Loader 3rd Function valve for BX2660/B2620

[sbakf]

I'm upgrading to either a BX2660 (probable) or a B2620(possible). Final pricing will carry some weight - utility/versatility will, however, guide my hand.

Grass cutting around the house has has slowed considerably. Although I will add a cutting deck (54" or 60") to one of the above, I will drop it to address some more immediate needs I have in the woods. I'll be getting a FEL, but intend to change the bucket out for a grapple. Also will be doing a lot of rotary cutter work - clearing out some undergrowth and maintaining trails.

A grapple can be fitted to the loader arms on either tractor. I can't seem to find an adaptable 3rd function valve, however. A bypass valve would give some assistance, but not the full range of function I desire (like on my L5740).

Looking for suggestions - THANKS!

 

[kennyd]

Have you checked with WR Long to see if they have a kit for those machines?

 

[Just2quickz28]

A grapple fitted to a BX? Are you sure? I have seen bucket grapples that attach on to the bucket but not one that fits on the loader arms. I looked into a B series not too long ago and finding a light weight grapple for B was no easy job either. And WR long did make a kit for the B I was looking at.

 

[sbakf]

Have you checked with WR Long to see if they have a kit for those machines?

Called them today - they have one, but it ain't cheap. It'll run about $600 with a loader arm mounted hose connector kit. Problem I have with this particular kit is one is instructed to cut (pull) off BX loader control knob and replace with kit knob. Wish (for this kind of money) that kit offered a user friendly control tower console (i.e., mountable closer to operators seat). Nevertheless - it will work.

 

[kennyd]

Called them today - they have one, but it ain't cheap. It'll run about $600 with a loader arm mounted hose connector kit. Problem I have with this particular kit is one is instructed to cut (pull) off BX loader control knob and replace with kit knob. Wish (for this kind of money) that kit offered a user friendly control tower console (i.e., mountable closer to operators seat). Nevertheless - it will work.

That is the going rate, NOTHING about hydraulics is cheap 'cept for o-rings and my advice.:laughing:

 

[sbakf]

A grapple fitted to a BX? Are you sure? I have seen bucket grapples that attach on to the bucket but not one that fits on the loader arms. I looked into a B series not too long ago and finding a light weight grapple for B was no easy job either. And WR long did make a kit for the B I was looking at.

Yes - there are grapples available for the BX. ANBO (my preference) has a GR-M model that would use the same (3) pin mounts as the loader bucket. Once mounted, I would have a little over 300 lbs. of lift capacity - more than enough for brush pile clean-up.

 

[MikeInEburg]

Honestly, if you're thinking of work in the woods, look carefully at the clearance of BX. The B gives you several more inches The BX also has a somewhat vulnerable transmission cooling fan located on the underside directly under the operators seat.
Mike

 

[sbakf]

Honestly, if you're thinking of work in the woods, look carefully at the clearance of BX. The B gives you several more inches The BX also has a somewhat vulnerable transmission cooling fan located on the underside directly under the operators seat.
Mike

We did - my wife and I looked at (& drove) both yesterday. Going in, I was leaning toward a B2620. With higher frame (better ground clearance) and added lift capacities it seemed to be the best choice - considering the minor difference in base price. My wife, at first, preferred the B because it took bumps better (bigger tires) and offered a better view (higher up). Add in increased cost for the MMM and loader, however, the BX became more attractive - to me. Additionally, the BX offers more protection to the driver's backside (rear fenders wrap behind seat) and its low-to-the-ground profile, might give a little more slope stability (i.e., decreased pucker factor).

This tractor is primarily for my wife. I want her to feel comfortable driving it and I want to feel at ease in her use of it. Besides - if I can get her active with the BX (in the woods), I might be able to keep her out of my L5740 (with cab). She's already wanting to take over some of the pasture mowing.

Although the B has more ground clearance (about 4"), the BX should preform well in our woods. Our forest floor is pretty level with no rocks. Stumps, if present, are what I've caused and all are no more that 2" above ground level.

I'm aware of the vulnerable transmission fan once the MMM is removed. Read somewhere recently that Kubota has installed a protector plate on the newer BX's. My dealer confirmed this yesterday. Regardless, I intend to install complete undercarriage (slid) plates before either of us venture into the woods.

 

[OrangeRidge]

This plate is standard on BX25 , but don't know about BX2660 ......
I bought one even though the MMM lives in situ . Cheap insurance
vs alot of labour

 

[Just2quickz28]

For a BX may I suggest this bucket grapple, full kit for not much more than the WR long kit American Solutions LLC