BX25d mower deck question

[Soapandbacon]

I've been lurking for quite some time and am almost ready to pull the trigger on a bx25d. This will be my first scut pirchase as well as first big mowing deck. Ive been encouraged by my neighbor to purchase a 54 inch deck , so not knowing anthing else , thats what ive priced out. The dealer I'm working with has offered me a 60 inch deck for the same price as the 54 (only after the negotiations started getting serious ) I suspect it's because he has 60's in stock and he has to order a 54. My property is still "raw" and I really don't need to mow all tgat much yet, so I don't have any special constraints or needs ( that I know of) I've read a buch of threads and am still debating , can you all give me some pro's or cons to the 60" deck? I figure why not if the price is the same ($1696, that's the lowest price I could find for the 54) any comments are appreciated. Also curious about any other differences between the two . Thanks in advance.

 

[Soapandbacon]

Just an added thought, the best quote I have so far is $19,200 for the bx25d, three point hitch, quick hitch on the loader, mowing deck, 12" bucket and thumb, that's out the door delivered. Any thoughts ? High low ? Should I try for better? Thanks.

 

[Jeff F.]

I use a 60 inch deck. It shortens the cutting time and helps eliminate some trimming. The deck sticks out further on the left side allowing you to cut under / around things. It does leave a nice cut in my opinion.

 

[Kub39]

I had a BX2200 with a 60inch MMM, and liked it pretty well. I just bought a new BX25 and bought a 54inch MMM. I thought I would like the 54 better because it was a little narrower and easier to maneuver. It does seem to be a little easier to get in tight places...but I have noticed that extra 6 inches on the 60 sure did seem to make a big difference when mowing large areas. I guess after owning both, if your property is fairly level and over 2 acres, I'd buy the 60 inch deck again. If the property is less than 2 acres or has lots of uneven ground (dips and washouts) I'd buy the 54. But, I guess after more thought, anything more than 2 acres, I'd seriously consider the 60. I have 2.5 acres of pretty decent mowing and kind of wish I had bought the 60 now. But I still like the 54 for ease of maneuverability and it is a little lighter when you have to take it off and sharpen blades ect. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Soapandbacon]

I think it's the 60" for me! Somewhere I remember reading about some kind of difference between the 54 vs 60, the 60 having some sort of "floating" feature? Or am I just confused from too much cross brand comparison?

Any thoughts on the pricing that I have?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Renob]

Unless you have a physical limitation (gate or storage area) that the 60" won't fit through/in....... Get the 60". Your machine has plenty of power to run it. You will get more done in less time and the extra 6" of deck will make it easier to cut around obstacles.

 

[willi67]

You can install wheel spacers with the 60" deck (also with the 54" but one side has to be narrower?) The 60" deck is heavier and will provide more ballast if mowing on hills.

 

[kday64]

Both the 54 and 60 stick out on the left side. The 60 Aldo sticks out on the right side. So if you have a 54 like I do you have to trim with left side. It is not that big of deal since the discharge shoot is on the right side anyways.

 

[radioman]

I really like my 60 on my BX after moving up from 38 and 42 from a cheapo tractor. I found that if I have a tree in the way between an object, even with a 54 its too close. I would move it with backhoe. It's easier to move things for long term mowing to make things simple and smooth mowing then it is to try to make things work with smaller stuff. If you cant fit in an area smaller then 60- then it might be a good idea to do things with a push mower/string trimmer which most of us still have.

to soapandbacon- all BX mower decks are floating.

 

[CHDinCT]

I think it's the 60" for me! Somewhere I remember reading about some kind of difference between the 54 vs 60, the 60 having some sort of "floating" feature? Or am I just confused from too much cross brand comparison?

Any thoughts on the pricing that I have?

Thanks in advance.

From what I remember, the 60" has a self leveling (side to side) feature. I think that's what you're thinking of when referring to floating.

 

[Soapandbacon]

Well, it's a done deal, a bit more negotiating and I now have a new BX25D on the way! Should be delivered next week. Some how I also ended up with a new Stihl backpack blower! . (Negotiation tactic, drop your price and I'll buy more stuff! ) thanks to all the great posts, hope to keep learning as time goes on.

 

[Soapandbacon]

New bx25d being delivered tomorrow ! Wooohooo !

 

[rbarker]

New bx25d being delivered tomorrow ! Wooohooo !

Good luck sleeping tonight! Don't forget our pictures......

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[Soapandbacon]

Here it is!

 

[CHDinCT]

Congrat's. I like all the changes they made to the 25D from my 25, though not enough to trade up. Looks like you live pretty deep in the woods based on that first pic. Any plans to get the mechanical thumb? I think adding the bro tek thumb was my first add-on after getting mine two years ago. Good luck with it.

 

[Soapandbacon]

Congrat's. I like all the changes they made to the 25D from my 25, though not enough to trade up. Looks like you live pretty deep in the woods based on that first pic. Any plans to get the mechanical thumb? I think adding the bro tek thumb was my first add-on after getting mine two years ago. Good luck with it.

The thumb was part of the deal, however it's on back order. The dealer said that they will come out and install it when it's in.

Last night I did a bit of gravel drive "grading" it was very cool, I can now see how you can spend hours "in the seat"

Did however have a bit of a strange experience. In front of the garage there is a lip of about 2" and about 8 feet in front of that there is an old cmu stem wall that sticks up from the ground about 2" (at one time there was a crazy addition that has since been removed, but the buried stuff has not yet been removed-that's what the BX is for ) so I decided to drive in reverse slowly and I was having trouble getting over these two obstructions. If I gun it i can go right over but at speed...however I was not able to slowly "crawl" over. What am I not doing right?

 

[Scooby074]

Are you in Low range?

Brakes off, of course?

 

[Soapandbacon]

Are you in Low range?

Brakes off, of course?

Brakes off for sure, don't remember about the range, I think I was in high.

What should my setting or procedure be ? Sorry ...newbie .....

 

[rbarker]

Brakes off for sure, don't remember about the range, I think I was in high.

What should my setting or procedure be ? Sorry ...newbie .....

First off, don't think of the hydro pedal like a gas pedal in your car. It does make you go faster but it doesn't increase the engine power so actually mashing down on the pedal without adjusting the throttle makes it worse. Just make sure you are in low range and your throttle is above idle and you should be fine. You'll get the hang of it pretty quick.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[CHDinCT]

Agree with the other posts, you need to be in low range. I have about a 2" lip between the ramp and floor of my shed and the same as you, it won't go over the lip in high gear when going real slow. I just shift into low and it crawls right over it. If I'm lazy, I sometimes leave it in high, pull forward, then re-attempt entry with a little more speed and the inertia will take me over the lip. Oh, another alternative is to put it in 4WD and the front assist will push you over.