete

I have seen the check chains used because without them these non-position control systems will not maintain a given level.

As I "understand" and I use the term loosely, the MMM being controlled by the movement of the lift arms, the MMM will not drop beyond the point allowed by movement of the lift arms. I may check mine some time today if the mood moves me.

Here is similar recent thread: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/283364-too-many-implements-one-time.html