3-Point Hitch 3 point, midmount mower, and towing

[Gruntdoc]

Howdy, and thanks for the terrific forum. I've been lurking and learning. (Advance apologies if these have been covered elsewhere).

As the proud new owner of a BX25 with a MMMower, I have some questions.

First, When I got the 3 point hitch installed (without parts left over!) I cannot help but notice the MMM and it elevate/lower together. Is there a way to 'lock' the MMM fully up, or just disconnect it when using the 3-point?

Second, when using the 3 point to tow, how much guts does this little dude actually have? I want to tow a piece of machinery that's well inside the tongue weight (#450) but outside the recommended laden trailer weight (#4,500). The piece will roll with hand pushing on concrete, so it's not that much of a problem to move. (I wonder if that limit is more related to braking performance)?

Thanks for your replies, and for sharing your expertise.

 

[UWAdventurer]

As far as I know the MMM and TPH work together as far as height adjustment. If you want to till, or do something like that, you will need to remove the MMM.

As far as the towing issue, I would think if it moves by hand on concrete, it shouldn't be an issue unless you are going down hill. I am no expert though, hopefully someone with more experience can help you.

 

[KU Gator]

I don't have a BX25, on on my B, their is a knob which adjusts the mower height. It also has a setting of "Top". If you raise the mower to the highest position up against the bottom of the tractor and move the knob to "Top", it will stay it that raised position even if you lower the 3 pt hitch.

 

[Gruntdoc]

Tried that. Apparently doesn't have the same function on the BX25. Rats.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

For the top postion to work properly the 3 point and mower must be raised all the way and the setting selected and then lowered. The MMM will drop some but not go all the way down, if it does not then there may need to be an adjustment.

David kb7uns

 

[BeezFun]

Second, when using the 3 point to tow, how much guts does this little dude actually have? I want to tow a piece of machinery that's well inside the tongue weight (#450) but outside the recommended laden trailer weight (#4,500). The piece will roll with hand pushing on concrete, so it's not that much of a problem to move. (I wonder if that limit is more related to braking performance)?

Thanks for your replies, and for sharing your expertise.

I assume a BX25 has a drawbar, if so you should only use that to tow something that heavy. The drawbar is designed to make sure the towed load can't tip your tractor over backwards when you pull on it. My user's manual has that info in the bright yellow lettering, with the warnings about how this can kill you.

 

[Jim in ICT]

My B1750 has seperate link pins that will hold the MMM in place. I raise the mower deck as high as it will go and remove the clips off of the lift link pins. Then the links are moved from the lift mechanism to the the stationary pins. A lot easier than removing the MMM. What's the owner's manual say?

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Tried that. Apparently doesn't have the same function on the BX25. Rats.

It should...Ours works like that...

 

[Wayne's Train]

Hi Gruntdoc, to do some serious towing with your Bota, I'd suggest what I did with my BX24. Go to your local aftermarket auto parts place and buy a step bumper mount receiver hitch, Reeces makes one. Remove the rear center plate, don't remember if I used original or 1/2" longer bolts, and install the receiver. I had to elongate the two most rearward holes (in the receiver, not tractor) outbound with a dremel to make the bolts fit. With no ballmount it clears the backhoe no problem. Then you can pick the ballmount with the proper rise or fall for your trailer height. I use 2" for the train cars and 4" for my 18' car hauler. Here is some pics. The train is pulling about 3500 lbs of coaches and people. The hayride is over 4200 lbs. I've had it heavier on flat ground no problem, but it's at the max for paved hills. Oh, the little red engine is a Craftsman GT5000. Good for flat pavement only at these weights.