BX2360: ease of changing front attachments?

[chelydra]

Thinking about changing my Kioti CK20 TLB for a smaller BX1860 or (more likely) BX2360, probably secondhand. Only implements I'd get would be loader and front snow-blower, with ballast box.

Haven't used a tractor-mounted blower before (or even a PTO implement), and not quite certain it will have the oomph to cut through mountains of frozen slush from street plowing - might have to switch back and forth sometimes.

So - how easy is it to switch attachments, working alone? JD's easy-swap system makes their 1026R attractive, but it's kind of expensive, and not yet available used.

Thanks for your insights-

chelydra

 

[PapaPerk]

I'm sure your tractor mounted blower will have way more oomph than a walk behind unit.

 

[wpabx2230]

I don't have a loader, but the snow blower is easy other than getting the
drive shaft attached at the front of the mount. I use a snow blower on the front and a blade on the rear with some suitcase weights hanging on the blade.

 

[wpabx2230]

I would recommend a rear mount snow blower if you are getting a front end loader. It would eliminate changing implements and adding rear ballast.
Another plus is that rear mount blowers are cheaper.

 

[chelydra]

I would recommend a rear mount snow blower if you are getting a front end loader. It would eliminate changing implements and adding rear ballast.
Another plus is that rear mount blowers are cheaper.

Rear-mount was the original plan, for both of the reasons you give. Aside from neck strain, though, some of the blower work would be in very tight spaces, with damage to plantings, building and/or machine with just a couple of inches error. (That's why the JD, with a 47" blower vs. 50" for the BX, was attractive.) So I thought front-mount might make more sense. Also, I might have a line on the set-up mentioned at an affordable price.

As I said, never worked with PTO, so hoping the shaft assembly isn't too hard with frozen fingers.

 

[BeezFun]

I solved that problem by using my FEL to clear most of the drive and paddock areas, but don't come close to anything breakable. Then I finish up with my walk behind snowthrower around all the edges and close to breakables. I found that the time I saved trying to use the tractor for everything was cancelled out by all time I spent repairing the damaged fence posts, gates and barn dents in the spring. I also do all the walking paths from house to chickens and out to manure pile with the walk behind. Doesn't tear up the grass or the pasture.

 

[CHDinCT]

The front blower or blade requires the Kubota quick hitch which hangs on the front frame. You would need to remove the grill guard to mount it if you have one. The snow blower would then attach to the quick hitch and except for the drive shaft as mentioned (don't really know as I only have the front blade) would be easy to remove and remount. But, from what I've read, the QH will interfere with the FEL when the FEL is down at ground level. Never tried to mount my FEL with the QH on but I believe some BX owners have. If that is the case, you will not find switching between snow blower and FEL to be quick. Hopefully someone who has actually tried leaving the QH on with the FEL on a BX will chime in.

 

[keyman1808]

I have to remove the QH to use the loader on mine. The entire switch over from loader to blower is about 15 minutes. I never really switch back and forth as my blower has handled everything I have thrown at it.

 

[radioman]

cant speak for front blower ease, but I can speak for front loader. Its so easy you will wonder how you ever got along without it. I can disconnect about a min or less. The hardest thing about dismounting fel is getting off tractor to lower the stand and gt back on. For rest of work, I just stand up and reach over and disconnect everything from seat.

 

[dodge man]

Another option would be a rear blade. If your worried about forzen icy stuff, that would at least break it up for the snow blower. Rear blades are pretty cheap also.