Thinking of buying at bagger for my BX25

[Code54]

I been looking at bagged options for my BX25D and am thinking hard about Kubotas bragger or a DR tow behind. I'm sort of leaning toward Kubotas rear system because it is pto powered and a bit more compact. I would like a used one just due to the price (have not seen one recently but not in a hurry) but the DR has the advantage of the estate vac that would be handy for flower beds and patios. I also noticed that DR seemed to charge there bagging system recently and it is now a soft side system - not sure if that is better but does make storage a bit easier.
What is everyone's thoughts

 

[radioman]

how about New Product Release | Professional Lawn Equipment | proteroinc.com

 

[Code54]

Thanks. I just looked at them after seeing your link. Best I can tell they cost in the ballpark of the Kubota, I'll do so search on reviews of them. Thanks for another option - always good to at least look at everything

 

[itsjustme]

I have a BX1850 and own a Cyclone Rake and a Kubota OEM bagging system and was planning on doing a side by side comparison when the leaves start falling.
Have you considered a Cyclone Rake? It holds a ton of material..

 

[Code54]

I have looked them over and hey appear to be a well made product. I have the same concerns as the DR, the size. We have a hilly lot and a lot of areas where I can trim with the tractor but have to backup very frequently so I am concerned with the size and the ability to easily backup. I sort of plan on using it most every week to bag the grass and help with making compost. The part I really like about the cyclone rake is that estate vac, that sure is nice! How quick/easy is attaching the cyclone rake?

 

[itsjustme]

I'll do a short review on bagging grass with each unit.

The vac performance of each unit is comparable with no discernible difference. They both do great on grass

The Cyclone Rake is loooong and swings wide in turns with the hitch style it uses. I will make three passes along the perimeter and around the house before attaching the rake.
Hitching up the rake is very simple / easy.. At the most it takes 5 minutes.
Best thing going for the rake is capacity, it holds a ton of grass. Plus dumping is easy.

The Kubota bagging system for the BX is more compact making it nimble around trees / structures. Not as bulky / cumbersome to turn or back up.
I have had the system off/on 6 times, Altho its getting easier its still heavy. Takes me 15 - 20 minutes but that's removing my 3-point hitch.
Capacity on the OEM system is a little small you have to dump often, Plus the bags can get a little heavy with grass.

Here is my opinion after owning/using both units on grass;

If you have a yard with a lot of trees, landscaping or buildings the Kubota OEM bagging system would be the better choice.

If you have mostly open areas with only a minimal amount of trees/shrubs buy the Cyclone Rack..

Any question ???? .. Please ask I will try my best to answer

 

[bellweather]

i have the kubota bagger, the early 3ph model...compact, nimble, works fine.
mounting can be tiresome...even with a floor jack
bags fill quickly, especially if lots of leaves
storage - i made a dolly
i too considered a cyclone rake, but decided against it because my property has lots of tight corners and trees.

 

[Code54]

First off - great info, THANK YOU!!!! I read your post and figured I would get a current price on the Kubota bagger - $2350 ouch! That was the same price from 2 different dealers so I guess that is the current going rate. Kind of pricey to pick up grass but it is what it is I guess. I really like the maneuverability of the Kubota unit but it don't care for the mounting being tiresome and difficult. I sort of leave the deck on and put the backhoe on and off as needed so removing the bagger will occur several times a summer so something I need to consider.
I also been looking at the "NEW" DR model. It seems to have become a bit more similar to the cyclone rake. It is just a trailer so hook up should be very easy which is nice but the maneuverability maybe an issue. Thinking about putting my ATV dump cart on the tractor and mowing the grass this week to see how much of an issue it really is.
Has anyone used the new DR leaf vacs? If so what do you thick of them?
Again, thank you for all the responses and information!

 

[Cherokee140]

I am reading this as well. I hate how much grass I have it is so darn thick and being able to bag it up will make the area look so much better, be it to compost or to just burn I really don't care.

I have been looking at a few systems and have been thinking about trying to build my own....trying to figure out what it would cost me to make one vs. buy one.

 

[GolfAddict]

Thinking about putting my ATV dump cart on the tractor and mowing the grass this week to see how much of an issue it really is.

I think this is a really good idea for you to try, it should give you a good feel for what it would be like mowing your yard while towing a vac.

In my case, towing something while mowing would just not be possible - way too much maneuvering to do and backing - so I have the bagger. It is a bit of a pain to install, very easy to remove. I mostly leave it on, but do have to remove it several times through the season to install the 3 pt or the backhoe. It's gotten to where I can install it in about 15 minutes I would estimate. Takes just a few minutes to remove.

On mine, I've found that I just loosen one bolt slightly on the mounting bracket when I go to install. Do the installation, re-tighten the bolt. That could well be just my issue, as I also have a bit of a fight installing the backhoe pin on that same side when mounting the backhoe. Biggest pain is screwing the top link to lift the bagger up into place, or when lowering back to the ground. Gives the forearms a workout!

There is no doubt it doesn't have near the capacity, so time spent to stop and unload is certainly going to be way more using the bagger over the vacs you are considering. About 4-5 of the acres I mow, I am bagging. It's in sort of 4 "chunks".

I start mowing one chunk, and when nearly full head to my dump site at the far side of the fourth chunk. I mow a strip of that fourth on the way to the dump, empty the bags, then mow a strip of it on the way back to the first chunk. Mow on that first chunk till nearly full, repeat...

That way, I'm always mowing and much less time wasted in the dumping process - just the time to back up, get off and empty the bags, then get going again. By the time I'm done with the other three chunks, most of the fourth is done.

Sorry, no experience with the pull type vacs to share...