BX2200 Bagger

[rock]

I figured I start a new thread as my emphasis is now on the bagger.

Thanks for all of the previous input on the trailer. I think I'll
hold off and get a tandem, or just rent one when I need to take the show on the road. I've got a tandem on my boat, and I agree, I feel alot more comfortable pulling it than a single axle.

After some additional research on baggers this weekend I am leaning towards the Kubota "hang off the back rig". While I do like the Trac Vac PTO (854BX) model which my dealer does carry, he has never actually sold either but told me he would probably be more comfortable selling the Kubota model.

I grew up running a Simplicty rig with a belt driven vac that threw into a trailer and a Cub Cadet rig that did the same but had its own motor to drive the turbine so it is hard for me to imagine leaf / grass collecting without a trailer. The Agri Fab rigs look nice as well, but with a rear PTO, another engine hanging off the back doesn't sit too well with me.

So my questions / requests...

1) If anyone out there has the Kubota grass / leaf collection system and could post a picture of it I would be most appreciative. My dealer doesn't even know what the thing looks like and I find it difficult to lay down $1700 on something I've never even seen a picture of.

2) Also, could I rig the Kubota system with a “remote hose” for sucking the leaves out of the bushes?

3) Any opinions on the above system and its effectiveness would also be welcomed.

4) Opinions on a different system, including those with an engine driven turbine (I'd like to keep an open mind!) would be very welcome as well.

Thanks,

-- Rock

 

[rag]

When I bought my BX I opted for the bagger system. It consists of 3 bags that hang off a metal frame for the 3 pt. It comes with an 8" (I think) diameter hose that runs from the fan housing to the mower adaptor. It balances on its own stand when you remove it from the tractor. It is very well built. Used it all last year. Works great for picking up grass and leaves. The problem with the leaves is that the 3 bags fill up very quickly. You spend a lot of time emptying. I have a vac system I made for my old tractor that has a seperate motor and a large container that would hang off the back of the tractor. Worked so much better. The leaves would actually get mulched by the vac blades and the container would hold a lot more. The Kubota system does not really mulch. I have been thinking about revamping my home built system to fit the 3 pt. hitch on the BX. I think you could fabricate some kind of funnel to put on the end to suck up leaves. The problem would be the hose; it's only four feet long. You could buy a longer hose.

 

[MReeter]

Rock,have'nt had a chance to use it yet,but I think it will make a good bagger.Was that 1700. installed? We gave 1500. and I brought it home and put it together,about a two hour project for a novice like me.

 

[rock]

Thanks to everyone for their input, especially MReeter for the pictures. Although I am still leaning towards the Kubota unit I keep hearing the same thing, "works great, but not as good as...", so my mind often wanders back to the Trac Vac.

http://www.trac-vac.com/852,854,856.htm

I'll keep y'all posted, in the mean time, did the Kubota vac come with specs on capacity and vacuum CFM. I've asked Kubota for these specs with no reply.

Thanks,

-- Rock

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Have you considered mulching rather than collecting? Kubota sells a mulching kit / option for both the 54 and 60 inch decks. I believe it costs about $200.00. It costs much less and returns the nutrients back to your lawn.

 

[rock]

The mulcher is a good thought, but I have never had much luck with mulching in the past. During the rainy season even when cutting 2 times a week it will clump. I'm really shooting for something to get the leaves with. My master plan is to have a nice compost pen with one side removeable. That way I can get in there and turn it over with the loader and build some nice mulch for the garden and landscaping in areas where I don't need the "pretty" cypress mulch.

-- Rock