CK20HST MMM removal query

getut · May 19, 2004

I posted a day or so ago in the pricing forum and mentioned that I was thinking about the C20HST and a rear finish mower.

Before I make my mind up on that I am wondering what the removal time is for the 60" MMM with this tractor and what is entailed to do it. If anyone is willing to spend the time to inform me, please let me know because of the ease of mowing around obstacles would be better with a mid-mount.... but not if its a hassle to take it on and off.

pilonidal · May 19, 2004

I can remove or attach it in 20 minutes. I've done it three times now. There are four pins and the PTO shaft to hook up. You need some car ramps or something to raise the front end though. The gear box hits the mower supports otherwise when rolling it out. Need to raise it 1-2 inches. I don't run it all the way up the ramps. If you do then your deck is stuck on the ramps. I like the deck because I can lean it up against a wall saving floor space. I don't consider it a real hassle.
Oh ya, if you get one check the gearbox for oil. Mine was forgotten at assembly and I didn't check it. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

JimMc · May 19, 2004

I'm not trying to be smart about this or to add insult to injury, but it does say that oil is not in the gearbox and that it must be filled on pages 6, 23, 26, and 30 of the manual.

pilonidal · May 19, 2004

It even has a dealers prep checklist on page 4 with number 5 being "Proper lubricant installed in gearcase to proper level" /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

JimMc · May 20, 2004

You are correct. It is normally a dealer serviced item. I didn't mean to point the finger of blame, but rather to say that because of ICC regulations, many items must be shipped without oil in the gearcase. It's always seemed odd to me that you can ship a case of oil in plastic containers on the same truck with a steel gearcase that is not allowed to contain oil. Go figure!

depratt_equip · May 20, 2004

The MMM does take alot longer to get off than an RFM. One thing you might want to know also is the MMM will only cut down to 2.5" This might be a problem for some ppl, the flyers on the MMM are incorrect they say it will cut down to 1.5". A RFM will cut down much lower than that. Also keep in mind that there will be alot of brackets left on the tractor. If you can do without a MMM i would go with the RFM. Much easier to change blades and take on and off, and no brackets to get in the way of ground clearence.

Pilonidal - If you have a loader on that CK20 you can use it to lift the front of the tractor up when taking off the MMM. I always remove all the connections, then raise the front up and side it right out.

pilonidal · May 20, 2004

Ya the loader, duhhhhhhhh, lol Thanks for the tip. I would have caught on in a year or two. That will shave a few mins off of getting the ramps and lining them up. The only reason I didn't get a RFM is your always looking over your shoulder as you cut and watching your tail as the mower swings out as you turn. Who would go below 2.5 inches? A greens keeper on a golf course. Actually I measured mine and I don't think it will go below 3" taking into account the blades recessed under the deck. I want my future yard to be thick and soft on the tootsies anyway. A little taller grass shades the ground more and saves moisture. One disadvantage of the MMM is it does bang around alot under there if you are using the tractor for something other than mowing. The gear box will hit the hydraulic line into the loader hydraulic block if you hit a good bump/hole when in the raised position. Another TBN'er enlightened me on that and I see the marks on mine to prove it. It may have caused my first hyro. leak out of that fitting.

JimMc · May 20, 2004

A piece of heater hose split, placed over the steel line at the point of impact and tie wrapped into position makes a nice cushion.

depratt_equip · May 20, 2004

That is a good idea for a cushion, but if it is hit to many time it might still cause that line to be tweaked and then leak. Any word if they are going to redesign that MMM so it doesn't make contact?