outfitting a BX2200

Anonymous Poster · Mar 26, 2001

I'm currently putting a package together and my dealer thinks that a pull behind mower would be better for my needs.I will be mowing a 8 acre hay field, our lawns around the house,and some semi steep terrain in a stand of old fir trees.I'm new to the tractor world and would appreciate any advice. After reading most of the posted boards I'm not sure the dealer has all the answers.

Thomas · Mar 26, 2001

Sounds like you have a catch 22 on your hands. With 8 acres of hay field and semi slopes to mowe I would think the rear mower would work much better,but for mowing around the home and other objects the rear mower can be a pain,and the belly mower does a better job and saves time.
Just my 1% worth.

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Anonymous Poster · Mar 26, 2001

I would have to agree with Thomas. The belly mower does a nicer job, and is more convenient to work with. On the other hand, if you are going to have the mower on and off alot, the 3pt. hitch model is easier . (Although the BX belly mower is one of the easiest I've worked with.) I would make my decision based on what other work you will do with your BX. Good luck and enjoy your new tractor.

Steve_S · Mar 26, 2001

I use a 72" 3pt bush hog finishing mower on my BX2200. Yes, it is cumbersome around the house, but invaluable in my orchard. You can't beat it for mowing large plots of grassy terrain. If your hay field is rough, with many weeds, I don't think you will be happy with the way the finishing blades get chewed up. You can't use a finishing mower for brush or thick weeds. You would need a single blade rotary mower for that. Generally the belly mowers are nice for a typical homeowner's lawn. You obviosly don't have that. I personally am very glad I have my rear mower. But I am sure there are many different opinions out there. Also, if you go with a rear mower, try and stay away from the Woods mowers. Not because they aren't good in quality, but more because they are heavier than most other brands depending on the size you decide to go with. On a bigger tractor that doesn't matter, but the BX get's pretty light in front with a big mower on the rear.

Bird · Mar 26, 2001

mcd, naturally a belly mower is nice if you're mowing around a lot of obstacles because you can just look down and see where the mower is instead of looking behind you, and of course, when you turn, a 3-point mower behind you will swing out in the opposite direction from the turn, so it takes a little experience and practice. However, the 3-point mower is quicker and easier to get on and off, easier to service in my opinion, and it can be used on different tractors. The belly mowers are usually tractor specific, cost more, and if you ever want to sell or trade it, no one else has a use for it unless they have the same make and model of tractor. In other words, each has advantages and disadvantages, but I agree with your dealer.

Bird

Anonymous Poster · Mar 27, 2001

Thanks for the advice I think the 3 point mower is what I need

Anonymous Poster · Mar 27, 2001

8 acres is a lot of riding on a tractor with small tires. A "B" series with larger wheels/tires will give a much smoother ride. I use a B7300 with a belly mower to mow a fine lawn around the house and it's been very easy to maneuver. In a field it's much easier on the operator's body.

Roy · Mar 27, 2001

That is something that I have noted before, and concur with. The BX is bouncy on rough terrain (Which one would expect, as wheel diameter, ground clearance and weight decrease, bounce potential increases). It helps to drain the bladder before running full throttle across a field, or keep it slow /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif.

Roy

TresCrows · Mar 27, 2001

I think you may want to consider geting both a 60 inch belly deck and a 48 inch brush hog for the BX. The BX will handle the 8 acres easily, I have six some of which still grows alfalfa. For one thing, one of the primary advantages of the BX is it's superior manuverability--you give all that up with the 3-point mower as your one and all do everything unit. BX and small tires--not really an issue in most conditions. J

Steve_S · Mar 27, 2001

I agree with TresCrows, the only problem I have had with my BX being "bouncy" is when I am working in a very rutty area. The pros, however, are the fact that you can get on steeper slopes with the BX than with a larger model. And I really notice the bumps if I am going too fast. When going at a normal mowing speed it doesn't bother me, and I have a very bad back which is sensitive to those kind of things. I am landscaping some areas around my house that have some ditches and exposed tree roots which kill my back when I hit them. But I was on a 60hp Oliver doing the same work in the same spot before I got my BX and it didn't feel much better. Bumps are bumps, and on a tractor you are going to feel them. Perhaps the newer model larger tractors can compensate for that a bit, and honestly, I wouldn't know for sure because the Oliver was a '85 model (if I remember correctly). I'll bet that if you asked your dealer, they would let you take the BX on a test drive in a rugged area just to see what it felt like. Can't hurt to ask him, right?