BX skidplate Question: (Skidplate or fan protector?)

[Sodo]

There are a few wires and hoses under there that might be molested by sticks, but the fan seems to be the only problem that really needs to be solved; and the difficulty to replace is another big problem. Isn't there a simple way to put some protection up higher, that covers the wires, filter and the fan, that doesn't restrict the air, and doesn't get in the way of a mid-mount-mower?

I know folks are going to say....."might as well etc etc etc" but the problem seems to be LIMITED TO sticks going into the fan. So why a big honkin' skidplate, what about a small cover that protects just the fan?

 

[zoltanthegypsy]

...
I know folks are going to say....."might as well etc etc etc" but the problem seems to be LIMITED TO sticks going into the fan. So why a big honkin' skidplate, what about a small cover that protects just the fan?

View attachment 343293

I wish. Tall grass wrapped the drive shaft on my '24 and somehow grabbed the wiring harness and ripped it off the fuel pump - all the way up to the dash. The fan was fine.

Z.

 

[kcender]

When I had my BX25 I made a small skid plate to protect the fan that allowed me to still use the mmm.The clearance was very tight but it can be done.Sorry but I don't have any photos.

 

[94BULLITT]

Some people don't use a BX like a SCUT. They use it like a dozer, that is why they need a skid plate.

 

[Sodo]

I wish. Tall grass wrapped the drive shaft on my '24 and somehow grabbed the wiring harness and ripped it off the fuel pump - all the way up to the dash. The fan was fine.

Ahhhh. Thx for reply

 

[gwdixon]

I fashioned a skid plate from some expanded metal. Six nuts were welded to the tractor frame and the bolts put through the expanded metal to the nuts to hold it on. Fender washers were used on the bolts. Worked great and no air restriction.

The expanded metal was flush to the bottom of the frame until it neared the filter. Then it was bent downward and then rearwards to cover the filter. Of course, it is easy to cut a hole in expanded metal for the MMM PTO shaft.

 

[94BULLITT]

I fashioned a skid plate from some expanded metal. Six nuts were welded to the tractor frame and the bolts put through the expanded metal to the nuts to hold it on. Fender washers were used on the bolts. Worked great and no air restriction.

The expanded metal was flush to the bottom of the frame until it neared the filter. Then it was bent downward and then rearwards to cover the filter. Of course, it is easy to cut a hole in expanded metal for the MMM PTO shaft.

I was thinking about using a piece of expanded metal too. I have a scrap piece left over from my grapple that fits perfectly under the tractor. I was going to weld fender washers to the expanded metal.

 

[gwdixon]

I was thinking about using a piece of expanded metal too. I have a scrap piece left over from my grapple that fits perfectly under the tractor. I was going to weld fender washers to the expanded metal.

That was my original thought also. But the openings in the expanded metal were large enough to accommodate a bit of wiggle room. Welding the washers to the metal would make the fit exact but more difficult to line up when removing and replacing. Expanded metal tends to bend out of shape when it is struck. However, tack welding the washers could work well.