Powerflo - What's it work like?

[JDTank]

Is a powerflo bagger worth the money?

I am curious how well the blower works. Cutting wet grass is pretty common in my area, so I need a blower that has the power to push grass up the chute.

What concerns me about the Powerflo is that it's belt driven off of the deck. Does that one blade lose speed becuase the powerflo is robbing power from it? Is there no other way to power it?

I am surprised someone hasn't invented an electric one yet that you just plug into a 12V socket on the machine.

 

[BobRip]

Is a powerflo bagger worth the money?

I am curious how well the blower works. Cutting wet grass is pretty common in my area, so I need a blower that has the power to push grass up the chute.

What concerns me about the Powerflo is that it's belt driven off of the deck. Does that one blade lose speed becuase the powerflo is robbing power from it? Is there no other way to power it?

I am surprised someone hasn't invented an electric one yet that you just plug into a 12V socket on the machine.

If it robbed power from the engine belt driven, then it would rob even more power if driven by electricity. The electrical conversion is not 100% efficient. However there is no way enough power would come out of the lighter socket or the entire electrical system to power a blower for any length of time.

 

[JDTank]

If it robbed power from the engine belt driven, then it would rob even more power if driven by electricity. The electrical conversion is not 100% efficient. However there is no way enough power would come out of the lighter socket or the entire electrical system to power a blower for any length of time.

That's true, but I think the diesel X7xx series with the alternators could produce enough juice with a brushless motor. Brushless motors are extremely efficient, powerful, and virtually maintenance free.

 

[BobRip]

That's true, but I think the diesel X7xx series with the alternators could produce enough juice with a brushless motor. Brushless motors are extremely efficient, powerful, and virtually maintenance free.

You will still loose a fair amount of power. The alternator takes torque off the engine as well.

 

[MowerDude]

They work great. You'll never notice the power loss, it's totally inconsequential. They've been making them for decades, the design is sound and proven.

 

[JDTank]

You will still loose a fair amount of power. The alternator takes torque off the engine as well.

Much less then a belt driven turbine.

At any rate, from what I have read today it seems they are a great system, so I think I will have to throw one in with my X740 order.

Now, are there any bagging setups that can be emptied from the seat? I don't want the mesh bags, would like something I can empty from the seat for efficiency.

 

[BobRip]

Much less then a belt driven turbine.

At any rate, from what I have read today it seems they are a great system, so I think I will have to throw one in with my X740 order.

Now, are there any bagging setups that can be emptied from the seat? I don't want the mesh bags, would like something I can empty from the seat for efficiency.

Is not the alternator driven off of a belt. There is no free lunch here. Sorry to belabor the point.

 

[beenthere]

The power flow blower works great, at least for me the last 15 years. There may be a "wet grass" limit, but I haven't found it yet. Only time I get a plug is from not emptying the bag/cart in time.

Get a hyd. dump MC519 cart. I just dump the cart from the tractor seat.

 

[JDTank]

The power flow blower works great, at least for me the last 15 years. There may be a "wet grass" limit, but I haven't found it yet. Only time I get a plug is from not emptying the bag/cart in time.

Get a hyd. dump MC519 cart. I just dump the cart from the tractor seat.

That's awesome! Where did you find a kit for turning that MC519 hydraulic?? If thats possible then i think thats my solution! The only reason i ever steered clear of the MC519 was the lack of power lift, or hydraulic.

 

[beenthere]

I bought it through my Deere dealer. Very handy.
PM me if you want the name. I believe someone made them for this dealer. Have had mine for ?? yrs, since '99 or so.

 

[CHDinCT]

If you go with the powerflow, just note that the capacity of the 2-bag option is small relative to the size of the machine/deck. I had one and would have gone with the 3-bag setup if I were to do it over again. Bought my old X485 used so it came with the 2-bag system but I remember looking into converting it to 3-bag, but it was too expensive after the fact.

Best and only pic I have of the bagger on it. Sold the machine a few years ago.

 

[sparc]

If you go with the powerflow, just note that the capacity of the 2-bag option is small relative to the size of the machine/deck. I had one and would have gone with the 3-bag setup if I were to do it over again. Bought my old X485 used so it came with the 2-bag system but I remember looking into converting it to 3-bag, but it was too expensive after the fact.

Best and only pic I have of the bagger on it. Sold the machine a few years ago.

I have the PowerFlow on my X534. It is the 2 bag (7 bushel?) unit. I have had no trouble with heavy or wet grass but I do not cut grass that is soaking wet. I prefer to let it dry and cut later in the day or the next day if need be.

Its got plenty of power to move the grass into the bagger, but I am not happy with the way the bags mount in the frame. Too much grass gets caught in the space between the hoop at the top of the bag and the frame. My old JD 13/38 had a much better system for hanging the bags and I wish they had used it on this model.

The latch on the lid does not fasten as securely as the one on my old JD 13/38 GT did, that one used a rubber strap, the PowerFlow latch is not as secure. The guard for the belt drive on the PowerFlow could have been better fit, or maybe I should blame my dealer for doing a bad job if fitting/trimming it to fit when they did the initial install and setup during purchase. I found the belt rubbing on the plastic guard and did a little trimming before it wore the belt down.

Taking the PowerFlow unit off and on the tractor I find to be straightforward and easy. No tools needed and no small loose parts to keep track of, just the chute, the power head, and the Z-shaped metal arm that is used to hang the powerhead on the deck. You do have to watch that you get the belt orientated correctly as it can get flopped around under the guard and you might not notice it. You can install it with the belt reversed and you won't know until you see your not picking up anything since the blower is running backward.

As was previously said the 2 bagger does not hold much and I find myself stopping more often than I would like to and having to empty the bags. If compressed somewhat the two bags will fit in one 32 gal trash. For my lawn I usually end up with 5 or 6 32 gallon cans full. I have no place to dump the clippings on my lot so I have to haul them away and its easier to handle in the cans than dumping the clippings in my truck bad which I have tried in the past and find to be more work plus the mess it makes in the truck bed.