how to adjust rear tire clearance for RCK60B-22BX on a BX23 MLB

[Tractor Gal]

While working in the woods to clear some thorn bushes, the mid-mount mower seems to have "shifted" backwards so that it is now sporadically grazing the rear tires of the tractor. The clearance between the rear of the mower deck and the tires was quite small when I got the tractor and I tried to adjust the front link to correct the problem. Adjusting the front seemed to do more to change the lift than it did to change the clearance. Because the deck wasn't hitting at the back, I continued on. No problem all last summer.

Now, it appears that something has been altered. Maybe I hit something enough to move the deck back slightly but there wasn't anything that made me say, "0ops, I hit something."

So...I have checked the manual and do not see a way to change the rear linkage. On page 12 of the operator's manual, there is a rod that appears to control the rear link but it's talking about a fraction of an inch clearance...1/32 to 3/16. The whole mower needs to be moved forward at least 1/2"...more would be even better. The pto shaft will adjust easily if the mower deck is moved forward.

I haven't gotten under there yet to see fully and maybe that will answer some questions. But, I thought perhaps someone here had information as to how to move this deck forward. Any help would be like gold.

TG

 

[tinkerwitheverything]

seeing your tractor is a 23 bx I'm thinking you have the wrong mower for your tractor model. Being that the mower deck is a RCK60B -22 bx I would bet the mounting linkages on the deck are in a different spot then they are on the RCK 60B 23bx. Give me a couple minutes and I'll go measure the rear mounting point on mine .

 

[tinkerwitheverything]

Did some quick measurements so you can check yours. My deck on my BX 2370 is the RCK 60B -23 bx. The center of the brackets on mine are 5" from the backside of the lip and they are 21 1/2" wide outside . You can compare these measurements with your deck to see if this is where your problem lies.

 

[Henro]

seeing your tractor is a 23 bx I'm thinking you have the wrong mower for your tractor model. Being that the mower deck is a RCK60B -22 bx I would bet the mounting linkages on the deck are in a different spot then they are on the RCK 60B 23bx. Give me a couple minutes and I'll go measure the rear mounting point on mine .

I think this may be the case. My BX2200 which is in the series that includes the BX22, uses the RCK60B -22 bx.

But a quick search does not show the RCK60B -22 bx as being offered for the BX23, as far as sales of used mower decks goes...

One thing I noticed with my deck, is that as it is raised, it gets closer to the tires due to the curvature of the tires...could it be that previously you were keeping the deck lower, so did not realize it might get close to the tires when raised fully? Just a thought...

Perhaps someone here can tell us what mower deck is supposed to be used on a BX23...

 

[RCW]

I did a quick search here....

Kubota Tractor Corporation - Illustrated Parts List (kubotausa.com)

TractorGal's BX23 is a TLB out of the factory. Pretty sure it's known as a BX23D with Kubota's terminology.

From the Part's website, looks like the RCK60B-22BX is the correct MMM.

I'm wondering if something has come disconnected, or the linkage has out of adjustment or bent.

 

[tinkerwitheverything]

Perhaps someone here can tell us what mower deck is supposed to be used on a BX23...

Sorry I edited my above post. I did take measurements from my deck which is the RCK60 -23bx. That is used on bx23 series tractors.

 

[RCW]

Sorry I edited my above post. I did take measurements from my deck which is the RCK60 -23bx. That is used on bx23 series tractors.

That understandable.

The TLB series don't follow the tractor's implement numbers, they are a number or two off.

A BX25D is a BXxx60 or BXxx70 series tractor. I have a --23BX mower on my BX2360...Betting a BX25D would take a --23BX too...

 

[Henro]

I did a quick search here....

Kubota Tractor Corporation - Illustrated Parts List (kubotausa.com)

TractorGal's BX23 is a TLB out of the factory. Pretty sure it's known as a BX23D with Kubota's terminology.

From the Part's website, looks like the RCK60B-22BX is the correct MMM.

View attachment 78010


I'm wondering if something has come disconnected, or the linkage has out of adjustment or bent.

I am confused, because what you posted shows the RCK60b-22BX as being used on the BX1800 and BX2200, but does not seem to mention the BX23...

Granted it is under the heading of the BX23D though...Not sure why they are calling out the earlier BX tractors...guess I am easily confused...LOL

 

[RCW]

Henro - -

Can't claim any authority other than that's what Kubota calls out as compatible implements for a BX23D.

Only guessing that the --22BX mower is compatible with several tractors.

Remember that Kubota's model designations often indicate the series after the horsepower....so a BX1800 and BX2200 are the same BXxx00 series, with 18 and 22 HP, respectively.

Following my post at #7, often the TLB series don't use that same convention.

Just from memory, BX came in xx00, xx30, xx50, xx60, xx70, xx70-1, and xx80 series.

My neighbor has a BX24. Came as a TLB, about 2005. Guessing it's actually a BX2350 tractor.

 

[Tractor Gal]

Lots of things to consider from the above posts...and I thank each of you for responding with information.

It does appear that one of the rods is bent and that bend may be just enough to reduce the clearance. I'll have to look to see how to straighten it without creating other problems!

As far as the model goes...the actual full model number is
BX23 MLB...mower, loader, backhoe. And, Messick's parts always refer to this as a BX23D. So, who knows what I've got! Purchased parts for a BX23D always fit, so I'll go with that.

I believe this mower fits quite a few tractor models so I'm going to figure this mower came with the other original equipment of loader and backhoe.

Once I can get that rod bend addressed, I think it'll be back to it's original "used" condition. I do think, Henro, that when the mower is at the top position, it does pull back to the tires a bit. I'll have to watch that more closely. I don't mow with it at the top but when not using the mower, I do keep it up to give more ground clearance.

Thanks again. Always learning...always.

TG

 

[leveraddict]

When out working in the woods you really should remove the MMM first. Unfortunately you are finding out the hard way.

 

[RCW]

It does appear that one of the rods is bent and that bend may be just enough to reduce the clearance. I'll have to look to see how to straighten it without creating other problems!

As far as the model goes...the actual full model number is
BX23 MLB...mower, loader, backhoe. And, Messick's parts always refer to this as a BX23D. So, who knows what I've got! Purchased parts for a BX23D always fit, so I'll go with that.

TG - - -

If possible, take the bent rod/link off the machine, and deal with it that way. Those are too heavy/thick to manipulate under the tractor. It's a hassle, yes, but I think the end-product will be better.

That said, if you have a picture of the problem, it would help.

As far as model #, most of the recent factory tractor/loader/backhoe (TLB) machines have the "D" designation at the end. BX23D, BX24D, BX25D. The current is BX23S, so that varies from the tradition.

Your BX23D varies from a BX2200 tractor, in that yours came with a backhoe, and a Kubota backhoe cannot be added to the BX2200 tractor. There's differences in the rear of the tractor. Same applies to a BX25D like 85Hokie has, and my BX2360.

 

[Henro]

When out working in the woods you really should remove the MMM first. Unfortunately you are finding out the hard way.

But when/if you do remove the MMM, remember that with out the MMM your HST cooling fan is exposed on a BX, especially on the earlier models, and it only take one stick to strip the blades off of it, and replacement is a PITA, going from what has been posted here and elsewhere.

 

[dirtydeed]

Tractor Gals mower is the correct model for that BX23. I know that for sure as I had one.

It's been many years but I can't think of any rear lift link adjustment that would move the deck forward.

I would start over and drop the mower deck completely on the ground. Connect the rear links, then lock in the front mount. You may need to go thru the "deck leveling" process again and see if you can pull it more forward with the front latch adjusting rods. Yes, I know that they are used to level and lift the front part of the deck.

Your deck may just be jammed a bit. It would take a pretty good shot to bend the mounting flanges.

Edit, sorry. Just read that you found a bent rod. Hoe you can get it tweaked back to new.

Here is an online pdf owners manual for your deck in case you need it...

Kubota Rotary Mower Operator's Manual (Models RCK60B-22BX and RCK54-22BX) : Kubota Tractor Corporation : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Operator's Manual for Kubota Mid Mount Tractor Rotary Mowers Models RCK60B-22BX and RCK54-22BX (Compatible with the BX1800 and BX2200 tractor models)

archive.org

 

[DustyRusty]

Sorry I edited my above post. I did take measurements from my deck which is the RCK60 -23bx. That is used on bx23 series tractors.

There is no such thing as a BX23 series tractor. Starting with the original series BX22 was a series 00. The BX23S is an 80 Series tractor. Neil Messicks explains all the different series tractors here... https://www.messicks.com/blog/kubota-bx-series-though-the-years-differences#:~:text=The original tractor in the,machines (pictured is BX2200).

 

[DustyRusty]

Possibly the tractor has had wheel spacers added to it sometime in its past life??? That might account for the deck being closer, along with it being knocked out of alignment. The proper way to align a tractor mower deck is by measuring the distance from the tip of the blade to the floor and making sure that the measurements for each blade tip are the same. You have to have a perfectly level floor to start with, and good blades and spindles that are not worn out. It is a tedious job to get it correct, but once you do, it will give you a superior lawn mowing experience.

 

[RCW]

There is no such thing as a BX23 series tractor. Starting with the original series BX22 was a series 00. The BX23S is an 80 Series tractor. Neil Messicks explains all the different series tractors here... https://www.messicks.com/blog/kubota-bx-series-though-the-years-differences#:~:text=The original tractor in the,machines (pictured is BX2200).

True, but there is a BX23D tractor. Comes as a tractor/loader/backhoe from the factory.

 

[dirtydeed]

There is no such thing as a BX23 series tractor. Starting with the original series BX22 was a series 00. The BX23S is an 80 Series tractor. Neil Messicks explains all the different series tractors here... https://www.messicks.com/blog/kubota-bx-series-though-the-years-differences#:~:text=The original tractor in the,machines (pictured is BX2200).

Wrong. I had one for 12 years. It was a BX23D. TLBM.

Its the predecessor of the BX23S. Still don't believe me? Here ya go.

Oh, and here is a closeup of the unicorn mower deck. Note the model number:

and one of my absolute favorites, featuring my dear grandmother at 100 years old sitting on my new (2006) BX23D.

Love this pic. Miss you Mutti.

 

[RCW]

Wrong. I had one for 12 years. It was a BX23D. TLBM.

Its the predecessor of the BX23S. Still don't believe me? Here ya go.

View attachment 78092

Oh, and here is a closeup of the unicorn mower deck. Note the model number:

View attachment 78094

and one of my absolute favorites, featuring my dear grandmother at 100 years old sitting on my new (2006) BX23D.

Love this pic. Miss you Mutti.

View attachment 78095

Thanks, dirtydeed. Thought I had it correctly.....

I know she's passed, but love that pic too!!

 

[DustyRusty]

Wrong. I had one for 12 years. It was a BX23D. TLBM.

Its the predecessor of the BX23S. Still don't believe me? Here ya go.

View attachment 78092

Oh, and here is a closeup of the unicorn mower deck. Note the model number:

View attachment 78094

and one of my absolute favorites, featuring my dear grandmother at 100 years old sitting on my new (2006) BX23D.

Love this pic. Miss you Mutti.

View attachment 78095

If the predecessor of the BX23S was the BX23, then what was the BX24 or BX25? I had a BX22 which was the predecessor of the BX23, then came the BX24, and then the BX25, then the BX23S and today we have the latest BX tractor, loader, backhoe known as the BX-1 or BX23S-1


If x = 5, then predecessor of 5 is 5-1 = 4. If x = 10, then predecessor of 10 is 10-1 = 9. If x = 20, then predecessor of 20 is 20-1 = 19. If x = 50, then predecessor of 50 is 50-1 = 49. If x = 100, then predecessor of 100 is 100-1 = 99.