BX with MMM: to buy bagger or not to buy bagger...

AKFord · Aug 22, 2004

I am debating on wether or not to buy the bagger for my BX 1500 with a 48" deck. I do not plan to rake the yard after I am done mowing, not exactly the time saver I was looking for, but I don't want to spend over $1,000 on a bagger system. How is the MMM doing on your tractor? Do you have a bagger and so recommend one or do you think the grass clippings are small enough to warrant not buying the bagger and feel safe not raking the clippings? Thanks for any input.

Egon · Aug 22, 2004

It's been recommended that for a better lawn cut high and leave the clippings. They will naturally compost and add nutrients to the lawn.

Wisdom from The Brown lawn Thumb.

Egon

bluecon1 · Aug 22, 2004

I agree the nutrients are good for the grass, but if you have a healthy lawn, and water it plenty, short of cutting two-three times a week, the bagger is great.

rbarker · Aug 22, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( but I don't want to spend over $1,000 on a bagger system. )</font>

The Kubota rear mounted bagger system is way over your budget. I was quoted about $1700 a year and a half ago.

I opted not to bother and it hasn't been too bad. I bagged with my previous tractor (Wheel Horse 520H) and had to empty the bags a half dozen times per normal mowing on just a half acre. I don't miss that! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

Jim_Becker · Aug 22, 2004

This is a personal preference item. I cut my lawn at 3.5" and leave what is cut to fall down into the lawn and return the nutrients into the soil. I see no need to pick anything up, but if you prefer to, no problem. There are other implements I'd invest in long before I'd go for a bagger!

JWE · Aug 22, 2004

I have a bagger for my BX2200 and it works great (picks up everything). I used it in the spring and early summer to colect clippings to mulch part of the garden. In a few weeks I will install it again for the fall leaf pickup duties.

The downside is that they are hard to install and remove; compared to other 3PH implements.

John

gsganzer · Aug 23, 2004

I thought about towing a lawn sweeper instead. They're a heck of a lot cheaper then a vacuum.

My dad had one that he bought at a yard sale for $15. It was made to be pushed, but with a little welding I'm sure you could set it up to tow. It could be adjusted to different heights. I haven't seen any for sale in a while though, but I'm sure someone still makes them.

bam · Aug 23, 2004

Just saw the push behind lawn sweepers for sale at Home Depot yesterday. They were around $98.

gsganzer · Aug 23, 2004

I did a little search and found a bunch of them. Sear's had a 46" combo dethatcher/sweeper. A little more pricey at around $3xx.00, but still cheaper then a vacuum.

Tom_H · Aug 23, 2004

I have a BX2200 with 60MMM. The bagger/blower are extremely difficult to get on/off as the middle rod is welded to the blower & doesn't pivot. The mulch kit is less expensive & works very well if you cut when dry & only 1" at a time. With the bagger, I have to fertilize, and it takes time & effort to empty clippings. With the mulcher, the nutrients go right back to the soil: no fertilizing, no bags to mess with.