Got my bx24 on 7/16/08!!! Questions galore!

[buddylamp]

I am as happy as can be learning how to use this new machine safely and efficiently.

Do I need a skid plate? I am not planning on using a MMM (the old Craftsman ride-on is for that job).

I got a thumb for the backhoe and am considering a Post hole digger and possibly a tooth bar.

Any information or words of wisdom would be appreciated.

Steve

 

[BotaBigot]

A skidplate is cheap insurance...expecially with no MMM. Some TBN members make their own...you can go that route, or buy the Bro-Tek rear plate. Whether you also buy a front plate depends on your working conditions.

Depending on how many postholes you anticipate digging...you might consider renting a PHD...plus it's another piece of equipment to store.

The TBN consensus is...for any serious FEL work, you need a toothbar. There are several makes/styles, but Markham is consistently recommended here.

Do searches...TBN members have contributed a lot of useful info on these and other questions you haven't asked yet...

 

[ChuckinNH]

Welcome to TBN, and congratulations on your new TLB! The BX24 is a great piece of equipment, and you will be amazed at what you are able to accomplish with it.

 

[LBrown59]

I am as happy as can be learning how to use this new machine safely and efficiently.
1*Do I need a skid plate? I am not planning on using a MMM (the old Craftsman ride-on is for that job).
2*I got a thumb for the backhoe and am considering a Post hole digger and possibly a tooth bar.

1*I have a MMM on my BX23 and one of my BX1500s so don't need a skid plate on them .
I have a front balde and rear tiller but no MMM on the other bx1500; so am thinking about making a rear skid plate for it.
Looks like it would be pretty simple to do.
Also considering making a gril guard for the BX1500 with the MMM since there is nothing to protect the grill on it.
The BX23 has a gril guard and the other bx1500 has a front blade which offers some protection for that gril.
2*A thumb would be nice on my BX23 BH.
Ground clearance is a problem for a BX to handle a Post hole diggeer, so i'd just hire that done.
The tiller on the BX1500 and the backhoe on my BX23 are my tooth bars so i don't need one of those.
you can always break up the ground with the BX 24 BH so I don't see a need for a toothbar.
If it was a tractor that didn't have a BH then i could see a tooth bar.

 

[slewisma]

Where are you and what conditions are you working in?

Skid plate is really a good idea if you're likely to have branches, brush, rocks in and around what you're working on. If you're on flat ground, digging holes, nothing to sneak into HST fans, etc. then probably not necessary.

As I use my BX24 more, I miss the toothbar that I thought I'd need so much less. My skill is increasing and making up for some of what it adds. Overall though I'd still rate a toothbar in top few additions anyone with a FEL should consider adding to their tractor. If you will only occaisionally deal with sizeable rocks or big piles of brush, a toothbar is a must. If you'll deal with these a lot, a grapple or 4-in-1 might be better but you've already got a thumb on the BH and that helps too.

Agree with others that PHD is probably better rented. If you need deep holes for fence posts or piers for outbuildings, the BX is too low for a PHD that will get the job done. If you need to plant trees, the BH may be good enough if a bit messier.

Since you don't have the MMM and don't intend to add it my one other suggestion is fill the tires if you haven't already. Better stability, harder to roll and better traction.

 

[310-510]

First, welcome to TBN and congratulations on the tractor. The BX24 might be just a little better than the Craftsman mower. (read sarcastically) I had both, now just the BX24.

If you dig with the backhoe and happen to drive over the spoil pile, the skid plate helps, especially if your ground has fair sized rocks. My Bro-Tek rear skid plate is pretty beat up. Most of it caused by me thinking the BX will go somewhere and it doesn't but I tried anyway.

The thumb is a great addition. I do have the Bro-Tek ripper tooth for the backhoe and it has been one of the best additions on my BX24. I have just about worn it out in my Arizona topsoil(sand, vegetation, and rocks up to 3' diameter)

You will find that opinions in the forums are as diverse as life itself.

Again, welcome.

 

[Volfandt]

As been said, a skidplate is cheap insurance. I made mine but Bro Tek makes an excellent one that doesn't require removal for servicing and/or mounting of a MMM.

I would also suggest that you add buckethooks to your FEL. You'll then be able to lift 600lb + objects and carry them where you need them and also load and carry objects much bigger than your bucket around also. I installed chain hooks as I normally use chain for lifting and/or securing the load but any combination of std hooks, chain hooks etc will do.

If you plan to do any work in the dark then you'll also want to add ROPS light(s). Theres actually a Kubota option for this as well as a myriad of other lights/ways to provide more light. You'll quickly find out that the OEMS' get blocked out by the FEL.A quick search on the above will give you ample ammunition to "load" up your new BX

 

[Tom_H]

I agree with the things others have said. It sound like this machine will be a dedicated TLB most of the time, so the only other thing I'd think about, other than the items already mentioned, is an American Solutions grapple to go on the FEL.

 

[LBrown59]

As I use my BX24 more, I miss the toothbar that I thought I'd need so much less. Overall though I'd still rate a toothbar in top few additions anyone with a FEL should consider adding to their tractor. .

I don't see the need for a tooth bar on a tractor that has a backhoe on it.

OUR FIRST CAR http://www.hubcapcafe.com/i/2001/storycty/chev6001.JPG Convertible front http://www.hubcapcafe.com/i/2001/storycty/chev6001a.JPG rear view MY TRACTOR http://www.jenningsequipment.com/storepics/ksBX22.jpg

 

[Minotbob]

I agree with the things others have said. It sound like this machine will be a dedicated TLB most of the time, so the only other thing I'd think about, other than the items already mentioned, is an American Solutions grapple to go on the FEL.

I like the looks of that Grapple. Tom. do you have one and if so how do you like it?