BX2670- Belly pan needed?

[Bferg]

My new Bx2670 will be delivered next week. In reading through some threads on this and other forums a lot of guys seem to have put belly pans or "skid plates" on their Bx's. Two questions:
1. Do I need a belly pan on the 2670?
2. Recommendations on with one (looking for easy install/quality protection)? So far I have seen the Under Armor pan from Bxpanded and another from bro-tek. Not sure if there are others?

 

[eddiebob]

I used Under Armor from Bxpanded on my 2370-1. I rake a lot of pine straw and pull the deck off to do it. Real easy on and off. The plate protects the plastic fan. If you are going to use your BX for anything without the deck I would strongly recommend a belly plate of some sort. Ed B

 

[85Hokie]

My new Bx2670 will be delivered next week. In reading through some threads on this and other forums a lot of guys seem to have put belly pans or "skid plates" on their Bx's. Two questions:
1. Do I need a belly pan on the 2670?
2. Recommendations on with one (looking for easy install/quality protection)? So far I have seen the Under Armor pan from Bxpanded and another from bro-tek. Not sure if there are others?

I would definitely get one - best money you'll spend!! Well worth it despite Kubotas little pan under the fan!

I have the one piece from BXpanded - perfect on - off - easy to do!

 

[Bferg]

I would definitely get one - best money you'll spend!! Well worth it despite Kubotas little pan under the fan!

I have the one piece from BXpanded - perfect on - off - easy to do!

Thanks guys- can I run the Bxpanded while then MMM is on? That is what their website claims?

 

[RCW]

Thanks guys- can I run the Bxpanded while then MMM is on? That is what their website claims?

I just got the BxPanded this spring after 4 years.

Definitely won't work with a MMM, if it's the same design as mine.

No access to mid-PTO, and uses the MMM lift arms to raise/hold the plate. (EDIT: I added 2 photos - second one shows the MMM lift arm holding plate up in top right corner)

The bro-tek rear plate will work with a MMM, but not the front. Can be used separately, so no big deal there. Put the front on after MMM comes off.

Bro-tek was my first choice, but I don't need a plate with MMM on, and the BxPanded goes on and off in a minute, and covers everything both the bro-tek's do.

They both seem to be very well made, and good products.

Either choice will be MUCH better than the silly little guard that's down there to protect the HST fan!

Good luck!

 

[sagor]

I use the skid plate from Bro-tek. Comes with back and front options. Just the back plate allows mid-PTO use, and I believe some MMM options. Front plate removes the MMM possibility.
http://www.bro-tek.com/skid_plate/

 

[RCW]

I use the skid plate from Bro-tek. Comes with back and front options. Just the back plate allows mid-PTO use, and I believe some MMM options. Front plate removes the MMM possibility.
http://www.bro-tek.com/skid_plate/

Sagor - do you like the Bro-tek?

Just my impression from looking at them on-line - the Bro-tek was better made/heavier, but the bxpanded more convenient.

I'm guessing the whole bxpanded weighs 20 pounds and maybe 10 gauge, so not lightweight.

Bro-tek just seemed more solid as a plate. Mid-PTO access was a bonus for the rear plate.

 

[sagor]

Sagor - do you like the Bro-tek?

Just my impression from looking at them on-line - the Bro-tek was better made/heavier, but the bxpanded more convenient.

I'm guessing the whole bxpanded weighs 20 pounds and maybe 10 gauge, so not lightweight.

Bro-tek just seemed more solid as a plate. Mid-PTO access was a bonus for the rear plate.

Just finished putting both back and front plates on today. A bit of a pain with the back plate (for me), the u-bolts in front are not easy to align, but once you do, easy from there. Front plate is not problem installing (10-15 minutes). Be sure to change your HST filter and first fuel filter before using back plate, hard to reach both once it is on (can remove PLATE of course...). Front plate is nice, and I can still use my front snowblower in winter without removing anything, due to mid-PTO access hole.
Plate is very thick and heavy. Both Bro-Tek plates cover all the exposed stuff underneath (as would Bxexpand).
If one uses a MMM, Bro-tek is the only one that allows MMM use with just the back plate installed (must remove front plate).
BXExpand seems easier/quicker to remove however, but not as thick. All depends if you plan to hit any stumps or rocks as you drive over them...

 

[RCW]

Yeah - I just figured I didn't need/want a plate with the MMM or snowblower - so I went bxpanded.

Like you, others may want/need a plate with MMM.

Thanks - now the OP has experiences with both types.