Buying Advice RCK54-22BX Mower Deck on my BX1860

[mrwto]

hi,

my name is Wayne and i'm new to the group, my first real tractor.

i just purchased a 2011 Kubota BX1860 tractor with a FEL and snowblower and i'm looking for a mower deck and later on a bagger.

#1) 48" or 54"?
#2) i can pick up a slightly used RCK54-22BX mower deck for $400, great deal, but does it fit? and if not, can it be modified to fit?

i know i should buy a RCK48-18BX or RCK54-23BX, but i know i'm not going to get that for $400, best price i've seen so far is $1250 used

i can weld and very handy.

need help and suggestions.

 

[CHDinCT]

Can't comment on whether the 22bx will fit but if you're good at fabrication I'd at least look at it. But I will recommend the 54" version as it makes trimming much easier.

 

[Grandad4]

I think you're going to have to try it to see if it will fit. Unless someone here chimes in and says they actually have that type of deck on their BX1860, or that the design is different on the '60 series, it's going to be a something of a guess whether it fits your machine and the best way to find out is trying it out. The odds are kind of in your favor, I think. Kubota tends to stick with their basic designs from one generation to the next, so unless there is some major improvement needed, what goes on a newer model like your BX1860 will at least substantially resemble the ones for previous models.

Using an older BX model (like mine) as a benchmark for comparison:

1. First do a general check to make sure the deck has clearance to fit under your BX. It will be snug but should fit between front and rear axles. The guide wheels on the deck have a series of height adjustment holes for their mounting pins. Each one also has a hole drilled at 90 deg. so the wheels can be pivoted sideways so the deck can roll in/out from the side of the tractor.
2. There are two arms beneath the tractor that rise and lower with the 3 point lift. Each arm has a spring-loaded locking pin that fits through a pair of tabs on the mower deck. These provide the rear mounting points for the deck and the raise/lower action. Check the measurements of the pin locations on the tractor and the corresponding tabs on the deck to see if they are the same.
3. There is a front mounting linkage (it should accompany the deck) that fits to a release bracket assembly on the front frame of the tractor, under the grille. The other end of the linkage slides into a pair of tabs on the mower deck. Does your BX have the release bracket assembly and would it mate up with the mounting linkage?
4. Check the total length of the mounts on the tractor and on the deck... I don't know if the BXxx60 series has exactly the same wheelbase and layout as preceding models.
5. If everything else fits, the only other item that remains is the PTO shaft. Make sure it's well lubed as it's awkward to mount and remove.

 

[mrwto]

i have done a lot of research and found the the front link assy. and the PTO shaft are the same on both decks (same Part Numbers). the problem is the 2 rear lift points are different, the 22BX and 23BX have a different setup. the 22BX are fixed (and don't know the spacing or height), the 23BX has and adjustable height. i'll need to find out the width, height and length of the supports and the relationship to the front and side of the 23BX deck and carry them over the the 22BX deck. we'll see what happens.... now all i need is time.

 

[Grandad4]

If you've got the welding and metal fabrication skills and a little time, it sounds like you could end up saving a good bit. I'd give the deck a good once over re. the belt, pulleys, bearings, gearbox, blades, etc. Just a heads up... the grease points want to be lubed pretty regularly during the mowing season. Good luck!

 

[mrwto]

Well, I solved my problem. I happen to pick up a RCK54P-23BX fine mower deck with a GCK60-23B grass catcher (about 6 years old, great shape, used on a ¾ acre lot) for $1200, fits the tractor perfectly. It came of a BX1850 and I didn’t have to make any adjustment. Good to go and no welding required. Thanks for the responses.

Wayne

 

[terry123]

Well, I solved my problem. I happen to pick up a RCK54P-23BX fine mower deck with a GCK60-23B grass catcher (about 6 years old, great shape, used on a ¾ acre lot) for $1200, fits the tractor perfectly. It came of a BX1850 and I didn’t have to make any adjustment. Good to go and no welding required. Thanks for the responses.

Wayne

I AM LOOKING FOR A RCK54-22BX OR A RCK48-18BX MOWER DECK IF ANY ONE HAS ONE FOR SALE