BX24 rear rotary mower size

[rnbrn21]

I just bought a BX24 and will buying a bush hog for it. I believe the manual calls out that it can handle a 5ft mower, does that sound right. What diameter of bushes should I expect to be able to cut down with this size mower. I've let my field go for quite a few years but it was hayed before that so I know there are no nasty surprises out there. Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[ryan08]

As long as you go slow you should be able to tackle it. I have an industrial "out front" ZT mower with a Kubota 21.5 hp engine and it cuts 2 year growth with a 72" deck as long as I go slow. That being said, I would get to it before it starts rapid seasonal growth.

 

[HeLa]

not answering your question, but in case you haven't already considered it, you might think about adding some skid plates to your machine for cutting in those conditions.

i don't know how the BX24 is underneath, but if it's like my BX25 it's very vulnerable underneath. consider protecting the boots at the driveshaft, the HST fan and the fuel lines. i recently had to have some parts in mine replaced (due to dry-rot, not damage) and this is a LOT of labor.

 

[radioman]

5 ft will work- but if you are buying to keep - do you think you might be using the bush hog somewhere else? If so, getting a 48 incher will be a better bet as you can do heavier work with less stress and overheating of the BX24. Get a skid plate or make one- you really want to protect that silly white plastic fan underneath.

 

[GolfAddict]

My BX24 manual says max 60in rear mower (two or three blade), but only a max 42in rotary cutter (single blade). I haven't used a bush hog on mine, so cannot speak from experience. Personally, if I were to get one, I'd probably push it to a 4 footer but don't think I'd go larger.

 

[Tomtint]

If you have hills, a 60" will have you doing wheelies up them. I had a BX and went with a 42 because of the weight difference.

 

[Grandad4]

Suggest you stick with something 48" or smaller. That fits with the idea there should be 5 pto hp for every foot of cutter width. Also, the BX size machines are kind of small and light to be handling a 5 ft. cutter. On any kind of uneven terrain or hills, the weight of a 5 ft. cutter would toss the tractor around.

As for what you might be able to cut with it, I don't know exactly, but the low ground clearance and light weight would make it difficult to drive over anything really big. I have toyed with the idea of getting a small cutter for our BX because it would be handy for places the bigger equipment can't reach, but have always held back because it just doesn't seem to be the right machine, especially for a heavy first-time cutting. If you had someone do that first cut with larger equipment, a BX with cutter would probably be fine for maintaining it thereafter. Having good skid plate protection would still be important.

 

[TripleR]

We use a Land Pride 4' rotary cutter on our BX2200 and BX2660, I am pretty sure, too lazy to look it up, but I think the manual recommends no bigger than 42". No way I would use a 5', it might spin one, but too much weight for me. We use a 5' on our Ford 600's.

 

[rnbrn21]

Now I need some clarification. What is the difference between a rear mower and a rotary cutter. I would of thought that a bush hog would be a rear mower and a flail mower would be a rotary cutter. The only place that I will every cut is mine and my neighbors property. Both are very flat (previously farmed). While mine has overgrown and needs to be tamed(has large bushes but no trees) and hasn't been mowed for 8 years my neighbors has been kept under control. I read in the manual about the rear mower limit of 5' and I though that would include a bush hog.

 

[TripleR]

Rotary cutter: RCR12 Series Rotary Cutters | Land Pride

Rear Finish Mower: FDR16 Series Grooming Mowers | Land Pride

 

[George the Beagle]

I have a 48" Land Pride for my BX 1860 which works well--as long as I leave the FEL on. Without it, it's wheelie city.

 

[pdowling1]

I have run a 5' rotary cutter with my BX2200, and to be honest it is too much weight too far back. Power isn't even an issue, it will cutt anything I can run over, it is just not a good match for the small machine. Stick to a 4' cutter and you will be happy.

 

[rnbrn21]

Thanks for all the reply's, 4' it is.

 

[GBOUTDOORS]

I pull a 4' from TSC with my BX2360 and find it just the right size. It will cut anything up to 2" + . Even high bush blueberry can't stand up to it. I do keep the FEL on as I am cutting on uneven ground clearing the under brush on my 18 acres of over grown woodlands. The 4' unit is much easier to get in and around the trees with out any damage to the trees or the cutter.

 

[zoltanthegypsy]

I run a 42" hog on my BX24. Often wish it was larger, until it bogs badly in tall grass. I'd guess a 48 would be OK, but my little 42 seems better suited to the machine.

As others have said, get a set of plates for that BX. Grass seems pretty harmless until it wipes out a driveshaft boot, the radiator fan, and yanks the wiring harness off the machine.

Been there, done that. Never mind the T-shirt.

Z.

 

[94BULLITT]

The manual says to go with a 42." I would not go any bigger than a 4.' A 5' will push the tractor all over the place.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

The 48" King Kutter XB rotary cutters are designed specifically for tractors like yours. They have dual adjustable wheels, a stump jumper and standard rubber shielding. I think you'll be better off with a cutter that your tractor can power efficiently rather than be under powered with a cutter that is too heavy.

 

[rnbrn21]

So now comes the question of where to get a skid plate. The only skid plate that I came across is made by Bro-Tek. They seem to only sell on Ebay and there are no listing on there for Bro-Tek. Does anyone know where I can get a skid plate.

 

[GolfAddict]

So now comes the question of where to get a skid plate. The only skid plate that I came across is made by Bro-Tek. They seem to only sell on Ebay and there are no listing on there for Bro-Tek. Does anyone know where I can get a skid plate.

If you do not have, and do not plan to get, a mid-mount mower (belly mower deck), then this one from BXpanded looks good, and I understand it is easy-on and easy-off.
BXpanded Under Armor

I have Bro-Tek myself. I have a MMM, and the Bro-Tek skid plates are multiple sections. You can have the rear plate section on (protecting the vulnerable HST fan) with the mower deck on. If you pull the mower deck off, you can add the forward pieces to protect the rest of the underbelly.

I have accessories from both BXpanded and Bro-Tek, and am very happy with the stuff I've gotten from each. BXpanded has a website (linked above) you can order directly off of. With Bro-Tek, you can just email Richard and arrange your purchase. He responds very quickly.

 

[GolfAddict]

The 48" King Kutter XB rotary cutters are designed specifically for tractors like yours. They have dual adjustable wheels, a stump jumper and standard rubber shielding. I think you'll be better off with a cutter that your tractor can power efficiently rather than be under powered with a cutter that is too heavy.

I really like the XB line of implements from KK. I think they are sized just right for our BX's, and are painted orange to match! I have the XB tiller and boxblade, and if I were to get a rotary cutter/brush hog that is what I'd be looking at.