Just wondering what the difference, pros and cons, between the bxpanded and bro-tek skid plate for a bx2660. From what I understand both have to be removed when mmm is installed. Just want to some opinions before I decide which to get and offer best protection an ventilation for the hydro fan.
skid plate comparison
- Thread starter mkfriel2
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RaydaKub
Veteran Member
It looked to me in another thread that the BXpanded plate was an all in one that covered from the front of the rear end all the way up to engine oil drain plug and the whole thing rides on the mower lift arms. It obviously needs to come off in order to attach the mower.
The Bro-Tek plates come as 1, set of 2, or set of 3 depending on how far forward you want to go. The rear plate does NOT need to be removed for the mower while number 2 and 3 must be. They bolt on and would take you a few minutes longer to remove. I found the biggest challenge is getting the collar on the MMM drive shaft pulled back to remove it and put it back on.
I went Bro-Tek for 2 reasons: 1) My BX is older and BXpanded's mount depends (I think) on the newer design of the mower lift arms. 2) The Bro-Tek covers the whole rear end more. It bolts onto the frame around the drawbar and I don't think BXpanded's comes down that low and far back.
However I'm working on my own version of the 2nd plate. I just hung 2 bars down from my loader mount. I'm going to put a piece of ready-rod across between them through a plastic conduit. This will support my "plate" on the front. On the back end, I'm going to bend a bar to fit between the mower lift arms. On top of this bar, I'm going to mount a small piece of plywood that will cover from the Bro-Tek all the way forward to the engine drain plug. I doubt I'll ever get into a situation where something will punch it's way through 1/2" plywood right up by the frame and I can remove it as fast as BXpanded's whole plate. The best of both designs in my opinion.
The Bro-Tek plates come as 1, set of 2, or set of 3 depending on how far forward you want to go. The rear plate does NOT need to be removed for the mower while number 2 and 3 must be. They bolt on and would take you a few minutes longer to remove. I found the biggest challenge is getting the collar on the MMM drive shaft pulled back to remove it and put it back on.
I went Bro-Tek for 2 reasons: 1) My BX is older and BXpanded's mount depends (I think) on the newer design of the mower lift arms. 2) The Bro-Tek covers the whole rear end more. It bolts onto the frame around the drawbar and I don't think BXpanded's comes down that low and far back.
However I'm working on my own version of the 2nd plate. I just hung 2 bars down from my loader mount. I'm going to put a piece of ready-rod across between them through a plastic conduit. This will support my "plate" on the front. On the back end, I'm going to bend a bar to fit between the mower lift arms. On top of this bar, I'm going to mount a small piece of plywood that will cover from the Bro-Tek all the way forward to the engine drain plug. I doubt I'll ever get into a situation where something will punch it's way through 1/2" plywood right up by the frame and I can remove it as fast as BXpanded's whole plate. The best of both designs in my opinion.
TripleR
Super Star Member
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- Kubota M8540HDC, L5740HSTC, BX2200, BX2660, John Deere 425&1025R, Case, Massey Ferguson, Ford
What RaydaKub said. There have been reports of people having a stick run between their deck and frame into the HST fan, so my preference is the Bro Tek as it remains in place. The likelihood of this happening is small, but I am too often a victim of Murphy's Law to take any chances.
I am sure the Bxpanded product is really great and what works best for some won't for others.
I am sure the Bxpanded product is really great and what works best for some won't for others.
TripleR
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2009
- Messages
- 18,084
- Location
- Missouri
- Tractor
- Kubota M8540HDC, L5740HSTC, BX2200, BX2660, John Deere 425&1025R, Case, Massey Ferguson, Ford
The rear Bro Tek plate remains on. I don't think you can mix and match due to the drive train configuration, but I don't know for sure; hopefully someone else does.
PeterK
Gold Member
I went with BXpanded underamour because:
-With the mmm installed, you don't need a plate because the mmm provides protection.
-The BXpanded goes "on" in about 15 seconds - no brainer install.
-With the mmm off for using the tiller, brush hog, chiping in the woods, etc, the BXpanded provides pretty much complete coverage from a single piece.
-And it costs a lot less
They're both good but apples to oranges, not the same, my pref is for Underamour.
-With the mmm installed, you don't need a plate because the mmm provides protection.
-The BXpanded goes "on" in about 15 seconds - no brainer install.
-With the mmm off for using the tiller, brush hog, chiping in the woods, etc, the BXpanded provides pretty much complete coverage from a single piece.
-And it costs a lot less
They're both good but apples to oranges, not the same, my pref is for Underamour.
mccash40
Silver Member
I had a little trouble getting the BXpanded plate in place. I think it was due to the dinky skid plate Kubota provides. I solved the problem by bending the little wings on the rear of the plate so it would slide up far enough. I would say that both plates together would not work as it's a tight fit, at least on the 2360. The plate needs to be up all the way for the knob under the seat to lock in.
