MCS for 4400

[Chris_VA]

I'm looking to purchase the hydraulic dump MCS (material collection system) for my 4400/72" mid deck. Has anyone used one of these? Do they work well (wet grass/etc)? What should I expect to pay? I've got a quote for $3800 from my dealer.
Thanks for any advice!

Chris

 

[Chris_VA]

Well, the dealer tells me Deere does not support the MCS on the 72" deck. So, I'm looking for other options. I've come accross the PTO driven Trac-Vac. It has the 50 bu trailer and 3pt mounted fan. Plus it is much less expensive. Has anyone used one of these?

Also, I'd like to hear from anyone that has used vacuum systems. How well do they work? What hassles should I expect?

Just some general observations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Chris

 

[blurrybill]

cwking,

I am interested in the collection system, as well. Decided to go with a 60" midmount in case I found one. They ARE expensive and that's why I'm waiting. What did you find for the cost of the trailer collection system? Also, have you compared the fan speed between the PTO version and the MCS from Deere? Let me know. Thanks.

Bill

 

[Chris_VA]

Hey Bill,

I think the cost for the 50 bu unit, which includes some special mounts because I have R3 tires (??), will be about $1850 or so. Much less than the $3800 Deere wants for the MCS. They (trac-vac) say it will work fine with my 72" deck. The Deere guide says fan speeds up to 4500 RPM's for the MCS. The Trac-Vac WEB site says up to 4000 RPM's. I also noticed the trac-vac has an 8" hose whereas the MCS has a 7".

I like the idea of not having to have a seperate gas engine to run the trac-vac. But, hope my 28 PTO horsepower is enough to pull the 72" deck, blower for the vac and a fully loaded 50 bu cart full of wet grass up my Southwest Va step hills!! I do like the mounting for the MCS better than a cart, even though it is only 13 bu. I paid close attention yesterday as I mowed my yard and I back up a LOT more than I thought I did.

I just don't know...

I wish I knew how well these vacuums work and how much they will slow me down.

Chris

 

[blurrybill]

Chris,

In my case, I'll be collecting LOTS of oak leaves in the fall on part of our 8 acres. The property is bordered by ravines on 2 sides so it would be really easy to back up to the edge and dump from the tractor seat with the MCS. My neighbor has a trailer and he has to get out, open a gate and then fish around a bit to get the leaves out. I'm thinking I would like to not have to do all that, especially as I get older. I'm not ready to die, yet, but basketball knee surgeries are catching up -- we are planning a one level home to "die" in and other plans are for the long-term on this house, hopefully our final one. So.... the MCS seems best, but, Man, what a price!

Bill

 

[tanuke01]

I have a PTO Trac-Vac on my MMM 60" on a 4300. The large trailer is great. I can mow about 2A with one load most of the time. There are 2 problems. One my yard has some hill I would like a little more power (HP) Not a real problem, sometimes??. The real problem the grass is really packed into the trailer, the only way I have found to get it out is with a pitch fork. It is a lot of work. The grass sort of weaves itself into a solid piece 6 foot by 3.5 feet by 4 feet. The vac does a good job, it really great for leaves. I have the extra hose to clean fence rows and flower beds.

Mine is model number 854.
Hope this helps. If you have more questions let me know.

DPR

 

[blurrybill]

DPR,

That compaction problem is what is making me think the JD MCS system. When you say extra hose, do you mean that you can hold it somehow and use it something like a traditional vacuum? My neighbor struggles unloading his, too. Do you have the same problem with leaves? Mine will be used mainly in the fall - I usually let my grass go back into the yard.

Bill

 

[tanuke01]

That's it gives a portable vac. The mower is shut off just the PTO vac runs. Be careful if you have rocks, it will suck up ones as big as softballs. I do not have a problem with the leaves (mostly Oak and Maple). They do not pack in like the grass. It's great for leaves. I did have problem with the belts. JD Dealer replaced them with Deere belts and they don't slip now.
As for the grass unloading. I have thought of putting rope or cable inside I could them pull it all out at once. Might have to tie it onto a tree and drive away. This would work for the leaves too.

 

[tanuke01]

I am attaching a picture of my 4300 with the Trac-Vacnad I will also send the 2nd with a parts list so you can see how it is made.

DPR

 

[tanuke01]

Here is the parts List.

 

[JackIL]

I have been using lawn vacs since 1983 but never the PTO style. Made my own 42 bushel trailer with tandem axles and hydraulic dump. It has a unique pivoted tongue that supports the vacuum. I have owned both Trac-Vac and EZ-Vac (now Bluebird International) 8 hp units and found both to work well. The Trac-Vac uses 8" hose and the EZ-Vac uses a 7 inch hose. The EZ-Vac has a built in shredder that reduces the material to a mulch, and that is why I have it now. Some points to consider based on my experiences: (1) Vacs don't work well with wet grass. (2) You definitely have to drive slowly when vacuuming tall grass or heavy leaves to keep from choking up the hose. (3) Vacuums take a lot of power and you need to keep the RPMs up most of the time. (4) The keys to easy unloading are: (a) don't cram the trailer completely full--unload before it packs tightly and (b) have a trailer that dumps at a very steep angle--preferably 45 degrees or more. Trac-Vac trailers are designed with a taper that widens from front going back to the rear to help the load slide out more easily. This is described in their advertising literature as well as on their Website. I have not actually used one and thus cannot offer an opinion on how well it works.

Some photos of my system follow. The Tractor is a Steiner 430 powered by a 25 hp Kubota gasoline engine. The mower deck is 60 inches and equipped with high lift blades. They not only lift the grass more than standard blades but impart a high velocity to the material as it enters the hose. The vacuum unit is EZ Vac Chipper-Shredder powered by an 8 hp engine.

On the steep slopes (up to 28 degrees in some places I take the trailer), I need all the power I can get. I have just sold this Steiner and will be taking delivery of a new 31 hp Ventrac 4200 and 72 inch deck later this week. Will post photos of that setup later.

 

[JackIL]

Dumping. Dump angle is 48 degrees. Entire rear cover removed.

 

[JackIL]

Up 28 degree slope.

 

[JackIL]

Turning left on steep up-slope. This really takes power.

 

[forestcreature]

can someone give me a list of reasons for a MCS?
trailer vs 3pt attached?

i am wondering if i would be in the market for such a critter.

thanks in advance!

 

[gem607]

I have the hydro dump MCS on my JD 955. I think the unit is the same sold today. I have been satisfied with the unit but it isn't perfect. The locks on the vac top bleed off and let air and leaves escape. There is a cut off valve but it can be a pain. The original vac hose split out of warranty but JD replaced it free anyway. New hose let go with a piece wire used to reinforce the hose. JD trimmed the hose, says it was too long. After getting the kinks out I must say I have been pleased with the unit. The price sounds about right but I am not current on prices.

 

[blurrybill]

DPR,

Thanks. It looks simple enough and I like the idea of not having to mess with another motor. Gives me more to think about, especially with the financial outlay I'll be completing when the tractor comes.

Bill

 

[blurrybill]

Jack,

Nice setup and very nice looking acerage. How do you maintain the yard? Appears to be an excellent lawn and I'm guessing that you fertilize regularly? If you can, share more about development of the yard.

Was the trailer/vac unit a kit of some kind? Please supply more details, including costs and where you purchased the materials. You say it is an 8hp chipper/shredder -- do you use it for small chipping jobs, as well? More info please. Thanks.

Bill

 

[JackIL]

Thanks for the nice coments on the lawn. I fertilize 4 times per year, apply pre-emergence weed control spray in the fall, grub control in late spring, and aerate once a year.

The trailer started out as a Country Manufacturing 1 Ton tandem axle unit. I strengthened it significantly and widened the wheel stance to increase stability on the hills. Don't really know how much I have invested in it. The pivot hitch is my own design and allows for improved manuverability (see photo). The heart of the system is an EZVac vacuum that has an internal shredder and a set of chipper knives. I use the chipper to grind up fallen limbs and sticks as I mow, but I do not use it to tackle large tree cleanup projects. When I bought it, the price was around $2000 without a trailer. The unit is now sold under the name BlueBird (www.bluebird-intl.com) It is listed under the section on chipper-shredders. However, there is a mistake in the specs--they show the hose diameter as 6 inches, but it really is 7 inches.

 

[blurrybill]

Thanks. I'm afraid you're beyond my ability level, but your creation is impressive and looks as though it does a terrific job for you. Since you're in Il, I'm assuming you don't do any watering or irrigation. We plan on some "natural" areas, but intend on mowing about half of our 8 acres and we would like to improve the quality of the grass as time/cost permits.

Bill