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

[Junkman]

Don't know if you are aware of the baffle that Kubota installs inside of the 60" deck when the Kubota rear bagger is used. It appears that it directs the clippings toward the outlet more efficiently. Don't know if would help with the CR.....

 

[cchoate]

I use an old fashion method - the wind.

 

[eaf]

I have been using a 4' cannoe paddle since I got my CR. It works great, no sharp edges to damage the material when digging out packed debris.

 

[EldoNixon]

JonM:
It looks like you have the rear PTO powered Trac Vac. I've been contemplating the same models for my BX23, but I was afraid it would rob too much power from the deck. Have you been happy? I really don't want to add another motor to maintain or add noise. But I have a lot of mature maples and could use a large capacity bagger. Thanks.

 

[ToolDad]

Just received my CR Commercial Pro with 7HP Briggs. Have not yet unboxed, but plan to tomorrow. The Mower Deck Adapter is just slightly smaller than the opening on my 54" deck (18-5/8" vs. 19" outside to outside). Woodland says this is no problem. Did you find similar differences, and was it an issue? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[RalphVa]

I use a mulching mower for the grass and have NEVER picked up grass with a mower. You're throwing away a lot of nutrients by taking up the grass.

When I took care of 5 acres of lawn for the church in NJ, I mowed it with a 4' Scag and chopped up the leaves from numerous oak trees with it, too. When the leaves got really thick, I'd run the Scag discharging inward until it about choked down, then reverse for a round or 2 and then go back to discharging inward. Some silly folks would rake some of the leaves into piles. I'd just charge into a pile with the Scag and chop them up.

At one time, they had a Sears tractor mower, with a big motor mounted behind the seat that sucked from the mower deck and discharged into a covered cart behind. WHAT A BUNCH OF NOISE! I put up with it for about 5 minutes one day. This was before I took over and insisted them buy the Scag and junk the rest.

Ralph

 

[Volfandt]

Good choice. You'll appreciate that larger hopper.

Sounds like you've got the same adapter they sent me. My 60" MMM's opening is approx 20 3/4". They told me to make a plate to cover the approx 2" opening and I did.
They also sent me a longer but shorter adapter and the original taller adapter with my home made plate fit and performed much better.
Making a plate to cover the opening isn't that time consuming or detailed. It only has to support it's own weight and be rigid enough to deflect the air & grass. The suction of the CR not only pulls the clippings towards the opening but it also keeps the bottom of the MMM surprisingly clean & free of clippings.

Start by mounting the adapter and once it's properly mounted, find something you can use to make a plate to cover that rear opening.
I bent an 20ga piece of scrap steel I had laying around to where it would completely cover the opening plus give me a couple of extra inches to bolt to the adapter. It does pretty good and no clippings escape from around it. Theres a blurry pic of it at the top of pg 3.

I've completed my leaf pickup with my ceremonial last mow the other weekend and the CR performed as advertised. And even tho I've already pressure washed and put up the MMM, some of my neighbors leaves have found there way into my yard so if'n the urge hits, I just may have go after 'em /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Enjoy, eerrr ahhh I mean don't work too hard picking up all those leaves /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Volfandt

 

[tchixarro]

It appears that you've gotten some great info on the subject.
Allow me to give you my opinion from personal experience. I have owned a sweeper, regular style bagger ( high lift deck blades create the vacuum ) and currently own a Peco lawn vac with a 5 hp engine to power the impeller. I have to say that the Peco wins it hands down. If you're looking for a unit that works and works well then go with one with that has an aux. engine to power the vacuum or one that is powered off the PTO. Forget the sweeper. Not only will you have to go over and sweep after you mow but the capacity and quallity of the job it does sucks. Been there done that! I myself am looking into a new system for my rig and I've been doing some hefty research on them. I think you should seriously consider the kubota bagger, Peco lawn vac or something from Trac-Vac. I don't have any expeirence with the Cyclone Rake because I don't feel comfortable with a trailer made out of fabric. The reason for this is that I've picked up sticks and shoved them through the hose going to the trailer. Now I don't mean to degrade the CR, this is only my opinion. Trac-Vac has alot of different models to choose from and are extremely well built. My new one will be from them. Do yourself a favor and don't go cheap. spend the money now and get something that's going to work well and last. I'm sorry for the lengthy reply but I've been faced with the same problem.

 

[Toolguy]

If I may I would like to add my .02 to this discussion. Over the years I have also tried diferrent methods for leaf and grass pickup. I first had a pull behind sweeper which didn't work all that good but I got it cheap and it was all I could afford then. I next bought a semi-mounted vacuum that had two caster wheels in the rear and attached to the tractor so that it followed behind but did not turn. It had a 3 hp motor and did a fair job behind my JD214. It had a canvas bag with a big zipper that opened from the rear. It was quite a messy job to empty it as you had to get down on your hands and knees and pull everything out. Still, it was better than raking and I must have had it for about 15 years. I then bought an EZ-RAKE which is a pull type plastic clamshell that works quite well. It has a 5 hp engine and is very easy to dump. It did a good job behind the JD 318 I have. This fall when I bought my new B3030 I decided to modify it for the 3PTH. I bought a King Kutter Carry-All and the pictures tell the story of how it turned out. I am extremely pleased with how much easier it is to use on the 3PTH and how well it handles the debris on the 60" MMM. I don't Think EZ-RAKE is still in business but, it is a very well made unit.

 

[Toolguy]

Left Side View. The area circled in red is the pedal you push down on with your foot to open the hopper. It splits in the middle and is hinged at the top. Gas struts assist with opening and hold it open.