PTO turbine grass catcher for bx1500

chris214 · Nov 9, 2007

Does anyone have experience with the kubota pto grass catcher for the bx1500? It's the $1500 3 bag system that hangs off the back and has the PTO turbine. I've got the 48" deck and I'm wondering if the grass catcher has enough vaccum to to pull leaves or debris without the blades turning. I understand it's a pain in the neck to put on and off also. Any info would be great. Thanks!

albertsteurer · Nov 14, 2007

I have the Kubota grass catcher for my BX1500. I have the 54 inch deck. It does a good job of picking up leaves. Bag capacity is low and has to be emptied frequently. I have a very steep hill and it it even cuts and picks up leaves going up hill...have to do it a little slower.....but I'm amazed at the capability of this little 15 HP engine. I do back up the hill though. Front wheels get dangerously light going forward up a hill with a full load of grass/leaves without any front weight.

I don't know how well the vacuum would work with a longer chute hooked up to be used just as a vacuum. It should work OK I guess. I thought about getting a remote chute adapter too, but I just got a powerful leaf blower and blow the leaves out all my planting beds before I pick up the leaves with the deck.

Lots of variation in how well the leaves get mulched. In general it seems to mulch them into a 40-70% reduction. I'd like a finer mulch in hopes of getting more into the bags so I don't have to stop so frequently. I'll probably get gator blades next year.

Bagger install takes me a good 30-45 minutes. removal a lot less. Since I only use it during the leaf season....its just on once and off once each year.

Hope this helps.