Lawn plugger with BX25

[check 6]

I may have asked this question before but now that my plugger is but a week away I'm getting nervous. It will attach to my three point hitch on my BX 25 (not the "D") I will keep the FEL on for counter ballast. The issue is the plugger is 36" wide but weighs 650 lbs. The three point hitch is rated at 670lbs 24 inches back and according to the dealer's service manager has at least a 10%+ safety margin. In looking in the BX 25 owners manual under implement limitation I don't see them list any rear mounted implement over 400 lbs. So will I be overloading the tractor to tow a plugger that weighs 650lbs. I think lifting it for short runs is not an issue. Don't want to break my little workhorse and while I lust over a larger tractor I really can't justify it with what I use a tractor plus it's not really in the retired budget.

So you experts will this work or do I seriously need to look at a "B" series tractor? Thanks

 

[Scooby074]

youll be fine

 

[check 6]

That's what I want to here. BX 25 is such a nice tool. As long as it will handle my new plugger it's a keeper

 

[Scooby074]

My box blade is ~800lbs. My BX handles it without problem. They are pretty tough.:thumbsup:

 

[94BULLITT]

It would or almost would lift 2 of those pluggers.

 

[jenkinsph]

check 6

Be sure to let us know how you like that aerator too. I am interested in it myself.

 

[check 6]

My box blade is ~800lbs. My BX handles it without problem. They are pretty tough.:thumbsup:

Do you use anything other than the FEL for front counter weight?

Jenkinsph ..... I will post my impressions of the plugger when I get it hopefully in less than two weeks

 

[Scooby074]

Nope, lust the loader and bucket

 

[gwdixon]

My BX2200 lifts and pulls a heavy aerator without difficulty. The FEL is taken off since I have a tendency to turn around and look at the aerator while other things, like the house, gutters, and trees jump in the way of the bucket.

The front steering becomes VERY light with the heavy rear weight and 4WD has to be used to give a little assist on turns. I have a front weight bracket and corresponding weights but am too lazy to put them on and take them off for the seldom aerator use.

The 3PH will go into relief to protect the hydraulic system if the aerator is too heavy. It is not a need to worry about that.

With a B tractor there is the factor of a heavier overall tractor running across the lawn that increases compaction. But it will give an excuse for increased aerator use. :laughing: :thumbsup:

(I think you have already seen these photos.)

View attachment 319845View attachment 319846

 

[check 6]

My BX2200 lifts and pulls a heavy aerator without difficulty. The FEL is taken off since I have a tendency to turn around and look at the aerator while other things, like the house, gutters, and trees jump in the way of the bucket.

The front steering becomes VERY light with the heavy rear weight and 4WD has to be used to give a little assist on turns. I have a front weight bracket and corresponding weights but am too lazy to put them on and take them off for the seldom aerator use.

The 3PH will go into relief to protect the hydraulic system if the aerator is too heavy. It is not a need to worry about that.

With a B tractor there is the factor of a heavier overall tractor running across the lawn that increases compaction. But it will give an excuse for increased aerator use. :laughing: :thumbsup:

(I think you have already seen these photos.)

View attachment 319845View attachment 319846

I have not hit anything not intended yet with the BX 25 however with an earlier BX that I had a middle mower on I was too lazy to remove the front loader and while mowing quickly took out a metal fence post. Your aerator looks lighter than the one I am getting. As I may have posted the one I'm getting is 36 inches wide and weighs 650 lbs so I don't have to add any weight. The removable spoons are mounted on approximately 2 inch wide laminated plate steel wheels which rotate on a single axle. Unlike the plugger aerators that the spoon/spikes are permanently mounted on a roller drum, the set up I'm getting should not compact the soil as you try and loosen it.