Mowing mowing WITHOUT the loader and weights! A O K!!!!!

r0GuE · Apr 20, 2003

Well, as I posted earlier, the loader was taken off for the first time a few days ago. Yesterday I took it off again (even easier the second time). I also took off the 3 pt weight kit, and cleaned a foot of leaves off the deck. If the bagger works as good collecting leaves as the belt guards on the deck, it will definitely be worth the money. Anyway...
I just wanted to remind anyone who leaves their FEL on while mowing, what a pleasure it is to mow with this machine WITHOUT the FEL. I had completely forgotten how quick agile and COMPACT the BX really is. When the FEL went on I learned to mow with it on. This of course turned out to be quite possible, but what I should have learned was how to take it off. The physical size of that thing, combined with its weight (430lbs) and the fact that it is swinging around 3 to 4 feet in front of the tractor. Add to that 250lbs of weight on the rear, and some ag tires to help hook it all up to mother earth... What a turf wrecker. Now now now... I don't blame the BX... I blame me...
Trescrow is right, take the dang thing off (unless you actually are using it for clippings or what have you.) I can attest tio this. If you take it off against the center of the inside wall of a 2 stall garage, both cars will easily fir when angled as you pull them in.
I think I am also going to buy a set of turfs. I don’t see me doing too much digging with the loader this summer (Lifting yes, but digging no).
cYa

chrisjbell · Apr 21, 2003

what a pleasure it is to mow with this machine WITHOUT the FEL. 

I took my FEL off this weekend for brush hogging, too. I usually leave it on, but decided that it was time to chop everything down before it took over /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif. It does make it easier to mow, for sure (especially since my tractor doesn't have power steering /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif).

There are times, though, that it is nice to have the FEL on, at least for the "mowing" that I do. I find all kinds of things out in the brush (like stumps, rocks, etc.) that need to be removed and the FEL is nice to have for that. This time I'm just 'hogging the rough stuff and when I find any junk I'm mowing around it. I'll get it later /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif...

chim · Apr 21, 2003

My FEL is off unless I'm using it. The one exception is when the rotary mower is being used. Then it's ALWAYS on for better handling in the rough stuff and taking care of the rocks/junk/etc.

It's too easy to get on and off to make it worthwhile puting up with the extra weight and bulk................chim

Maskimxul · Apr 22, 2003

Good Thread!
You've talked me into it! I'll drop my FEL for this weeks mow and see how it goes. The only question I have is, what about the hills? I kinda feel a bit more secure with the extra weight of the FEL when I'm mowing a sloped lawn.
Thoughts?

RoyJackson · Apr 22, 2003

"I kinda feel a bit more secure with the extra weight of the FEL when I'm mowing a sloped lawn. "

All of the extra weight is above the centerline of your axles...thus moving your tractor center of gravity up. You'll be more comfortable (and safer) with that extra weight off the machine.

Anonymous Poster · Apr 22, 2003

Agreed.
DaveL

Anonymous Poster · Apr 23, 2003

When "I" mow I usually leave the FEL on. BUT.. I have found it necessary to remove it when my wife does the mowing. So far (Until I learned to remove it) she took out a swingset, horseshoe pit, well head, volley ball net and almost the above ground swimming pool. So I take it off when she has her eye on the seat. But I will admit, it is a lot easier to mow without the FEL on the tractor.

Tim

JimMorrissey · Apr 23, 2003

One of the problems with mowing with the FEL ON your BX is that you add to soil compaction. Soil compaction is a problem for grass.....weeds like it though /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif It is easy enough to take off. I would definitely take it off when not in use. It only takes a few minutes.

-Jim

chrisjbell · Apr 23, 2003

( "I kinda feel a bit more secure with the extra weight of the FEL when I'm mowing a sloped lawn. "

All of the extra weight is above the centerline of your axles...thus moving your tractor center of gravity up. You'll be more comfortable (and safer) with that extra weight off the machine.
)

All true. The only thing to consider is that your tractor becomes "back heavy" if you have a 3PH mower and could flip backwards. Keep the heavy end uphill. If you ever feel unstable, drop the mower deck.

RoyJackson · Apr 24, 2003

"The only thing to consider is that your tractor becomes "back heavy" if you have a 3PH mower and could flip backwards. Keep the heavy end uphill. If you ever feel unstable, drop the mower deck. "

Personally, when I'm on a slope, I never have the RFM in transport position. It's always on the ground.