Grass Catcher for JD X595 - do they do the job?

Mr Grasshopper · May 10, 2013

Hello - I have tried to find the part number for the grass catching attachment to suit a X595 mower with 54"deck but the JD part number site makes no sense to me and is starting to boggle my mind.
Does anybody know the part number and also are they worth the money?
Thanks in advance.

KennedyDiesel · May 10, 2013

The Powerflow systems do a very good job. I have the MC519 cart and the grass gets layered in nice and tight. When I dump a pile it will start to ferment and heat up in the middle. Call me crazy, but I like that smell. Don't leave it too long though or the really wet spots will get slimy and stinky.

rboss75 · May 11, 2013

Not sure why you are having a problem getting a set up. Your JD dealer should be able to hook you right up with you want. I have the MC519 cart and power flow. It works great and dumps with ease. But it has very little capacity. I also have the new MC542 with the big 17 cart with the 10 or 9hp (can't remember) engine and big 8 inch tube. When you dump it it clams like the MC519. It is made by Brinley for JD. It picks up well with my 62" deck but even though it clams it does not dump right out. I still have to get off the machine and use a pitch fork. I think I payed $1800.00 for the set up. I am not completely happy with it.

Depending on the size of your property ( I am cutting 5 acres with tons of trees and leafs) my favorite one is the MC519 but it just has a small capacity which means I make twice as many runs to the compost pile. Also the cart and power flow disconnect in minutes with no tools. The big MC542 system has a boot bolted to the deck which I do not like.

Hope this helps

jenkinsph · May 11, 2013

I like the MC519 cart with powerflow, holds 19 bushels, hooks up and dumps easily. There are larger models out there but they can be more cumbersome too, just depends on your needs and conditions. I like the cart a lot better than the bag types as it is easier and quicker to dump.

Mr Grasshopper · May 12, 2013

The X540 grass catcher would fit a X595 wouldn't it? Is the X540 just a petrol engine version of the diesel X595
I'm pretty sure it would , just looking to buy a second hand one off an internet site.

mjncad · May 13, 2013

Grasshopper: In the states, JD Parts is just that, a parts tool. Whole goods and kits are sold through the dealer's sales department. Sometime JD Parts will list the whole goods/kit number, and it sounds like it's the same arrangement in Oz of parts being sold by the parts department and whole goods/kits by the sales department.

rboss75 · May 13, 2013

The x540 and x595 are completely different tractors. The X595 is the first version of the now X700 series. But with that said you maybe able to make most of the components of the grass systems between the two tractors work together. My neighbor has an x540 and. I have an x728. He uses my MC519 collection system. There is a bigger bracket that makes the MC519 hook up to the x728 so all my neighbor needed to do was buy the bracket that worked with the x540. With three bolts he can change the bracket and use the same cart. His power flow on his deck is the same one as mine.

As for use finding a used system you may want to check with your dealer. I am always buying used stuff from several dealers in my area. Three days ago I just bought a slightly used MC519 system for $200.00 from a dealer that used to be a John Deere dealer. Although I already have a MC519 system I could not pass it up for $200.00. Even for just parts. I recently needed to replace one caster on the cart and that alone cost $80.00. So it was a no brainier to buy it!

Mr Grasshopper · May 15, 2013

I have no idea what a MC519 is but the catcher system I'm looking at (that was fitted to a X540) has a part id number GX54HPY021973 on the blower and would love to know if it would fit a X595.
Sorry but I'm new and don't know much at all about JD tractors and lawn mowing stuff.

mjncad · May 16, 2013

MC519 is a model number for public consumption, and the MC stands for Material Collection. I have no idea what the 519 means in the mysterious world of Deere's model numbering system.

cooper99 · May 16, 2013

Like others have said, look into the MC519 system. It's not cheap, but it's the easiest to use and holds a lot of grass. Here's a picture of our MC519 on back of the 455. The powerflow system does a good job on sucking up the grass and blowing it into the cart. 19 bushels is a decent amount of storage, it is easy to dump, easy to maneuver, and easy to attach/remove. Our MC519 is about 18 years old and we haven't had to replace a single part on it yet.

We also have an Agri-Fab 26 bushel Mow-n-Vac that we use when doing leaves or the really heavy stuff. The 6 horsepower engine on the Mow-n-Vac has extremely strong suction and also shreds the clippings into extremely tiny pieces. I estimate the 26 bushel Mow-n-vac actually holds twice the material as the 19 bushel MC519 because the clippings are extremely small and dense. Unloading the Mow-n-Vac is a pain in butt, and attaching it isn't that simple either. It is also top heavy when full, so you have to watch out on hilly terrain. After using that for a 20 hour weekend, you will appreciate how much better designed the MC519 system is.

Personally, I would never get a rear mount bag type catcher. Especially if you own a X595 with 54" deck. I think Deere makes a 7 and 9 bushel capacity grass catcher for the older X500 series, but those would fill up so fast, you would probably quit using it after the first season.