BX24 MMM mover re-attach problem

richardbro · Sep 8, 2007

I'm having problems re-attaching my 54" MMM to my BX24. This is the first time re-attaching so I must be missing something. I get the PTO on with no problem. My problem is getting the rear links attached - I can get one on but not the other, or vice-versa. Looking at the links a little closer after trying for an hour or so, I noticed a sort of a pipe-end inside the rear link "capture" joint that won't engage the fitting of the mower - it seems to collide with the outside edge of the mower mount.

If I release the other link and fiddle with the mower to get it hooked up to the near rear link then the far rear link won't engage.

I have the anti-scalp wheels turned around in the "high" position in order to wheel the mower under the tractor (even that is a chore - the mower needs to be moved left and right to get some bolts sticking out from the top of the mower to clear the under-carriage of the tractor). Do I need to re-position the wheels back to their regular orientation before trying the attach the rear links?

I've been digging a trench without the mower for the past couple of weeks on moderate grassy terrian. Could it be I've bent something?

art · Sep 8, 2007

Do you have the bottom stop adjusted down all the way for height?

rdsaustintx · Sep 9, 2007

richardbro said:
Do I need to re-position the wheels back to their regular orientation before trying the attach the rear links?

No

richardbro said:
Could it be I've bent something?

Maybe. Measure the distances on the MMM and between the links. While you're under the tractor, look for anything that looks awry.

Sorry can't be more specific. My BX is a 23, no idea if they changed the mounts on the 24. I know the backhoe mounts are different. My MMM links will easily flex an inch or two from side to side.

Don't get discouraged. You'll learn about your tractor AND once you get the routine down, the MMM becomes a 5 minute switch. Really

Russell in Texas

richardbro · Sep 9, 2007

art said:
Do you have the bottom stop adjusted down all the way for height?

Yes, it is at the 0 mark

milkman · Sep 9, 2007

Are you hooking up the back before you hook up the front?

Harry c · Sep 9, 2007

I wish the BX-24 mmm was as easy to remove replace as the BH and FEL! It takes less than 5 minutes with some practice but surely someone can come up with a better way to mount a deck!
Once you get everything lined up the attachment sockets should drop right over the adjusting bolts. Release the spring loaded pins into the slots and the rear is done. The quick attachment pins on my deck tend to not stay in the pulled out and locked position very well so I normally have to go back and forth. Make sure the deck is aligned with the tractor. A small angular misalignment can keep things from lining up.

I measured my lift arms. They are 18 1/2 inches outside to outside. The mower brackets should be slightly wider inside to inside. You can check to see if you've bent an arm.
Based on what you've said, it sounds like the lift arms may be spread slightly. Could have been done while you were working. If they are spread, you can probably use a pipe clamp (like used for woodworking) and force them back together. As suggested above, make a few measurements. You probably know this, but when you have the deck off, make sure you have the height adjustment knob in the top position. This holds the lift arms up out of harms way.

I found that my deck was not properly adjusted from the dealer. With the deck installed it would not go into the top position. Also, I found that installation was much easier if I put the front pair of deck roller wheels in the highest position, and the rear wheels in the lowest. That let the adjusting bolts clear the frame and the deck would roll right in. With both sets in the lower position the front edge of the deck drug on the ground.

richardbro · Sep 9, 2007

Well, it turns out the rear link(s) are bent a bit. This morning I tried again - got on one rear link then sat down (on the ground) on the other side facing the other rear link that touched the rim of the mower connector, stuck my foot on it and appiled a bit of pressure on it with my foot as I jiggled the mower - pop, went right in (and yes, the engine was off...).
Hooked up the front in two minutes and mowed the lawn.
Can't tell where or when the link was bent - may have been installed that way at the dealer - who knows.

Happily, I managed to reinstall the BH in about 10 minutes compared to over an hour the first time. Gets better with practice, I guess.

NJDiverDan · Sep 10, 2007

I have a BX24 with the 54" fine cut deck, not sure if yours is the fine cut or not. The easiest way for me to get my deck re-attached is to keep the loader and hoe on until the deck is back on. I tripod the tractor (loader bucket, and stabilizers) a couple inchs off the ground. This allows plenty of clearance for the deck to slide under with the scaple wheels on the high hole. Once I get one lift arm attached, nomally I have to slide the mower back and forth some to get the other popped in. Just takes a little giggling.

I can get the mower deck re-attached in under 10 mins. Loader and backhoe take 5 mins each now. With practice it gets easier.

-dan

dwenham · Sep 10, 2007

NJDiverDan said:
I have a BX24 with the 54" fine cut deck, not sure if yours is the fine cut or not. The easiest way for me to get my deck re-attached is to keep the loader and hoe on until the deck is back on. I tripod the tractor (loader bucket, and stabilizers) a couple inchs off the ground. This allows plenty of clearance for the deck to slide under with the scaple wheels on the high hole. Once I get one lift arm attached, nomally I have to slide the mower back and forth some to get the other popped in. Just takes a little giggling.

I can get the mower deck re-attached in under 10 mins. Loader and backhoe take 5 mins each now. With practice it gets easier.

-dan

Dan, the ground is full of dead folks who trusted hydraulic lines and fittings with their lives. A much safer way is to just drive the front wheels up on a 2x6 which gives you all the clearance you need to get the mower in or out. I've seen the results of catastrophic hydraulic failure and it can happen much faster than you can react. Be safe out there! Dave