Using the front-end loader as a jack on a BX2200?

[aggiehortguy91]

The FEL on my BX2200 will easily lift the front wheels of the tractor off of the ground, but it only lifts them a few inches. You would need to push against something higher than the ground to get the MMM high enough to work under.

I don't want to take away your chance at getting a FEL, but you may be better served building ramps or something to drive the front tires onto if you want to keep the MMM. It would definately be more secure than a FEL. In 4WD, my 2200 will climb a pretty steep "ramp". Trading the MMM for a 3ph finish mower is a pretty good idea as well assuming you don't have a bunch of obstacles to mow around.

BTW, with a FEL, 90% of your box blade's job description will be ballast! I can't imagine owning only one tractor and it not having a FEL. It just makes life easier.

 

[radioman]

The other guys makes a good point. having a RFM instead of MMM would be easier with servicing. When you need to service the mower blades, before raising shorten the toplink as far as it will go and then raise the RFM. You will have more room to work to service the blades, clean deck , etc.

 

[SPYDERLK]

The FEL on my BX2200 will easily lift the front wheels of the tractor off of the ground, but it only lifts them a few inches. You would need to push against something higher than the ground to get the MMM high enough to work under.

Yes, but just tipping the bucket lip vertical then pushing down should get the wheels up 18" or so.
larry

 

[Stargazer]

Another thing to consider and it was partly mentioned instead of ramps(which might block nut access) how about a wall. I have a 2' retaining wall off my drive which I can place my bucket on and raise front way up. Make sure you brake/block rear and use something to prevent cly from retracting if a hose brakes. Some people use U channel and clamps on chrome rods and remove pressure or think there is something really made for this use but name escapes me. Mostly think of not getting squished!

Pat R

 

[RobertN]

I was recently involved in an accident that will leave me partially disabled, and, as such, I will no longer be able to pull the deck out from underneath the tractor in order to change the blades.

I read the three pages so far of replies.

If, it is difficult to remove/install or work on the MMM, you may consider:

- A loader is expensive, albiet very nice and useful. The loader for my older B8200 was $3100 like 8 years ago. That is a big chunk of change.
- You can lift the front of the tractor with a loader; as others have mentioned, you would still need to use jackstands.
- A good floor jack and jack stands would be a lot less that $3k for a loader
- If the PTO shaft or other portions of the MMM are hard to manipulate, switching to a rear finish mower may be the ticket.
- with my rotary mower on the 3-point, I can lift it pretty high, and then support with jackstands. I can get under there with a 4" grinder to touch up my blades. Mine lift pretty high using both the 3-point lift and retacting my toplink cylinder.

A loader is a great thing to have; it really makes a tractor, a tractor. If you do not need it though, $3k+ is a lot of money to spend.

 

[tommu56]

I have a floor jack but it will not fit under the middle of the front axle with the mower attached to the tractor. Trust me, I have already investigated this option. Using the FEL to lift the front of the tractor is a bonus. Up until this point, I have never been able to get the price of the FEL past my wife. However, she may be more amenable to idea considering my new limitations.

Can you drive up on a couple of 2x6 to get the jack under it?
or taper 2 2x6es for each side and drive up then you should have 3" more to help get jack under.
tom

 

[mtrain]

The replies discussing the difficulty of connecting the PTO shaft are irrelevant in this case because they are talking about raising the tractor with the mower attached to service the blades. Why would you need to disconnect the PTO shaft?

mtrain

 

[Tom_H]

The replies discussing the difficulty of connecting the PTO shaft are irrelevant in this case because they are talking about raising the tractor with the mower attached to service the blades. Why would you need to disconnect the PTO shaft?
mtrain

With all due respect sir, if you had carefully read the entire thread, the main idea deals with the OP's disability and his need to sharpen the blades of his MMM. Raising the tractor is one method of accomplishing that. Finding a way to easily detatch and reattach the MMM and also access the blades is another way of solving the problem while spending much less money than purchasing a FEL. That is very relevant to solving the problem of the OP. Please read and understand before you interject such remarks.

 

[okie350]

Several here have mentioned using car service ramps to gain acces to the blades.. Maybe Im not holding my mouth right but the ramps block the out side blades, only the center blade nut is accesable. those that have done it what is the trick or what ramps are you using???????????

Not trying to Highjack the thread, and if I did I am sorry, I just dont want the OP thinking ramps will work if they don't

 

[TheKid]

As others have said a FEL would work, and probably help with other chores around the yard. Someone mentioned ramps and the fact that they might partially block access to the mower. Here's a link to a set of 2 piece car ramps. The ramps are removable so they wouldn't be in the way.

Car Ramps at Petersen Tru-Cut Automotiveｮ