MMM - RCK54-22BX vs RCK60-22BX

[lww05]

Isn't the suspension linkage different on the RCK54-22BX and RCK60-22BX?
If so, does the 60" deck have any advantage over the 54" deck as far as cutting the lawn more evenly?

 

[Mike_C]

I don't know the differences between them, but I have the 60
so I can tell you about it. 3 blades with a large double v-belt
running between the blades, grease fittings on each of the 3 bearings, shaft drive to the mid PTO. It cuts great, but it's a heavy SOB to remove and replace. I believe it's 225 pounds. I almost wish I bought a rear 3pt deck because it's so hard to remove and replace the mid mower because of it's weight. I have a winch on the front of my pickup truck, so I use it to pull the mower deck from under
the tractor when I want to remove it, and to pull it under the tractor when I want to mount it.

 

[lww05]

Geez, that sounds pretty rough alright. The 54" deck's wheels are able to be locked in turned at a 90 degree angle for rolling out from under the tractor easily. I hope you are referring to another deck model than the ones that fit the BX2200/22230 or BX22/23.

 

[SeymourBota]

I have the 54" and if memory serves correctly, the mounting linkage is the same. The 54 does an excellent job creating a smooth lawn.
I am puzzled by the comments on the removal difficulty, though. The BX mower is the easiest I have ever used.
Are you pulling the pins and rotating the anti-scalp wheels 90 degrees and reinstalling the pins?? Once I do that, I can stand on one side and push the mower out with one foot!!
Now, the 54 is 227 pounds and the 60 is 265 pounds, but I expect they would roll out sideways just as easily, if you use the anti scalp wheels.

 

[lww05]

I finally located my book that came with the 54" deck I have. It shows the 60" deck to have a self-balance suspended linkage and says "the system reduces the stepped differences in cutting height when mowing rolling terrain."

Just curious if anybody knows or has used both decks to know if this suspension makes a big difference or not.

 

[Mike_C]

(look of embarrassment) No, I did not realize that the wheels
rotated. I'll have to try that. I have been dragging it out.

 

[surfran]

Excellent TBN has expanded the knowledge of the universe again.....man I love this site.

One thing to add to the discussion about rotating the deck wheels. I find that if I try to rotate them with the deck up in the highest position, the left rear tire interferes with the left rear mower wheel, so I recommend you drop the deck a few inches to not have this problem.

I am sure that some will indicate they do not have the problem and it is probably somewhat do to mower set up, but it still works well for me so I thought I would throw it in as it takes no effort to lower before shutting it off......well I guess you do have to remember. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

As to the difference in the deck designs, I have the 60" and love it. I have not however used the 54 so I cannot officially compare. The other difference (if my memory is correct) I believe is the thickness of the gauge steel used is heavier on the 60".

 

[SeymourBota]

Yes, 10 gauge vs. 9 no doubt where much of the weight difference comes from!!!

 

[Mayhem]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( One thing to add to the discussion about rotating the deck wheels. I find that if I try to rotate them with the deck up in the highest position, the left rear tire interferes with the left rear mower wheel, so I recommend you drop the deck a few inches to not have this problem. )</font>

I'll second that, can be a little iritating but it all goes away when the butt hits the seat. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Volfandt]

The 60" does come w/a self-balance suspended linkage setup on the mower. Basically it's a pivoting attachment arm on the rear of the mower where the tractors lift linkage attaches. It has springs at either end which allows the MMM to float over small rises. The springs work against each other to keep the mower balanced & level.
I don't know why the 60" has it and the 54" doesn't but will venture a guess that it's implemented because of the 60" mower being larger, wider & heavier.
I haven't mowed w/mine as of yet and I've yet to read of any negative postings about eithers mowing performance.

And I'm able to mount or dismount my 60" MMM in a couple minutes without any tools or hassels. I spin the wheels w/the MMM up off the ground and roll in in or out. I do have to angle it abit tho but it's no problem at all, for me anyways.

Volfandt