Rake BX-23 3 point Rake vs Box Blade

willjack · Mar 25, 2006

Now I'm confused. Cat 0 uses 20" spacing and Cat 1 uses 26". Can I use either with the BX-23? Also, the top link and lift arm pins differ in diameter.

KentT · Mar 25, 2006

Because the BX has what is called "Limited Cat 1" capabilitly, the XB series attachments are built with Cat 1 pins but those pins are set at Cat 0 dimensions so they'll connect easier and the geometry will work better.

As just one example your hitch will not lift things as high off the ground as a normal Type 1, because the tractor is so small, so the augers for post-hole diggers must be shorter, in order to give you the necessary ground clearance. Also, many Cat 1 attachments MAY be too heavy for your tractor to use effectively, so just because it says Cat 1 doesn't mean it's a good fit for your BX...

The XB attachments WILL FIT your BX -- they're designed for it...

You can't use Cat 0 attachments, as is, because they use smaller pins, and the Cat 0 PTO runs at 2000 RPM, not 540...

It might be possible to put Cat 1 pins on a Cat 0 implement and use them, but that depends on the specific implement...

willjack · Mar 25, 2006

Thanks for the help on the CAT 0 / 1 issue. I understood the weight restriction but was not aware of all the other things to consider when buying 3 point attachments for my BX.

HomeBrew2 · Mar 26, 2006

Just FYI, many of us, or maybe most of us, BX owners use full Cat 1 implements. There are some classic [minor] 3PH modifications that can fix most of the grometry probs and sometimes mods are made to a particular implement. I've never heard of weight being an issue ... usually you benefit from a heavier ground-engaging implement. Standard length augers work. Many of us are in a situation where lim Cat1 implements are either nonexistant locally or priced markedly higher.
Cheers!

milkman · Mar 26, 2006

I haven't had any problems with Cat 1 implements on BX2200 including PHD with standard length auger, don't need the higher priced XB implements.

KentT · Mar 26, 2006

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I haven't had any problems with Cat 1 implements on BX2200 including PHD with standard length auger, don't need the higher priced XB implements. )</font>

At my local Tractor Supply, the orange XB attachments were cheaper yellow King Kutter normal Cat 1 attachments -- your mileage may vary...

I wasn't trying to push any particular brand, nor to be critical of anyone's tractor(s), and in fact was trying to point out a lower cost alternative...

I'll bow out now, since I have no dog in this hunt...

willjack · Mar 26, 2006

After reading everyones input, I looked over the rakes and ordered a Howse 4' standard Cat 1 rake (190 lbs). It costs $370 versus $419 for a 5' King Kutter XB (189 lbs). The XB implements seem to be a little cheaper but not as cheap as they should be. Many of the XB implements weigh quite a bit less but are only slightly cheaper. To me, I'm mostly paying for steel since the manufacturing is pretty basic so I tend to look at "more weight" as meaning "better quality / more durable."

It seems to me that unless you live in "farm country", your choices on implement manufacturers is probably limited to a few that are manufactured in your area. That means we will all get different deals and the prices will vary greatly for similar items. I guess as long as I live in CT, I'll have to live with paying more than most for tractor supplies........

I'm just so happy to have the BX-23! This winter, when it was cold and snowy and there wasn't anything I could do with the BX (after removing snow), I would go out to my garage and just sit on it smiling .....

djwill · Mar 28, 2006

Im also looking to buy my first attachment for my BX24. Im looking to by a landscape rake. Being a newb, I'd like to ask a couple questions if I may.
What do the wheels help with?
Am I ok with a 5', cat 1 rake with my BX?
any brands some may recommend?

thx,
dj

HomeBrew2 · Mar 28, 2006

DJ,
In brief, the wheels limit/control the amount of aggression that the implement is allowed to exert.

The wheels provide the "3 points determines a line" solution for a non-construction tractor. Think, motor grader, land plane, paddle wheel scraper. Yes, those all have the blade in the middle but, generally, we don't have that option. (Growser mfg does make a belly scraper).

A 5' Cat1 rake will work for you. The caviots(sp): It may be too tall to lift it enough. I have modified my lower links to lift higher and have dropped my rake mounts 6" to work right under specific fine raking circumstances. If you're not willing to work with it, you may be better served by a "limited" Cat1 implement.

I really can't recommend a brand because I do more work than research. Nothing I have does exactly what I think it should do so I just make it work. I have a Woods 6' Cat1 rake.

Cheers!