BX-2200 Grass Catcher

[firec]

Hello All,

I've been monitoring this forum for a long time and have found it to be a great source of information. I finally have a question for you all. My BX-2200 that keeps breaking the sheer bolt on the grass catcher. I mow in low range with the throttle wide open, also with the unit off you can spin the catcher blade and pto with no resistance. I've gotten to the point of keeping extra bolts on the tractor to replace when it breaks. Is it possible that the mower puts out to much grass for the catcher to handle? Let me add the other day it broke twice and I was cutting about 4 inches of grass down to 3 inches. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Junkman]

I can't see the mower putting out too much grass for the blower to shear the pin. Are you mowing at full engine speed? It the blower isn't turning fast enough, then the grass could be binding it up. Since this has been an ongoing problem, I would contact Kubota and get them involved in resolving it. It isn't normal to keep breaking shear pins. There has to be something that is causing it to happen. Possibly check for a loose part that rotates that might be being thrown off balance at high speed. Are there any vibrations in the unit that would indicate a off balance situation? There is a reason that the shear pins are breaking. The hard part is determining what that reason is.

 

[noreault]

Try reducing the throttle before engaging the PTO. I think the start up at full throttle causes stress on the sheer bolt and eventually weakens it.

 

[Junkman]

The grass catcher and the mower deck both engage at the same time, and I am certain that he doesn't engage the mower deck at full throttle. I don't know of anyone that does. Running the mower deck and grass collection system at less than full throttle is probably the reason for the shear pins breaking. That is my opinion based on the science of grass cutting/collecting. I have an extensive collection of grass clippings.. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[botalvr]

I thought I saw in a thread about tachs that the BX would be happier if mowing at less than full throttle.
Do you mow at full throttle? Just wondering...

 

[botalvr]

I don't have a grass catcher, but when I sheared the bolt on my tiller by catching a root I was suprised to find it was a grade "8" bolt.
Perhaps your situation calls for a grade 8 bolt and you replaced it with a "regular" one?
Just a thought....
/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[firec]

Thanks for the replys, Junkman is correct, I never engage the pto unless the unit is throttled down. I have always mowed at full throttel, same with snowblowing. The bolts are a grade 8, and I have replaced them with ones from the dealer and from the local hard ware store with the same effect. I just can't figure out why it will free spin and then when running snap the bolt. The sound of bagger running is the same as it was when I purchased it 4 years ago. I love the unit along with my l3830 and wouldn't trade them for anything (yet) but this is becoming an pain.

 

[qqq]

I recall a previous post that I think raises the same problem:

GCK60-BX loves to eat shear bolts. Any ideas?

I don't see a final answer, but if you take it up with Kubota, you can point out that others are having the same problem you are.

 

[Junkman]

You have just given me more information that wasn't in the original post. Now, my question is... is it now just starting to snap shear pins or has this happened all along? I am surprised that the unit uses grade 8 bolts. They are quite difficult to shear and I wouldn't think that they would be of much protection to the gears of the unit. Possibly there is a gear problem in the gear box or a defective bearing that is seizing or binding? It isn't normal to keep replacing shear pins, and if all the grass catchers were breaking shear pins as often as yours, there would be a major design change at Kubota to remedy this. I suggest that you contact Kubota Corporate Headquarters and speak to technical service representative.

 

[bluecon1]

I've had my catcher for 3-4 years too, and shear the bolt about once a month. My lawn is quite thick, so slowing down may be the answer. I have had the odd stick go through.

On another note, I have just replaced my fan. One of the 4 blades was cracked. Might be something for you to check from time to time. I'll get the blade welded, and keep it as a spare