Mowing BX mower upgrade ?

Dusty · Dec 1, 2006

While cleaning my BX mower for the end of season storage, I started to think about the metal strap that goes across the lower edge of the right hand side of the mower deck. It is my guess that this strap is to increase lift of the grass on the right hand side of the deck to help the grass clippings move to the left side where they are discharged. If this is the case, then will it help to add an additional strap to the left side of the mower deck to increase the suction on that side as well. That combined with Gator blades might made the deck a lot more powerful for lifting and cutting. The mower deck manufacturer has already punched the holes for the plate (strap) and it would be a bolt on addition without any effort at all. What did Kubota have in mind when they punched theses holes is a mystery for us to solve. Has anyone ever done this before and if so, what are the results?

RonR · Dec 3, 2006

Dusty, I'd have to go dig the mulching kit of mine out of the shed, but I "think" I remember that the mulch kit has a similar plate on the opposite side, such as what you are thinking of doing. If that's the case, those holes are where the kit bolts on (along with about 6-8 other small bolts).

When the snow melts, I'll go to the shed and look, then let you know.

Ron

David_Kb7uns · Dec 3, 2006

When I added the grass catcher to the BX-2230 with a 60 inch deck the added plate was in the kit to help with the lift. The plate does change the fact that when you mow taller grass it does not always get all cut on the first pass.

David

Dusty · Dec 3, 2006

Dave.... are you referring to the plate that goes near the outlet for the grass catcher, or along the leading edge of the deck. I have the "diverter" plate that is supposed to help the vacuum work better, but I am wondering about the plate for the leading edge on the right hand side.
Dusty

dwenham · Dec 7, 2006

Dusty,
If your BX deck is discharging to the left, you have inadvertantly left your seat rotated toward the backhoe. Check to see if your reach to the steering wheel and HST control are uncomfortable and inconvenient. If so, try rotating the seat 180 degrees and try it again. This will result in a return to right-side mower deck discharge and a real improvement in operator comfort.
Dave

David_Kb7uns · Dec 8, 2006

Got a updated discharge adapter for the 60 inch deck, plate was included that went along the leading edge of deck to match other side, the deflector that went at opening of the chute was not there nor the short bungee cord and the install instructions were not updated for the changes made , the boot kit is also used on a 60" ZD mower deck now.
David

Dusty · Dec 8, 2006

Possible that you could post a few pictures of the new parts? thanks Dusty

Dusty · May 26, 2007

Now that mowing season is back, it is time to bring this post back to life for the answer to the original question.... Thanks Dusty....

ChuckinNH · May 27, 2007

dwenham said:
Dusty,
If your BX deck is discharging to the left, you have inadvertantly left your seat rotated toward the backhoe. Check to see if your reach to the steering wheel and HST control are uncomfortable and inconvenient. If so, try rotating the seat 180 degrees and try it again. This will result in a return to right-side mower deck discharge and a real improvement in operator comfort.
Dave

I love it! My perspective changes frequently when on my BX too......
Chuck

n3qik · May 28, 2007

It is for deck reinforcement, as this side will be bumping off trees/house/fence/poles/mail box/etc. After 20+ years mowing with the old Cub Cadet, that side was the most damaged part of the deck.