54 inch or 60 inch MMM on a BX23S

[QCTEXAS]

Just about ready to pull the trigger on a BX23S. Was planning on adding the 60 inch MMM (Not the easy-over). But I got to wondering why would someone opt for the 54 inch instead?

Narrower would make it easier to maneuver around trees and such I would think. And make it a little easier to store. But neither of those are going to be things I really have to worry about.

Is there anything about the 54 inch deck that differs from the 60 inch other than size?

Thanks

Martin

 

[85Hokie]

Martin,

this will hurt your brain - the 60" will actually turn a tighter radius.

Let me explain = lets say the BX can turn a 7.5 foot radius ...... which is spot on.

SINCE you have 3 more inches on the 60 inch on the inside turn - it will actually cut a tighter than the 54"

Now the shorter deck will get between trees better!

 

[Missouribound]

Keep in mind that the bigger the mower the more likely it will scalp on uneven ground.
When I bought my B2320 I opted for a PTO finish mower behind the tractor.
No more grass in my face when cutting on windy days as the finish mower is a rear discharge 8' behind me.
The added feature is that there are no lumps or rows of grass to deal with.
The entire back end of the mower is the discharge area.
I know that this doesn't answer the question you asked....just offering a different choice if you haven't committed to a MMM yet.

 

[imnukensc]

Keep in mind that the bigger the mower the more likely it will scalp on uneven ground.
When I bought my B2320 I opted for a PTO finish mower behind the tractor.
No more grass in my face when cutting on windy days as the finish mower is a rear discharge 8' behind me.
The added feature is that there are no lumps or rows of grass to deal with.
The entire back end of the mower is the discharge area.
I know that this doesn't answer the question you asked....just offering a different choice if you haven't committed to a MMM yet.

He'd have to remove the backhoe to use a 3 pt finish mower.

 

[Bee-Positive]

Welcome aboard Martin, your going to love the new BX23S.

Couple of disclaimers before I offer my opinion. A 60" is not an option for my BX1880 and I do not and can not fit a backhoe to it. I mow about 2 acres and need to maneuver in some tight spaces around the house. I'm extremely happy with the 54" deck. That said...

Cost??? I'm sure your could save a few bucks getting the smaller MMM. But that depends on how much acreage you're mowing and how you value your time. A 60" will reduce your mowing time. But a couple $$ to throw at another attachment may be a thought.

If your land is hilly and your thinking of wheel spacers you may be limited in how wide of a spacer you can get before you run into tires rubbing on the deck of a 60". This depends on the type of tire you get also, turf tires are not as much as a problem.

Following up on tire size I recall an issue with some tires with aggressive treads rubbing the front left tire on the deck while turning hard to the left using a 60" MMM. Others here on OTT will tell me if I'm full of BS if I'm wrong, and that's a good thing.

Depending on the type of ground you have and how much maneuvering you'll be doing I can't imagine mowing with the BH on the tractor, especially if you take off the FEL. JM2C

 

[John T]

Just about ready to pull the trigger on a BX23S. Was planning on adding the 60 inch MMM (Not the easy-over).

I've been happy with my 60" MMM since I bought the tractor in 2017

I just put it back on this week..... aligning the driveshaft is fun...

The only issues were my own doing.... broke off one of the mounts that hold the anti-scalp wheels.... had to weld that back on....

I vaguely remember losing a blade bolt... but luckily found it.... (I now use an impact to put the blades back on)

Oh yeah... and catching the corner of a plastic tarp and sucking the whole damn thing up.... took me an hour to get it out...

Keep it lubed up and the blades sharp you should enjoy it... and keep the RPM's high when cutting.... it's a biggun...

I took all the plastic covers off the spindles and the belts.....
it makes blowing or hosing the clippings out easier...

also hated that plastic discharge flapper.... Yes, you can hold it back with a bungee but then you end up tripping over it... I just removed it....

just need to make sure you don't cut yer feets off when you get off the machine...

seat safetys disconnected..... I grew up in the 70's safety devices do not apply to me.

 

[John T]

Also, as mentioned..... you want to remove the loader and BH when you use the MMM

I reckon you COULD leave it on but it will be cumbersome not to mention heavy on the turf.

The first time(s) taking off the loader, Go easy..... and pay attention .... there is a learning curve....
and things can go south real quick....

but once you learn it... it's cake.

I take mine off weekly to cut and it's less than 5 min for both.