2320 - Dumb Newbie Question

[rockotman]

I took delivery of my 2320 about a month ago, with a 62D MMM and 200CX FEL. I also ordered the 54" front blade for snow (although after reading some of the reviews on here about it being too narrow, I am having reservations...).

I did not opt for the independent lift kit for the MMM - I use the standard lift kit that uses the rock shaft lift arms.

The dealer installed a front attaching support kit for the MMM, and then provided a MMM combo bracket for the MMM. This is in lieu of the standard bolt-on front brackets for the MMM (see pic #1 below).

The plow just got delivered last Friday. I sure hope I won't need it for another 6 months or so. Included with the plow is a front lift and angling kit, as well as another, larger different shaped combo bracket. It looks the combo bracket is more square than the bracket for the MMM, with the hooks towards the front as opposed to recessed in the pic.

Anyway, here are my questions.

Q #1: I assume that all I need to do to mount the plow is to pull the pin on the MMM combo bracket, remove it, then install the plow combo bracket. This should then allow me to mount the lift and angling kit to the bracket, then attach the plow to the lift. Is this the correct sequence? The manual is pretty vague (either than, or I just don't understand the terminology). The second pic below sort of shows the setup I have, but I can't really see the combo bracket in that pic.

Q #2: When I attached the hydraulic lines for the plow, will I need to top of the hydraulic fluid? I am not sure if they precharge the lines and cylinders.

Thanks.

Both pics courtesy of the JD web site.

 

[ragkar]

I can't comment on the MMM as I don't have one, but to put the plow on you need to remove the FEL. Be sure that you remove and store it on a hard flat surface. Just follow the instructions and the brace will come down and then it's just a matter of unplugging the hoses.
I had a bit of trouble positioning the tractor for FEL installation and then I took my camera and photographed the position of the forks and studs when the FEL was removed. Watch out for that FEL front brace as it's rather fragile and expensive. There's lots of threads on here about people bending it.
Come spring you must remove the plow combo bracket or you will bend the FEL brace.
The spring loaded hydraulic line connectors don't leak when removed or installed. Well maybe a couple drops. I had difficulty plugging in two of these connectors until I took a flat file and smoothed the edges and corners.
The metal plow cutting edge is good for snow on the driveway that has turned to ice. But it's terrible on slush. And it may damage gravel driveways. The rubber cutting edge (an extra cost option - be sure they include the longer bolts) is great on snow and slush but bad on ice. You'll have to chose one or the other unless you don't mind sitting on the ground in the cold removing and installing 14 bolts.
I suggest that you put the plow on early while it's still not cold as it may take a while the first time. JD's instructions are not that good. And since it's a year between installs of the plow, you forget how. I rewrote the instructions on my computer and at least they are understandable to me.

 

[rockotman]

Stopped by the dealer on the way home today and got an answer to my question.

It is indeed as easy as swapping out the combo bracket to install the lift and angling kit, then the plow.