Pics of my BX telescopic stabilizer upgrade

[paul314159]

I finished replacing the turnbuckles on my BX2660 with the telescopic stabilizers from a B series. I used the parts kit that TractorSmart sells as the starting point for the conversion. After speaking with Ronnie I made two changes to the "kit" that they sell. I removed the Bolt Stabilizer (position 090) and added in the spacer from a B series that goes against the tractor end of the lower lift arm. The spacer is part #66204-65350 if anyone is interested.

Modifications I had to make to the BX were limited to drilling out the hole in the end of the lower lift arm bracket, where the turn buckle originally attached, to 1/2".

To solve the problem of keeping everything in place and still allowing room for the bushings to slide so that the parts could be assembled I used a couple of split collars. I had originally planned on using shims to fill in the space between the split collars, but I don't think there will be enough pressure against the collars that I have to worry about them sliding. I'm keeping an eye on the space between them to ensure that neither one slips.


Paul

 

[kcender]

Looks like a definite improvement over original and stronger.:thumbsup:

 

[CHDinCT]

Nice mod. I'm going to have to give this some thought since the backhoe is on my BX25 most of the time (thought it does come off all winter). It looks like the split collars would stay in place for removing/reinstalling the 3PH, which I have to do with the BH. Mind me asking what the total cost was?

 

[paul314159]

Total cost from TractorSmart was about $195. Two split collars from McMaster were $10. Grand total with shipping was just about $215.

The brackets to hold the arms to the tractor are expensive, but I have no ability to fabricate at home and paying the local machine shop would have been even more expensive. Being able to fabricate the two brackets would save about $80.

Paul

 

[KU Gator]

I think you will really like them. I hated how with the turnbuckles the lower arms sagged together making it more difficult to line up on implements. They also were a problem if towing something using the draw bar. Plus I had bent a couple of the turnbuckle bolts. All of those issue went away when I converted my B2920 to that system. Plus by using the slotted position it is easy to allow a little play in the implement like when I have the brush hog mowing. Good job on figuring out how to make it work on a BX.

 

[chriscos]

Nice mod for the BX!

When I get some extra dough I think I am going to switch out the turbuckles on my 2920 for these.

 

[magicheater]

Nice mod.(I agree) I'm going to have to give this some thought since the backhoe is on my BX25 most of the time (thought it does come off all winter). It looks like the split collars would stay in place for removing/reinstalling the 3PH, which I have to do with the BH. Mind me asking what the total cost was?

Looks like a Huge improvement over stock.

 

[paul314159]

I'm liking it much better than the stock turnbuckles. It's nice to have the arms stay spread when hooking up. Only difference I see so far is that the turnbuckles could be cranked down to remove all side to side play. From what I have read a little bit of play, in the inch or so range, is not a problem and actually better to have a little play than too tight.

Paul

 

[Leejohn]

Does the lower links go all the way down and up without locking up? My lower drag links twist alot from up to down. I had to put a swivel at the aft. end so they wouldn't do it. Now they are free all the way down and all the way up. My 3pt wouldn't go all the way down when I got it and lockup tight when all the way up. The left lift rod was welded wrong. Yours looks right and you did a nice job. Sure takes some thinking doesn't it. Lee

 

[Toolguy]

Looks good but I am not so sure that the split collars will stay in place. There is lot of side pressure in that area from the stabilizers when using a heavy implement. If it works you're good to go but you may end up needing to use solid spacers. I have a B3030 with those stabilizers and they work great. Good luck.