Raising/Lowering MMM on BX2350

I just received my new BX2350 and was perplexed as to why I could not get the mid mount mower to raise up.  After briefly reading through the manual I pulled back on the hydraulic lever to raise the unit but nothing happened.  I adjusted the dial that supposedly regulates how fast the deck will raise/lower but still nothing happened.  It wasn't until I turned up the rpm's above an idle that the mower began to raise.  Is this normal, that in order to get the mid mount mower and 3pt hitch to move you have to give it more throttle?  I also notice that both the 3pt. hitch and MMM go up/down in unison.  Is this normal?  Again, I have yet to read through the operator's manual but thought I would throw these questions out there in the meantime.

Yes, this is normal. The new BX's have very little hydraulic pressure at idle. You'll notice that the loader also does not move at very low RPMS. Give it some throttle, just 25% or so, and everything comes to life.

 

Thank you for the response.  I can live with that!  It was kind of funny; when I got the mower to lift I didn't realize what I did.  Unknowingly, I had given it a little throttle.  Then I noticed that both the 3pt hitch and mower were moving in unison and saying to myself "now what's wrong".  I got confused with the pto lever thinking it controlled lift, forgetting that it controls the pto "shaft".  Oh well, I'm learning.

Here is another one; when I go in reverse and take my heel off the rear pedal the tractor stops abruptly, almost jerking the frontend up.  Is this normal.  You really have to let up very slowly.  I don't remember this behavior on the tractors I test drove.  Is there an adjustment or will this "wear in" over time.

Thanks again for your help.

 

Yea, the reverse is pretty jerky. It will break in some over time, but it is sharp. Rumor is that its related to a law suit, someone probably backed over somthing and sued Kubota for it. As you drive the tractor more, you'll learn to feather your foot off some to make it stop more smoothly.

 

I have been cutting my grass for the past few weeks now with my BX2350 w/MMM and enjoying it very much. I put a spreader on the 3 point hitch and was able to lock the MMM in the up position while I was able to raise & lower the 3 point hitch spreader. I am confused as to why I can't "lock" the 3 point hitch and just raise/lower the MMM for cutting. The only thing I can do is remove the spreader when I go back to cutting. Is this the way it works or am I doing something wrong? It sounds like some kind of "diverter" valve can be installed to bypass the 3 point hitch but at this point I'm confused.

The 3pt hitch arms and the mower deck lift linkage are mechanicaly attached to each other. You can lock the deck in the up position by pinning it in place, but to raise and lower the mower deck the 3pt hitch has to be able to move. There are circumstances where it can be a pain, I know.

Thank you for your input.  It is a big pain to have to keep putting the spreader on, then when I want to go back to the mower I have to remove the spreader.  Oh well, life ain't easy at times.

I had a similiar frustration when I purchased my New Holland Boomer earlier this summer.  My 1991 honda used to allow for separate control so I was spoiled. I had a similiar problem as I have a batter I built for the NH. I actually covered a heavy chain with a rubber sleave and a clevis pins on both sides ( of course a specific length and attached to lower lift arms and frame. That way I limited the downward travel of the hitch while still having full range of the MMM.  the hitch is lowered by gravity and weight so you need a chain healthy enough to support your hitch, the spreader, and max LBS of material you would use on the unit.

 Hope that helps.

Thanks for the information. I asked my Kubota dealer the other day if there was a special valve that can be installed to split the mmm and rear hitch but he also said unfortunately no. I was told that the John Deere's do not work this way but haven't taken the time to verify this; it wouldn't do any good anyway. Oh well, at least I don't have to worry about this until Spring as I just removed the mmm for the winter and just ordered a front mount snowblower. Thanks again.

Deere has an optional kit to do independent control. It requires a cylinder and a valve to operate it which is potentially very expensive. The cost and low depend is likely why other companies have shied away from offering this.

Thanks for the feedback. I am sure there is good reason why Kubota doesn't offer a way to split the mid mount and the 3 pt. hitch. It just seems like a simple and logical thing to do, but then, I'm no engineer either. Other than that I have been quite happy with the BX2350. With winter coming up I'll see how it performs with the front mount snowblower. Thanks again.