Drive Over MMM?

[Gem99ultra]

Lots of print on the new Kubota BX with the drive over mower deck. I expected it to be in direct competition with JD, but I sadly heard that one still has to get underneath and hook up the PTO.

Anyone actually bought one yet, and if so, give us the scoop.

 

[RussMan]

I don't know about the BX model, but I have a B model (3030) and they advertise driving over the MMM. And yes, it is no problem to do so. I try to avoid driving over tho with the FEL attached since that is extra weight. Once you drive over it, you do need to crawl underneath to hook up the PTO shaft. Very simply/quick, and could get dirty if your shop floor isn't clean. Anyway, it is not a problem to drive over the MMD. The hardest issue is keeping the MMM from rolling when the tires approach it to rollover.

 

[KennyG]

"Drive over" means you have to manually hook up the PTO. "Auto connect" means you don't. JD has had drive over for 10 years or more, auto-connect for a few years. Drive over works great and it's not too hard to hook up the PTO. A couple of tips - put the PTO selector in rear position instead of mid position when hooking it up. When the tractor shaft can freely turn it's easier to hook up. Also the MMM shouldn't move when you drive over it if you have the tractor in 4WD. With the mower flat on the ground (wheels up) the tractor weight shouldn't be an issue.

 

[Cherokee140]

I love my BX.....really LOVE the little thing, it is just fantastic at everything I ask it to do, fits my needs like a custom made glove....BUT if I had one thing to do over it would be NOT to buy the mower deck. Putting it on and off is not that big of a pain....do it twice and you can do it in 5 min. Taking off the loader and back hoe...also non events....it is the ride....good doG this little machine will just pound me to death. I just can't stand to mow on the thing. The ride is so harsh.

I aired down the tires about 10lbs and gave that a try...no luck, the last thing I am going to try is to have about 10lbs of pressure IN the tires....make them VERY soft and give it a go....if it is still breaking me in half that will be it.

In full disclosure I do have 3 back surgeries under me and am not in tip top shape, so that likely has a great deal to do with it, that said the wife says it is rougher then any of our other mowing machines.

 

[ryan08]

It is the small diameter tires/short wheelbase that kills the ride quality. That and sitting directly over the rear tires. My big diesel ZT mower also will kill your back on uneven ground. I used to cut with a IH Farmall and the ride was much better with those huge tires.

I bought an inversion table so I can get my back decompressed after mowing. Works pretty good as I can hear all the pops of the discs when hanging.

 

[Jay4200]

I love my BX.....really LOVE the little thing, it is just fantastic at everything I ask it to do, fits my needs like a custom made glove....BUT if I had one thing to do over it would be NOT to buy the mower deck. Putting it on and off is not that big of a pain....do it twice and you can do it in 5 min. Taking off the loader and back hoe...also non events....it is the ride....good doG this little machine will just pound me to death. I just can't stand to mow on the thing. The ride is so harsh.

I aired down the tires about 10lbs and gave that a try...no luck, the last thing I am going to try is to have about 10lbs of pressure IN the tires....make them VERY soft and give it a go....if it is still breaking me in half that will be it.

It sounds like you need to spend some time pulling around a landscape rake to smooth out that lawn of yours. The little wheels really hampers the capabilities of a BX - not much it is good at except mowing, ride notwithstanding, and I think putting the mower on/off is a horrendous PITA - mostly because of the PTO shaft, which is obstructed for installation by right-handers.

Incidentally - I was basically crippled by classic sciatica, which was brought on during ACL replacement rehab. I suffered for better than a year without any improvement, then got a Kyroback machine for my birthday - friggin' MIRACLE. You wouldn't think it is doing much since the movement is so subtle, but my back felt 'different' after the first use. Within 3 days of use I noticed less pain, and after 5-6 uses I was completely cured - truly amazing. Worth a try if you have lower back problems, IMHO.