Trac Vac boot

[ysgi]

Does anyone know where I can buy a trac vac (or other manufacturer) boot that will fit a BX2230 with a 60 inch deck? I checked my local retailer today and they want $200 for just the boot.

I have seen them in plastic, and I dont care which it is, I just need one that fits and has a 6 inch opening.

Thanks for the help, and thank for having me.

-Eric

 

[Toolguy]

I bought an Agri-Fab boot from TSC when I converted my Easy-Rake to the 60" MMM on my B3030. About $65. It is a complete custom fit project. The boot comes with the intake area closed. I had to cut it out and reinforce it on the bottom to make it fit my deck. It turned out pretty good. I spent about two hours on it. The other option is to buy a boot for your deck from Kubota.

 

[redharley]

nice lookin boot there toolguy,There was a guy trying to sell a new one on the aucton site ebay for a 60" BX mower, wouldn't fetch his price he had a buy it now for $95 keep a look there maybe you'll get lucky

 

[ysgi]

Thanks Toolguy,

Actually I saw your pictures and decided to join the forum. Thank you for the info. DO you have any more detailed info as to how you reinforced the bottom? And does it have a nice snug fit? I currently have one that is for a JD318 but its too small and about 20% of all debris is not collected.

Redharley, do you know how long ago that was. I have been looking for weeks, but cant find one - and I am so busy that I would like to buy one thats ready to go. I would like to make that guy an offer.


Thanks again for the quick responses.


-Eric

 

[ysgi]

Oh and Toolguy, did you get this from TSC onlilne or in the store?

Thanks

 

[Musclford]

Toolguy... That's what I need..


Mine is cracked and was setup for my Simplicity.... Did you make the top bracket or does it come that way?

Thanks,

Phil

 

[ysgi]

I just ordered mine from Agri-Fab at 217-728-8388. Part number 43830 - It was $37.30 + 8 for shipping. As toolguy said, it needs to be cut to fit your deck.
There is no bracket on the deck adapter (as they call it) but for $12 they sell a universal bracket for 'most' decks. I got that as well because I am filthy stinkin' rich.
I figure I can make it work with a big enough hammer, and we will still have the old metal boot that came with the trac-vac to use on my dad's JD318.

I will update if anyone is interested.

-Eric

 

[Toolguy]

ysgi,

You got a deal on yours. I am looking at the receipt for mine right now. I ordered it at a store. It was $40.40 + 9.95 shipping + 3.02 tax for a total of $53.37. Same part * 43830. Oh well, I got it and it works.

I used to pull the Easy-Rake behind my JD318, also. The boot is not even close to fitting the Kubota.

The bottom will need some sort of reinforcement to keep it straight as it is nothing more than thin plastic. I used an old metal tent stake on the bottom of mine. The tent stake is bent in a slight vee so it is strong yet still fairly lightweight. I put the pointed end towards the front. I also have a piece of 1"x3/16" aluminum on the bottom sandwiching the plastic in between. The metal on the top is 14ga. sheet metal. There is a peice on the underside as well as the top. The angle iron mounting bracket attaches it to the deck with a piece of 1/2" rod. I had to take the deflector off to mount it the way I do. That is OK with me as I just leave it off when I mow now. It does a better job of dispersing the cuttings when not using the vacuum. My lawn is "rock free" so I don't worry about shooting missles at the neighbors.

Another thing I found out I needed was to make a diverter plate inside the deck to direct the clippings rearward. There seems to be a "dead air" space in the front part of the collector that fill up with grass and then clumps fall out on the ground. I also cut some holes in the front part of the chute to get some more airflow in that area. I got the idea for that by looking at the factory Kubota chute. It has louvers in the front for the same reason.

I think you can buy a diverter plate for the Kubota decks. I found a piece of metal that looked like it might work so I just started cutting and grinding until I got it right.

It took me a couple of seasons to figure this thing out so I would get the results I wanted. It does a good job now. It still misses a few leaves and a little grass now and then but it is about 95% perfect. I'm satisfied with that.

I hope my experience helps you out. Good luck.

 

[redharley]

Sorry I didn't save it so I do not know how to get ahold of the guy or if it sold.It wasn't more than 3 wk's ago,but it is leaf time and other's are looking also.Been trying to purchase a used trac-vac or cyclone rack here in central pa.Thats why the boot caught my eye.Good luck keep lookin

 

[ysgi]

Well the boot and adapter plate arrived today. Just a day and a half on $8 shipping...nice.
The boot is a much heavier plastic than I thought it would be. I haven't cut it out yet, but I put most of my 235 lbs on it, and it barely flexed.

Now the plate, it seems like a waste of money. Its not for my deck, its just a heavy gauge piece of steel that can assist in mounting.

Toolguys mount looks much nicer/better. I wish he would sell 'em.

I want to make it so that it detaches easily so that I can get thru the trees to where I dump easily. If anyone has any suggestion for a quick disconnect from the deck, I would greatly appreciate it.

I will try to take pics, but this weekend is very busy for us.

Thanks for all the responses.

-Eric

PS> Redharley, It may be a long trek, but if you can get to Rogers Ohio on the first Tuesday of every month, they have a large tractor auction that starts around 4pm. Its just over an hour from me (Washington, PA) but usually have some nice stuff. IE in August, a guy sold a practically new cyclone rake for $400. If I didnt have the Trac-Vac that I got there last year for $80 (yes eighty bux) I would have snagged it up. It was perfect, even had the manuals with it and the 17' extended hose.
FWIW, my TV need carb work, tires, new hoses, and odds and ends. But I split it with my dad, and we both use it year round - we both have JD318's too.