Grass and leaf pickup, what do you use, recommend?

[Volfandt]

A shot of the original deck adapter. I discovered that the std quick attach hardware wasn't stout enough to hold the adapter plumb to the MMM once the weight of the heavy duty hose was added so I cut and mounted an additional metal bracket towards the rear of the adapter and it kept the adapter from pulling down and exposing a slight opening for debris to escape. The fab'ed plate is visable at the rear also.
The adapter comes without the opening cut. Once you mount the adapter, you then mark then cut th eopening. I used a small scroll saw.

 

[Volfandt]

The CR mounts to the BX's 3PH with all the required hardware included in the kit. One thing I discovered whilst mowing was that the weight of the CR would continue to push the 3PH arms down past the MMM deck setting which caused the front of the CR's hitch to gouge the ground in slight hills.

Instead of having to worry about constantly jockying the 3PH to get the MMM lowered to the correct depth setting and keeping the CR from lowering past it, I just used a simple check chain setup to keep the CR from dropping lower once the MMM was at depth. I may refine it more later but for now it works good, lasts along time /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Volfandt]

During season instead of folding it up for storge I'll probably keep it assembled and ready to go which means it'll need to be manuverable. They sell a handy roll away jack stand but since I've got casters & wood laying around, I saved a few $$$'s and fab'ed my own. It's not as fancy but does the job. I use the tractors hydraulics to raise the hitch then roll the CR under, attach the pins then roll the little dolly away.

Alrighty then, with tall the trees and and grass I maintain, all I can say is BRING IT ON! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Volfandt

 

[coveredbridge]

I ordered my Cyclone Rake today for my bx1500. It ships tomorrow. As I look at my 48" mmm deck opening, I'm having a hard time visualizing how exactly the mower deck adapter mounts up to the mower deck. If you get a chance, could you possibly post some close up pics of the mda mounted to your mmm?

Also, anyone else who has mounted one of these to a bx 1500 w/48"mmm, I'd appreciate any tips or advice. Thanks.

 

[Volfandt]

The adapter basically hangs on the MMM via two threaded studs (included in the kit). There are two large threaded knobs that screw down and holds the adapter tight to the MMM.
You'll have to drill a couple holes in your MMM for the studs and once you get the adapter lined up with the bracket you then drill and bolt the adapter to the quick attach bracket (nylock nuts & bolts included).
I added an additional bracket on the adapter because the heavy duty hose cocked it in the rear just enough to allow clippings to shoot out. The home made bracket fixed that!
You'll need a drill, some bits, 1/2" & 9/16" wrench(s) and sockets. Plus you'll have to cutout the opening which I used a scroll saw.

A pic of the two studs that holds the adapter to the MMM. (note, the instructions indicate to remove the deflector but I chose to keep it mounted. I drilled a couple over sized holes in the deflector where the studs lined up and this allows the deflector to be lowered back down into position when I side discharge mow. I use a shirt bungee cord to keep it raised when needed).

 

[Volfandt]

Heres a pic of the adapter mounted and the knobs screwed down. Connection of the CR is very easy and doesn't require any tools, just like the rest of the implements on my BX23. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The instructions are self explanatory and detailed. I'd venture to say that the 48" MMM doesn't have as big an opening as the 60" so you probably won't have to fab up a plate to cover up the 2 1/2" gap that is present on the 60".

Good Luck and enjoy.
Volfandt

 

[Junkman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Cleanup didn't take long and since the top can be unzipped for easy access, I was able to use my blower to give it a good cleanout. )</font>

Could you post a picture of this please? I am wondering about the changes that have been made since I purchased mine.

 

[Volfandt]

The top flap has the exhaust screen and a heavier steel bar support built in. Since the top flap is also the exhaust port, it is secured by a zipper along the front with velcro running the full length on both sides. Then there are 4 additional velcro straps (2 on each side) for additional securing. The owners manual indicates to use a shovel or board to push out the packed in debris through this top port.
So far the B&S 6hp Intek engine has started on the 1st pull every time.
Volfandt

 

[coveredbridge]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Heres a pic of the adapter mounted and the knobs screwed down. Connection of the CR is very easy and doesn't require any tools, just like the rest of the implements on my BX23. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The instructions are self explanatory and detailed. I'd venture to say that the 48" MMM doesn't have as big an opening as the 60" so you probably won't have to fab up a plate to cover up the 2 1/2" gap that is present on the 60".

Good Luck and enjoy.
Volfandt )</font>

That's great! Thanks /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I'm hoping you're right about the 48 vs the 60 deck, though you seem to have a good workaround. From what I understand from my conversations with CR people, the "other" mda would not be high enough, since my deck opening ( and I assume yours) exceeds the 6" max.

ABF freight estimates delivery on Monday 9/12. I was hoping to get it Friday so I had the weekend for assembly. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Hope you won't mind if I post some more ?'s when I assemble.

How did you mark the cutout? Did you use a template? I thought I saw on another thread where someone used a cardboard template to trace the cutout. I'm thinking of using a cable saw that I bought to cut pvc pipe to cut out the opening. Do you think that would work?

 

[Volfandt]

Ask away, I'll help if'n I can /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The instructions are very good on mounting and cutting the adapter, they also include some pics. Basically you mount the adapter then trace around the opening.
The only thing I did different was to draw another line, approx 1/4" to the inside of the traced line and cut on that line. I wanted alittle more plastic to make contact with the MMM's metal edge. It doesn't seem to interfere with the clippings.

Good luck
Volfandt