Help . with 3 point hitch on bx or b

[thetooth]

Just to be clear, the PTO is the power take off, the spline in the rear of your tractor that runs a pto shaft on mowers, tillers and such. I assume you meant the 3 pt hitch. Actually the BX's 3 pt hitch is not a limited Category 1. It's a Cat 1, 3 pt. There are limiting factors, mainly caused by the tractor itself is low enough to the ground that there is a limit to height of attachments.

The expression, "Limited Cat 1" 3 pt hitch means it is limited, generally, to implements specifically made smaller, with 20" pins width, and sometimes means Cat 0 with Cat 1 pins, which the BX is not.

There, isn't that just clear as mud?

thanks for the clarification. my main concern is weight . the B series can handle quite a bit more weight and some of the implements i have access to are older and heavier .

thanks

tim

 

[daveshoot]

BP- thanks for clarifying my statement. I guess being a newb I associate the 3 point hitch and PTO together in my tiny mind.

Now I prowl craigslist and pennysaver looking for cheap attachments. I didn't want to be "limited" in what I might attach.

Yesterday the B2320 zapped the neighbor's waist-high weeds into oblivion. I am really, really happy with it. I did have some difficulty getting the Gearmore RFM adjusted level and once I figured that out, it was great.

I also tried it around my house. Having the FEL makes maneuvering a whole new ballgame, which I assume the rest of you already know. I will just be fixing a little stucco and straightening some chainlink today. I will be keeping my little X300 for around the house!

 

[TripleR]

I don't know about the B, but the FEL on my BX and L are very easy to remove; might save you some time and repairs.

 

[ChuckinNH]

You just need to feed things like the fel, rear mounted snowblower, etc. before using them. Otherwise they are always hungry to chew on something.

 

[KU Gator]

Daveshoot

As TripleR suggested, removing the FEL for mowing in close quarters is a good idea. I use a MMM which requires less looking behind, backing, etc, but I still would not mow the yard with the FEL on. Also it takes some more weight off the tractor when on the yard. I leave it on when mowing with the rotary cutter at our other property as I have some wet areas and may need it to get myself out. There I only have trees to bang into with the FEL.

Removing and replacing it on the B is very easy once you have done it a time or two. Just do it somewhere that is hard and flat like the driveway. One hint is that if you remove the FEL and leave it in the sun, you will probably find getting the hose couplings back on, especially the middle two, hard to do. It builds up pressue in the lines. I keep a large diameter bolt in the tool box that will just fit into the couplings and push it against the pin in the middle of the coupling to remove the pressure if I can't get it on. Point it away from your face and put a rag over it as it will squirt some out. The manual says to move the control stick all around after shutting off the engine and before disconnecting the couplings, but it still can be hard to get them back on if it is a hot day.

 

[bp fick]

After a lifetime on tractors, I got my first FEL a few months back, for my nearly new BX. I studied the videos on Youtube by Messick and Bxpanded on taking off and putting on the FEL. Great videos. With the slightest bit of practice, I find it dead easy. Take the FEL off when mowing or doing close in gardening work is not the least bit intimidating or bothersome. Putting it back on only takes a minute, literally.

 

[dougtrr2]

If you are planning on buying the midmount in the future, I would buy it now. I would be afraid of a model change and not being able to get a mid mount when I finally wanted it. Someone else can correct me, but I think midmount mowers tend to be unique to each model and are not readily interchangagle. I am fortunate in that my wife would rather me buy all the stuff at once instead of coming back every year with a new "need"

Take Care
Doug in SW IA

 

[thetooth]

If you are planning on buying the midmount in the future, I would buy it now. I would be afraid of a model change and not being able to get a mid mount when I finally wanted it. Someone else can correct me, but I think midmount mowers tend to be unique to each model and are not readily interchangagle. I am fortunate in that my wife would rather me buy all the stuff at once instead of coming back every year with a new "need"

Take Care
Doug in SW IA

The wife and i actually talked about that last night and we agreed it would be best to purchase both elements now instead of waiting . i am checking out some used equipment this week that has both the mower and the FEL .
thanks for the heads up

 

[daveshoot]

I will have to get comfortable with removing the FEL. Frankly that was intimidating. I just got around to switching over from the RFM to the box scraper. Not too bad after the head scratching phase.

I am on the road this week but back in the saddle this weekend. I will have to review the links then. Thanks for posting them!

I did get some pics up in the album but haven't posted them here yet.

 

[KU Gator]

Daveshoot,

All of us had your same nervousness. Just take your time and don't have anyone out there talking to you and you will do fine. After a couple of times, you won't even think about it. The first time I disconnected mine, but did not even move the tractor before putting it back on to make sure I would be able to do that.

For the 3 point equipment, the quick attachments are a blessing. After a minor altercation just trying to get the rotary mower off the back of mine the 1st time, I ordered the Pats quick attach system and don't even think about it now.