Cyclone Rake Questions

[JackyJ]

Having done a bit of research here and on other forums, I'm about to purchase a Cyclone Rake for my Kubota BX1870. Hoping for some guidance on what options I need, with cost being a major factor.

I'm focused mostly on the Commander model, which is just one up from the entry level "Classic." But it's got the same 6.5 HP B&S Vanguard as the Commercial Pro model, and the same 8" vacuum size. The capacity is smaller (285 gals instead of 415), and it has a 4 blade impeller instead of the 5 blade. I think I'm ok with the smaller size, as many reviews say the larger one is unwieldy when full, so folks aren't always using the extra capacity. I've only got 1 acre of lawn myself (surrounded by 5 acres of hardwood trees), but I've got 3-4 acres of neighbors' lawns who would love it if I cleared their leaves. And I'm happy to do it to collect for my compost and gardens (not to mention tractor seat time).

I'd be putting it on my 3PH, but I think I can save a few bucks by attaching it to my Omni Combo trailer hitch, instead of buying the CR 3ph piece. Does anyone know the spacing required between the two attachment points for the Cyclone Rake? (Seems like it could also attach to one of the drawbars that connects the two lower hitch arms, though I haven't found any mention of anyone doing that. Is the top link needed for anything when pulling a CR?)

Looks like lots of folks go for the dual wheel option, but with the smaller capacity model, and the fact that I don't typically have many soft spots, I'm hoping to go with the single wheels, again to save some money. Has anyone else regretted that decision?

I think I would go for the upgraded hose, though.

Any other thoughts on which model and which accessories will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[oldballs]

Hi JackyJ,

Although I bought the biggest model (Z-10) and best of everything, it is for the larger framed Kubota B-2620. One time I tried using my OmniCombo trailer hitch and found that the special factory hitch worked better. IIRC, it was because the 3 point raised and lowered the Rake as, well as the deck that I did not like using the Omni hitch. It might have been more stable in maneuvering IIRC. I've never hooked it up that way since.....now on its fourth season.

I'd imagine that your size tractor would fit the smaller unit better. You might even call the manufacturer (Woodland) as to his input. I found them to be most helpful.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[4570Man]

It would be much easier to dump the big one 2/3s full than small one completely full. With a lot of planned usage I think you’re making a mistake.

 

[JackyJ]

One time I tried using my OmniCombo trailer hitch and found that the special factory hitch worked better. IIRC, it was because the 3 point raised and lowered the Rake as, well as the deck that I did not like using the Omni hitch. It might have been more stable in maneuvering IIRC. I've never hooked it up that way since.

Interesting--the factory hitch I was thinking of is basically the same design as the Omni Combo: 3-Point Hitch Adapter | Cyclone Rake. So it too would go up and down with the deck. Sounds like you purchased some other factory hitch, which I'm not seeing on their website. Any chance you've got a pic or a link?

I've seen some folks remove the 3ph arms entirely and fabricate/modify something that brings the CR in closer. Given the overall length of tractor + cart, I can see that being helpful. But I use my 3PH carryall all the time--can't see taking those arms off.

 

[IH3444]

The Cyclone hitch while being very pricey has the flat bar plate which you need to attach the Cyclone rake to each corner. The Cyclone rake is steered by the corners, as the rear swivel wheels track to any degree as you collect leaves. I installed the Cyclone rake behind a John Deere built Scotts 2554 with 54" deck. I use the Tractor Supply quick attach pins with handles, and also have placed large rubber sway bar bushing on top and bottom to allow a bit of flex when traveling across uneven ground. The bushing also take up the unused hitch space on the rake frame arms. It works exceptionally well, and I absolutely love my Cyclone rake. I've got the "Classic" size, and believe me when It's full of slightly damp leaves you know it's back there. The Kubota BX1870 is a higher level of tractor. The "Command' level should serve you well. As stated, you should contact Cyclone rake and ask their opinion, as well as ask for a list of people whom have used the BX series of tractor with their rakes who would not mind being contacted for their opinion. I'm sure you will be happy with either model you chose.

 

[JackyJ]

It would be much easier to dump the big one 2/3s full than small one completely full. With a lot of planned usage I think you’re making a mistake.

Won't be the first time! But seriously, that's why I'm asking, so I appreciate your input. The smaller unit has 70% of the capacity of the larger, so it's not puny in comparison, and it is significantly larger than the entry level Cyclone and DR units. I'm hoping that for me it's the Goldilocks size. But yeah: better too have more capacity than I sometimes need rather than not enough. Still cogitating.

 

[oldballs]

Here's that pic that you asked for JackyJ. As far as I know, Woodland knows of the various dimensions/hookups for various tractor models. This the pic of the one they sent for my B2620. . It hooks up to the tow bar.

 

[oldballs]

Here's some additional pics of the hook up on my rig.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[4570Man]

Won't be the first time! But seriously, that's why I'm asking, so I appreciate your input. The smaller unit has 70% of the capacity of the larger, so it's not puny in comparison, and it is significantly larger than the entry level Cyclone and DR units. I'm hoping that for me it's the Goldilocks size. But yeah: better too have more capacity than I sometimes need rather than not enough. Still cogitating.

My definition of easier is it’s virtually impossible to dump these things jammed full. You have to rake 1/3 out by hand.

 

[leonz]

As 4570man says it will be heavy to dump; BUT you can vacuum the trailer out and use the vacuum to act like a silage blower to discharge the clippings and leaves and blow them to where you want to pile everything. if you have the five paddle blower and the longer hoses.

 

[oldballs]

Once I'm at my dump area, I don't have a problem with raking some out to make lifting easier......and....I'm only 5'2" and 145 lbs and 85 years old. I guess after all the other raking options I've tried over the years, this seems negligible.

As leonz notes, one can vacuum the trailer with the appropriate hoses (more expense) to shoot it over the wall, hedge, etc.

 

[JackyJ]

View attachment 565987View attachment 565988Here's some additional pics of the hook up on my rig.

Cheers,
Mike

Thanks for the pics! That does look like a solid hitch. Not sure how often I'd have it and off, so maybe the bolts would get cumbersome. I kinda like the idea of pinning it to two holes in my trailer mover, which is what's typically on my quick hitch when the carryall is off.

I see some people are recommending going with a Kubota deck boot to attach the hose to, as it's more of a custom fit. Did you go with the Cyclone Mower Deck Adapter, and how was the setup of that?

Thanks--about to call Cyclone to get their views on what I think I want.

 

[KennyG]

The CR 3 point is designed for Cat 0 like lawn tractors have. I built my own adapter and it has worked well. See this thread.

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/312775-three-point-receiver.html?highlight=cyclone+rake

I have the commercial pro with single wheels. The dual wheels are probably nice but I get along fine. I try to not fill it completely if the leaves are at all wet, but it's not that heavy normally. Easy to dump.

 

[oldballs]

JackyJ,
I din't know that Kubota made a deck adapter. I had to modify the CR boot that they provided to get it to my satisfaction. Here's some pics of that and also.........................................................note that...................getting rid of all those leaves can be troublesome. I distribute mine all over the garden and plow/till them in. Sometimes I eject them into a hedge row..... so..........some more pics.
Cheers,
Mike

P.S. That's a nice set up KennyG......because you do not have to bolt on/off the CR hitch....just go with what you built is easier and probably functions just as well.

 

[Code54]

Here's that pic that you asked for JackyJ. As far as I know, Woodland knows of the various dimensions/hookups for various tractor models. This the pic of the one they sent for my B2620.View attachment 565986. It hooks up to the tow bar.

I run this type of hitch on our BX25 and the largest cyclone rake and it works GREAT! Tried it on the 3pt and the constant up and down was a pain and now just pin my arms in the widest position and hitch it to the rear hitch and go.

I often fill it full on our yard and mostly try and back slightly down hill and tip it up kind of hard and that mostly gets everything loose on the first try or two. I leave it tipped and pull forward a bit and that helps empty the majority of everything that is left in the rake.

I also use the Kubota deck boot - of course it costs a bit more but it fits my deck perfect. I then used an adapter to get the bigger cyclone rake hose to fit the Kubota deck adapter. I have had it clog 1 time in about 3 year and that is because I had a 10" stick make it part way down the shoot and get stuck and then the wet grass got built up on it.

 

[JackyJ]

The CR 3 point is designed for Cat 0 like lawn tractors have. I built my own adapter and it has worked well. See this thread.

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/312775-three-point-receiver.html?highlight=cyclone+rake

I have the commercial pro with single wheels. The dual wheels are probably nice but I get along fine. I try to not fill it completely if the leaves are at all wet, but it's not that heavy normally. Easy to dump.

Thanks for showing this! But I'm wondering: Could you pin the two Cyclone Rake hitch points directly to your drawbar, instead of the bracket that you bolted to that drawbar? I suspect that drawbar pre-drilled holes are probably not at the perfect spacing, but close enough? The hole diameters could maybe be adjusted with a bushing? Your solution looks great, but I'm wondering if I could get buy with a simpler version.

Also, it looks like your hitch will move up and down as you raise/lower your mower deck. Clearly some find that undesirable. But I've seen other reviews where users don't see a problem with it, and state that it can help make unloading easier. What's your take on the Cyclone tongue moving when you reposition your deck?

 

[texas42]

I have a 2320 JD with the independent lift kit for the MM mower.
Had a Cycline Rake for about 7 or 8 years.
Still very satisfied with it - I have the XL with dual wheels.
When I bought mine you told them what tractor you had, and at no extra cost they sent me a
Cat 1 3 point hitch bracket.
I use the CR boot and cut it to fit my mower. Rarely plug it - maybe one or twice a season
I usually pickup about 15 CR loads a year.

 

[tjkubota93]

I have the one you are thinking about buying with a bx1860. It works well. But, I think you would do better to get the big one with dual wheels. With leaves it fills fast.

 

[tjkubota93]

log splitter/cyclone rake hitch 3pt

 

[tjkubota93]

Tractor and hitch aren't shiny anymore......

I can measure the cyclone rake holes if you