Hi:
I have the MCS on my 2305 and wouldn't buy it again. I also have a cyclone rake and I'd stick with something like that.
Note: If you are mowing only and never want to use any 3pt items
it would be fine and you can ignore most of these complaints.
To install it you have to remove the right 3pt arm 'bolt' on the rack, etc. I don't find any of the pieces particularly awkward but the fact that I need to 'bolt' on something immediately disqualifies it as easy to install/remove. Once installed you can not use ANY 3pt hitch accessories.
The above is the single biggest pain there.
Other comments.
It generally works well, but a blower on the bag system (like a cyclone) rake works better because:
o You can attach a wand and suck up other items.
o The first time you clog the blower you'll be cursing. In the blower on
bag systems, the boot on the mower (not the blower) clogs. The boot
is simply a hollow item that you can clean out very easily.
On the MCS, the boot IS the blower. So either you try and stick your
hand through the impeller (unit off of course) which is difficult and
unclog the grass, OR you burn your hand taking the belt off of the HOT
pulley, swing the unit out and unclog the deck and boot from the
'inside'.
o Anything wet WILL clog the MCS quickly. Blower on bag units virtually never clog
even on wet stuff and when they do cleanout of the boot is simple.
o You'll have a separate engine for a CR or similar unit, but your 2305 will 'suck'
down gas with the MCS. My consumption went way, way up when I used it.
On a positive note, It IS very easy to empty. Be aware however that unless you immediately notice the 'full' indicator you'll probably clog the chute when the bags fill.
It also fills quickly and if you have a big lawn don't even consider it. I tried it out on 5 acres and was emptying every 1/2 lap for the first few laps. (Probably 2600-2800 ft / lap). After
using it on that lot once I concluded that I'd never use it there again. (I use it now on a probably 1.5 acres).
Given it was $1600 I think something like a DR or cyclone rake rear collection unit (even if it was a little more) is a much better unit. You'll be emptying less, unclogging less and cursing far less. Never mind you can use 3pt implements as soon as you disconnect the unit. You will have another engine, but you can also do a lot more with it. Having a wand to suck leaves out of tight spots is great.
Anyway, my .02 cents. If I could find a buyer for my MCS I'd probably sell it and use my cyclone rake (I use the CR on my 3720 also).
