BX Stabilizer Options - Advice? Guidance? Suggestions?

bp fick · Apr 6, 2015

Got a private message from a member today asking about the Mark Hodge upgrade. As always, I rave about them but the real problem was that I had no other suggestions or guidance for a newer BX owner as to procuring a solution for the rather dreadful oem stuff that came on his BX.

I know Mark is taking a holiday from accepting orders, last I heard, so let's hear it. What options are there for the newer guys with BX's who want to do away with the turn buckles on their 3 point lower arms? All help appreciated.

kcender · Apr 6, 2015

I guess one option would be to make your own if you have the resources at your disposal.That's what I did for my BX2360 and later my B2620.

TripleR · Apr 6, 2015

See if this helps: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/.../212135-pics-my-bx-telescopic-stabilizer.html

wawajake · Apr 8, 2015

I went with the Mark Hodge stabilizers after I got tired of busted knuckles and jimmy rigging ways to keep the arms wide while I backed up to attachments. I am quite pleased with them. While I was installing them I fixed the Kubota lower link piece that fell out a few times with the old turnbuckles. I replaced the pin with a longer bolt so that 6 inch piece with spacers can't twist and fall off or jamb crooked.
So far the new stabilizers and lower link fix has been flawless with the heavy Snowblower on back, soon to be changed over to Rotary cutter.

94BULLITT · Apr 8, 2015

A quick hitch is the best solution.

Shutesbury · Apr 9, 2015

When I bought my BX24 used, one was bent and welded. They were a real struggle to work with.

Several years ago I tried turnbuckles from Tractor Supply, using a hitch pin in one end, and double-nutted bolts in the other three. They work well, open on one side when the pin is removed, making it much easier to hook up, and they've held up well. Blading snow backwards a year ago, I hit something solid and did bend one in the threaded end, and bought a replacement, but actually haven't bothered to replace it yet. It's still working fine.

I found them at half the $29 TSC price from a rigging company on the internet, and bought spares for the future. Again, though, haven't used them yet. They are both rugged; and yet remain the weakest link in the chain, so nothing more expensive gets damaged.

Here's the TSC item.