BX 3pt Hitch Capability

[JimMorrissey]

Hello. Two questions here.....

I'm looking at renting a "harley rake", found here: http://www.glenmac.com/tractordesign.htm. I was wondering if anybody has tried to use one on a BX? The HP calls for 22 minimum. I know I'd be better off renting a 30 or 40hp machine for the job, but I have a BX and am still paying for it /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I measured the distance between the 3pt attachments on the Harley Rake and got 29". I know the BX won't fit all "cat 1" implements and was also wondering if anybody knows the max distance a BX will handle. The reason I don't check mine is that I just put on a very heavy, and hard to manage landscape rake on and I don't want to have to take it off to find out. Maybe somebody knows already? If not, I shall measure. --I'm thinking it won't fit at 29". The rake weighs an amazing 850lbs.

It's an awsome implement for installing lawns etc. If I end up renting it, I'll post some pics of the finished product.

-Jim

 

[chrisjbell]

<font color="blue"> The rake weighs an amazing 850lbs.
</font>

Sorry, no way. I didn't find a rake in my workshop manual, but the heaviest 3PH implement listed for my B7300 is 350 lbs. and that is a bigger tractor than the BX. I've found that it can be tough to rent implements for the smaller tractors.

 

[kyoders]

Jim,

At 850lbs, the entire weight is going to have to be pretty close to the ends of the lift arms. While I think I've exceeded the specs once or twice, it is only rated at about 1200lbs at the lift points and about 600lbs 24" behind lift point. Even if it can lift it, you're going to need an awful lot of front ballast. I would be concerned about having that much weight on the front and back of a BX. Might over-stress an axle, wheel, frame, etc. Actually, it probably would overstress something, it's just a matter of how much damage would be done.

Kevin

 

[Steve_S]

An 850lb rake, that's a darn big rake.

But anyway. To answer your question, I use a 72" bush hog RFM on my BX and it barely, and I mean BARELY handles that. The mower is just slightly over 600lbs. The thing to be careful of with these big implements (big by BX standards that is) is that if you're not careful, the implements will control you and not vica versa. On a incline going sideways with my RFM on I just hang on and hope the tires bite. But I've got a few loose screws myself so I don't recommend anybody else doing that. The BX will handle a lot more than the book says it will, no doubt there. And don't be afraid to push it to it's limits. But don't be unrealistic either. It's no farm tractor that's for sure. But I love mine and wouldn't have anything else.

Hope this all helps.