Grass and leaf pickup, what do you use, recommend?

[Volfandt]

A shot of the original deck adapter. I discovered that the std quick attach hardware wasn't stout enough to hold the adapter plumb to the MMM once the weight of the heavy duty hose was added so I cut and mounted an additional metal bracket towards the rear of the adapter and it kept the adapter from pulling down and exposing a slight opening for debris to escape. The fab'ed plate is visable at the rear also.
The adapter comes without the opening cut. Once you mount the adapter, you then mark then cut th eopening. I used a small scroll saw.

 

[Volfandt]

The CR mounts to the BX's 3PH with all the required hardware included in the kit. One thing I discovered whilst mowing was that the weight of the CR would continue to push the 3PH arms down past the MMM deck setting which caused the front of the CR's hitch to gouge the ground in slight hills.

Instead of having to worry about constantly jockying the 3PH to get the MMM lowered to the correct depth setting and keeping the CR from lowering past it, I just used a simple check chain setup to keep the CR from dropping lower once the MMM was at depth. I may refine it more later but for now it works good, lasts along time /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Volfandt]

During season instead of folding it up for storge I'll probably keep it assembled and ready to go which means it'll need to be manuverable. They sell a handy roll away jack stand but since I've got casters & wood laying around, I saved a few $$$'s and fab'ed my own. It's not as fancy but does the job. I use the tractors hydraulics to raise the hitch then roll the CR under, attach the pins then roll the little dolly away.

Alrighty then, with tall the trees and and grass I maintain, all I can say is BRING IT ON! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Volfandt

 

[coveredbridge]

I ordered my Cyclone Rake today for my bx1500. It ships tomorrow. As I look at my 48" mmm deck opening, I'm having a hard time visualizing how exactly the mower deck adapter mounts up to the mower deck. If you get a chance, could you possibly post some close up pics of the mda mounted to your mmm?

Also, anyone else who has mounted one of these to a bx 1500 w/48"mmm, I'd appreciate any tips or advice. Thanks.

 

[Volfandt]

The adapter basically hangs on the MMM via two threaded studs (included in the kit). There are two large threaded knobs that screw down and holds the adapter tight to the MMM.
You'll have to drill a couple holes in your MMM for the studs and once you get the adapter lined up with the bracket you then drill and bolt the adapter to the quick attach bracket (nylock nuts & bolts included).
I added an additional bracket on the adapter because the heavy duty hose cocked it in the rear just enough to allow clippings to shoot out. The home made bracket fixed that!
You'll need a drill, some bits, 1/2" & 9/16" wrench(s) and sockets. Plus you'll have to cutout the opening which I used a scroll saw.

A pic of the two studs that holds the adapter to the MMM. (note, the instructions indicate to remove the deflector but I chose to keep it mounted. I drilled a couple over sized holes in the deflector where the studs lined up and this allows the deflector to be lowered back down into position when I side discharge mow. I use a shirt bungee cord to keep it raised when needed).

 

[Volfandt]

Heres a pic of the adapter mounted and the knobs screwed down. Connection of the CR is very easy and doesn't require any tools, just like the rest of the implements on my BX23. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The instructions are self explanatory and detailed. I'd venture to say that the 48" MMM doesn't have as big an opening as the 60" so you probably won't have to fab up a plate to cover up the 2 1/2" gap that is present on the 60".

Good Luck and enjoy.
Volfandt

 

[Junkman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Cleanup didn't take long and since the top can be unzipped for easy access, I was able to use my blower to give it a good cleanout. )</font>

Could you post a picture of this please? I am wondering about the changes that have been made since I purchased mine.

 

[Volfandt]

The top flap has the exhaust screen and a heavier steel bar support built in. Since the top flap is also the exhaust port, it is secured by a zipper along the front with velcro running the full length on both sides. Then there are 4 additional velcro straps (2 on each side) for additional securing. The owners manual indicates to use a shovel or board to push out the packed in debris through this top port.
So far the B&S 6hp Intek engine has started on the 1st pull every time.
Volfandt

 

[coveredbridge]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Heres a pic of the adapter mounted and the knobs screwed down. Connection of the CR is very easy and doesn't require any tools, just like the rest of the implements on my BX23. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The instructions are self explanatory and detailed. I'd venture to say that the 48" MMM doesn't have as big an opening as the 60" so you probably won't have to fab up a plate to cover up the 2 1/2" gap that is present on the 60".

Good Luck and enjoy.
Volfandt )</font>

That's great! Thanks /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I'm hoping you're right about the 48 vs the 60 deck, though you seem to have a good workaround. From what I understand from my conversations with CR people, the "other" mda would not be high enough, since my deck opening ( and I assume yours) exceeds the 6" max.

ABF freight estimates delivery on Monday 9/12. I was hoping to get it Friday so I had the weekend for assembly. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Hope you won't mind if I post some more ?'s when I assemble.

How did you mark the cutout? Did you use a template? I thought I saw on another thread where someone used a cardboard template to trace the cutout. I'm thinking of using a cable saw that I bought to cut pvc pipe to cut out the opening. Do you think that would work?

 

[Volfandt]

Ask away, I'll help if'n I can /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The instructions are very good on mounting and cutting the adapter, they also include some pics. Basically you mount the adapter then trace around the opening.
The only thing I did different was to draw another line, approx 1/4" to the inside of the traced line and cut on that line. I wanted alittle more plastic to make contact with the MMM's metal edge. It doesn't seem to interfere with the clippings.

Good luck
Volfandt

 

[Junkman]

Don't know if you are aware of the baffle that Kubota installs inside of the 60" deck when the Kubota rear bagger is used. It appears that it directs the clippings toward the outlet more efficiently. Don't know if would help with the CR.....

 

[cchoate]

I use an old fashion method - the wind.

 

[eaf]

I have been using a 4' cannoe paddle since I got my CR. It works great, no sharp edges to damage the material when digging out packed debris.

 

[EldoNixon]

JonM:
It looks like you have the rear PTO powered Trac Vac. I've been contemplating the same models for my BX23, but I was afraid it would rob too much power from the deck. Have you been happy? I really don't want to add another motor to maintain or add noise. But I have a lot of mature maples and could use a large capacity bagger. Thanks.

 

[ToolDad]

Just received my CR Commercial Pro with 7HP Briggs. Have not yet unboxed, but plan to tomorrow. The Mower Deck Adapter is just slightly smaller than the opening on my 54" deck (18-5/8" vs. 19" outside to outside). Woodland says this is no problem. Did you find similar differences, and was it an issue? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[RalphVa]

I use a mulching mower for the grass and have NEVER picked up grass with a mower. You're throwing away a lot of nutrients by taking up the grass.

When I took care of 5 acres of lawn for the church in NJ, I mowed it with a 4' Scag and chopped up the leaves from numerous oak trees with it, too. When the leaves got really thick, I'd run the Scag discharging inward until it about choked down, then reverse for a round or 2 and then go back to discharging inward. Some silly folks would rake some of the leaves into piles. I'd just charge into a pile with the Scag and chop them up.

At one time, they had a Sears tractor mower, with a big motor mounted behind the seat that sucked from the mower deck and discharged into a covered cart behind. WHAT A BUNCH OF NOISE! I put up with it for about 5 minutes one day. This was before I took over and insisted them buy the Scag and junk the rest.

Ralph

 

[Volfandt]

Good choice. You'll appreciate that larger hopper.

Sounds like you've got the same adapter they sent me. My 60" MMM's opening is approx 20 3/4". They told me to make a plate to cover the approx 2" opening and I did.
They also sent me a longer but shorter adapter and the original taller adapter with my home made plate fit and performed much better.
Making a plate to cover the opening isn't that time consuming or detailed. It only has to support it's own weight and be rigid enough to deflect the air & grass. The suction of the CR not only pulls the clippings towards the opening but it also keeps the bottom of the MMM surprisingly clean & free of clippings.

Start by mounting the adapter and once it's properly mounted, find something you can use to make a plate to cover that rear opening.
I bent an 20ga piece of scrap steel I had laying around to where it would completely cover the opening plus give me a couple of extra inches to bolt to the adapter. It does pretty good and no clippings escape from around it. Theres a blurry pic of it at the top of pg 3.

I've completed my leaf pickup with my ceremonial last mow the other weekend and the CR performed as advertised. And even tho I've already pressure washed and put up the MMM, some of my neighbors leaves have found there way into my yard so if'n the urge hits, I just may have go after 'em /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Enjoy, eerrr ahhh I mean don't work too hard picking up all those leaves /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Volfandt

 

[tchixarro]

It appears that you've gotten some great info on the subject.
Allow me to give you my opinion from personal experience. I have owned a sweeper, regular style bagger ( high lift deck blades create the vacuum ) and currently own a Peco lawn vac with a 5 hp engine to power the impeller. I have to say that the Peco wins it hands down. If you're looking for a unit that works and works well then go with one with that has an aux. engine to power the vacuum or one that is powered off the PTO. Forget the sweeper. Not only will you have to go over and sweep after you mow but the capacity and quallity of the job it does sucks. Been there done that! I myself am looking into a new system for my rig and I've been doing some hefty research on them. I think you should seriously consider the kubota bagger, Peco lawn vac or something from Trac-Vac. I don't have any expeirence with the Cyclone Rake because I don't feel comfortable with a trailer made out of fabric. The reason for this is that I've picked up sticks and shoved them through the hose going to the trailer. Now I don't mean to degrade the CR, this is only my opinion. Trac-Vac has alot of different models to choose from and are extremely well built. My new one will be from them. Do yourself a favor and don't go cheap. spend the money now and get something that's going to work well and last. I'm sorry for the lengthy reply but I've been faced with the same problem.

 

[Toolguy]

If I may I would like to add my .02 to this discussion. Over the years I have also tried diferrent methods for leaf and grass pickup. I first had a pull behind sweeper which didn't work all that good but I got it cheap and it was all I could afford then. I next bought a semi-mounted vacuum that had two caster wheels in the rear and attached to the tractor so that it followed behind but did not turn. It had a 3 hp motor and did a fair job behind my JD214. It had a canvas bag with a big zipper that opened from the rear. It was quite a messy job to empty it as you had to get down on your hands and knees and pull everything out. Still, it was better than raking and I must have had it for about 15 years. I then bought an EZ-RAKE which is a pull type plastic clamshell that works quite well. It has a 5 hp engine and is very easy to dump. It did a good job behind the JD 318 I have. This fall when I bought my new B3030 I decided to modify it for the 3PTH. I bought a King Kutter Carry-All and the pictures tell the story of how it turned out. I am extremely pleased with how much easier it is to use on the 3PTH and how well it handles the debris on the 60" MMM. I don't Think EZ-RAKE is still in business but, it is a very well made unit.

 

[Toolguy]

Left Side View. The area circled in red is the pedal you push down on with your foot to open the hopper. It splits in the middle and is hinged at the top. Gas struts assist with opening and hold it open.