3-Point Hitch BX1500 and 700 lb Plugger??

[Tibbits]

I'm going to get a plugger for pasture and lawn. I'd like to get a 5 ft for the pasture, but not sure my BX1500 will handle it for the lawn. It will weigh about 700 lbs loaded with water. Does anyone have any experience/opinions on this? The max 3 pt for the BX is listed at 1210 lbs....seems I should be OK? But I have no weight on the front.

The lawn is about about 1 acre with fair slope on about half of it. I'd only have to raise the plugger about 10 times to do the lawn. Also, I have a L3430 that could be used, but I'm afraid the R4s and weight would be hard on the lawn when it is soft for plugging.

 

[kennyd]

You will absolutely need weight on the front of that machine.

Is that 1210lb lift spec at the 3PH balls or 24" behind?

 

[bp fick]

I have the BX1860, an evolved, futuristic, more highly powered version of your excellent 1500. I think I have a pretty good handle on what it can do, not do, and should not do.

Here's one vote for continuing to look for other solutions. FWIW

 

[roamerr]

Use less water. 700 lbs is alot hanging off the rear of a BX. If you have a flat area to plug and only have to lift it several inches you are probably OK. No way would I lift it fully up and go up or down any large hills.

 

[Tibbits]

Thanks. Less water may be a solution, if I can get good soil conditions the plugs should get deep enough. And I'm trying to think of something I have to load the front up some. The plugger weighs 290 lbs empty.

kennyd, here's the load specs:
Lift Capacity at Link 1,210 lbs
Lift Capacity at 24" 680 lbs

I know it's close, but the little 1500 has always surprised me in a good way when handling stress. And worse case I can bring in the Big Boy from the fields, minimizing lawn turns using the gravel driveway and coming through the woods. I just hate the thought of plugging the pasture with a 4 footer dangling off the back. A six footer would be perfect in the field, but doesn't meet all the needs. Especially since it's only used twice a year at most....and maybe at the in-laws. Sorry for the ramble...I'm just thinking out loud. I tend to do that before I spend money!

 

[kennyd]

kennyd, here's the load specs:
Lift Capacity at Link 1,210 lbs
Lift Capacity at 24" 680 lbs

That is close for sure! You will still NEED considerable front weight to even try to lift it I think.

 

[radioman]

Like I stated in another thread- the issue is not if the BX can handle it. It can but with issues. You will need to go half with water weight and test. Add more water until it starts to give you steering issues when lifting the unit. After all you are only plugging the lawn- it doesn't necessarily needs the full water weight. If the soil is firm but soft from rain, you should be fine. that extra 1/4 inch deeper will not make any difference in plugging.

IMHO, go ahead but you will need to think front weights. You will need to make your own front weights as needed.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I have a BX1500 and know that you can make this work altho I dont use mine for that purpose. The issue of front weight only acutely comes into play in transport - not when it is setting down and being pulled. I adapted a section of big [8"] angle iron to act as a shelf that slips over and interlocks with the front bumper. Its easy to put a couple hundred pounds on. --- Not mentioned is difficulty of the pull and terrain. I believe you will only be able to move in lo range.
larry

 

[timswi]

I have a BX1500 and know that you can make this work altho I dont use mine for that purpose. The issue of front weight only acutely comes into play in transport - not when it is setting down and being pulled. I adapted a section of big [8"] angle iron to act as a shelf that slips over and interlocks with the front bumper. Its easy to put a couple hundred pounds on. --- Not mentioned is difficulty of the pull and terrain. I believe you will only be able to move in lo range.
larry

You're right...Low range in 4x4 only. That plugger shouldn't need filled...30-50% at low speed with half decent soil conditions.

 

[miker2702]

i run a 4 foot plugger on a bx2230 it does not have much(maybe 1/2) water and its is a load on my tractor even with loader its heavy im not sure the weight
but easily 500lb or so. making tight turns impossible start turning well before
you think you should. it is harder on my tractor than any other attachment,
tiller, plow,or any kind of blade.