BX1880 - not enough power to run mower

[psdx]

I just bought a used BX1880 with 5 hours on it. I should have, but did not test it using the mower to cut grass before bringing it home. I assumed they limit it to a 54 mower for a reason. I didn稚 expect huge power output. However, I did think I could mow 1/2 off my grass (grass at 4 and deck set to 3-1/2? without it bogging down. In high range at wide open throttle, if you advance the hydrostatic pedal even half way on flat ground the rpms drop easily 3-400 rpm. If I try full speed at wide open throttle, flat ground, cutting only 1/2 off the top, the engine bogs down and drops from 3450 rpm to 2500 rpm.

I didn稚 expect it to mow like my ZD331 but this is pretty disappointing. Am I expecting too much? If it痴 normal I guess I have to live with it. If not, I壇 appreciate suggestions on things to check. Moisture in the fuel seems possible, but I have no way of knowing if this is normal. Thanks in advance.

 

[sandyc]

The get pedal is not an accelerator. If you push it all thecwaybdown it's like driving in fourth or fifth gear. You havevto let upmon the pedal a bit to run in a lower gear. If that does not work then check your two fuel filters to start.
Good luck

 

[psdx]

Totally get that the hydrostat pedal is not an accelerator. Maybe I was too short in my comments. I assume that a proper engine/mower match should not drop the engine speed by 1000 rpm when cutting off 1/2” of grass at the maximum forward speed (useful for straight stretches). I’m trying to learn if that’s an unrealistic assumption, or if I should start investigating potential problems.

I’m hoping that someone with a BX1850, BX1860, BX1870 or BX1880 has some experience and can chime in. Thanks!

 

[big bubba]

if you purchased from a dealer, run your description by them for advice, or even have them come out for a quick service call to advise. never owned a smaller hst so can't personally advise, sorry on that. assume you have an impact wrench & blocks? keep those blades sharp, amazing how much difference that will make on a smaller unit as yours. if the blades are new with the tractor, well, guess my advice is a mute point.
congrat on your new purchase & hope the challenge works out for you

 

[jonsstihl]

not familiar with that tractor but does it have a range lever. It may not be designed to mow in high range but medium or low should work just fine.

 

[DaleAP]

I would try low range at max speed and see if it performs better. I don't do anything in high range except travelling.

 

[kthompson]

I have a Kubota B2710, 27 hp, and a 62 inch rear finishing mower. It would not do any better in high range than you are. Mine has three ranges and I mow in mid range. Not sure yours has three or two ranges. But 27 hp for 62 inches is more hp per inch of cut than your 18 for your deck.

It would not hurt to check and be sure your blade were not installed upside down. It happens.

 

[slckeys]

I had a bx 2370 I used to mow with. Being in high gear and the pto rpms never dropped like that while mowing for me. I did need low for hills though.

 

[SDT]

Totally get that the hydrostat pedal is not an accelerator. Maybe I was too short in my comments. I assume that a proper engine/mower match should not drop the engine speed by 1000 rpm when cutting off 1/2” of grass at the maximum forward speed (useful for straight stretches). I’m trying to learn if that’s an unrealistic assumption, or if I should start investigating potential problems.

I’m hoping that someone with a BX1850, BX1860, BX1870 or BX1880 has some experience and can chime in. Thanks!

Yes, unrealistic expectation.

Mowing with a MMM at maximum speed is a lot to ask.

SDT

 

[Industrial Toys]

That is the beauty of a hyrdrostat. You can go at the speed that works. If that means going dead slow, you can do that. Not an option on a gear drive.

Sharp blades can't hurt. Is it side or rear discharge? Mulching kit? That takes more power.