Turnbuckle solution. one thing turnbuckles should be left a little loose to allow the implement to have some movement . If you don;t turnbuckles will get bent. I advise getting rid of the stiff turnbuckles and go back to the old farmers remedy of using chain to stabilize your lift arms. A short length of chain attached with shackles will do the job and it won't bend or break. you can adjust by changing the position of your shackle, and if you need fine adjustment you can twist the chain. I've used that solution for better than 50 years and it's worked for me.
The log chain and shackles is was I was thinking also. We had a couple bigger MF's that I grew operating and that's the way they were set up and worked fine. As far as play in the turn buckle. I have the nicer ones that have the pin and slide style on my JD3039R 39hp. I have them set tight carrying a 830 pound bush hog and have never had a problem with it. I have it set that way to limit sway. My cutter don't cover the tire tracks by much and my property is hilly.
Agree. I have a 1965 Ford 907 flail that is 7 foot wide that I just finished restoring for my 20 acers. Used it for the first time yesterday and the cut is simply amazing compared to a rotary cutter
John, I hope you are running a HST guard under your BX when you remove the mower deck and working around all those sticks. You don't want to take out your HST cooling fan.
Jon that is one heck of a weed whacker you've got there. If you want to straighten the bent turn buckle use a torch to heat it to cherry red then put it in a vise with aluminum shields to protect the threads of the turn buckle. I don't think it is hardened as it would have broken rather than bent. Chains would be the way to go instead of turnbuckles. Good luck! Great video, thumbs up.
Those are the consumer hardware version of eye bolts. Welding the end to the shank will make a huge difference. Cast eyebolts may be stronger but the end with the left hand thread may be hard to replace. You may want to look at industrial turnbuckles at Granger (granger.com) or McMaster Carr (mcmaster.com). Granger has a store on the south side of the Cities near the airport. There's also a hardware store chain called Mac's in Moorhead, Detroit Lakes, and Olivia (macshardware.com) that is loaded with interesting stuff.
A very creative solution. I replaced the same bolt on my 3-point. Fortunately for me, Messicks is only 20 minutes from my house, and closer then any of the hardware stores. BTW, you can order parts online from Messicks if you can wait to have them shipped. Take care John.
Cool video. I just bought a flail mower, so this was useful to see what I can do with it. Use a round type end with a caribiner that screws together. That will be stronger but easy to take off.
You need to find out the rating on the flail. Light duty can only cut around 3/4" all the way up to the heaviest duty cutting up to 5" . I just don't want you to mess up your setup
Like someone else commented, hammer those ends together and weld it. Like you said though, I was thinking the aluminum threads would fail. That mower really cleaned up that corner!!!
Think I’ll replace them with closed eye bolts. Easier than welding. Besides I lack a welder. Seriously though, the aluminum threads held up. Crazy. Keep on tractoring!
Morning Jon. Tough one on the turnbuckles. The B series have stabilizer bars instead of turnbuckles. Maybe you can see if Kubota makes them to fit the BX series. Good luck out there and enjoy your time at the cabin!
I had another great weekend. I did some more driveway repair at the cabin , video in the works and then cleared some more land out at Yukon Acres. They are two separate locations up north. . Keep on tractoring.
I don’t know if you can get them for the BX but my B2601 has a sliding bar type with holes and a pins 3 point stabilizers on it. Maybe you could order them at your dealership. These are much stronger. Wayne from Wisconsin.
That is a realy nice set up rigvt hear with grapple on front its perfect nice and small id go alittle bit biger not much just for more lift power mabe 40hp what i need great little set up for what you need ive got 60 acres to maintain. Id build some heavy dudy ones.
I tried turn buckle stabilizers. Ripped them apart pretty quick with the rotary cutter. I'll have to caugh up the money for the factory ones at $35 a piece
My 1023E has very nice turn buckets that are easy to turn and are heavy duty enough that I haven't broken them yet. However, they are located on the outside of the lower bars not inside like your Kubota.
Good afternoon Jon Your turn buckle idea is great You just have to get what is called a “”welded eye”” Then they won’t open up Tractor supply carriers them Enjoy EDWARD
looking at buying a farmer helper fh-efg155 for my mahindra 1538. I've never used a flail mower. can you mow in reverse or is it better to pick it up then backup? when cutting a hill is it safer to mow going up, down
I took my bestco 53" flail out again this weekend, 2 more wrecked belts and weeds wrapped around the cutting drum and the outsides of the flail( had to stop and cut away weeeds 2 times) gave up and headed back to get my brush hog. still on the fence if i'm going to get rid of it or spend $100 on hammer blades before I declare it a failure. Most likely I'm going to try the hammers, still want it to work out. I know your's is the medium duty flail, not sure if that makes that much of a difference, but we are having completely different experiences with flail mowers.
I think the only difference between the light and medium duty is the type of blades that come with it. I’m not sure though. I sure hope swapping to hammers works for you. As you’ve seen I’m having a lot of success. Keep in mind however the majority of the footage you’ve seen is sped up so take it slow over the thick dense stuff. Good luck my friend! 👍 Keep on tractoring!
I would for sure try the hammer flails before giving up. From what I've read the "Y" flails are really more like a finish mower (a tough finish mower, but still a finish mower either way). I also wonder what HP tractor you have and whether it's appropriate for the size flail you're running; I've watched almost every flail mower video on TH-cam at this point (lol), and I've yet to see someone with a proper setup using hammer flails get jammed up. I imagine a combination of tough weeds, not enough HP, and dull or incorrect flails would create a situation where the drum can't get up to proper speed, starts burning through belts, and causes havok. Just my .02 as an armchair TH-camr.
My tractor is 23hp but just 17hp at the PTO. I’ve seen GP outdoors use the knives for some tall grass but when he used the hammers he had better success with thicker stuff.
Jon does the cutter cut in reverse ? The 3ph stabilizers from Kubota are pretty much your best choice unless you want to fabricate some. I snug mine down pretty good to prevent any side to side play.
I hope you made a video of the backhoe / 3940. Nice snipit at the end of this video. The 3940 was your father's tractor, wasn't it ? The cab on your B series is so nice I forget it isn't a factory heat / AC unit. Sorry don't want to rub HEAT in the wound. That flail mower is great. You can get turnbuckles that are cast iron / steel that are for rigging but they might cost more than the replacement Kubota parts [ try heating and straightening the original }. It depends who you ask but Pittsburgh, Pa. is part of Appalachia and some of us say "crick" some say "creek". I say "Wurch ing ton' as well as Washington. Always a interesting video. Take care and enjoy the family.
Yes a video is coming on the 3940 and it was my father tractor. (Papa tractor) as my kids knew him. 😇 The cab I have is actually on a BX series and it is very nice. I’m extremely happy with it! AC is an option for it but heat in the winter was my main priority! Keep on tractoring!
It is not stamped, it’s fabricated and it’s Chinese made but has held up to everything I’ve thrown at it. I’ve been truly impressed by it. Keep on tractoring!
I think it's a good idea to replace the vertical rods the lift your lifting arms with chain so that the mower can articulate up and down fro side to side.
you are looking for a telescopic stabilizer kit. kubota makes a kit for L-series (L8430), but not sure about the bx. there may be an aftermarket kit available.
@@ritterjon Mark Hodge makes the telescoping stabilizers for the BX. He's on some of the Kubota facebook groups. Someone else mentioned them in another comment. www.stabilworks.rocks O&D Life did a video about them as well. definitely a better option than the original set.
I got a dr brush mower for our 6 acres with an average grade of 25-30 degrees throughout. I’ve struggled with the thick brush and the brush mower. It’s just not powerful enough to cut through the mustard weeds and milk thistle without getting jammed every 50 feet.. I thought it would be my only solution since the grade is so steep. I’m now looking into a tractor and mower solution. Would this little 4wd kubota and flail work for me? Nice work out there!
This would definitely be an option for you. The BX has the power to run my 48 inch flail without an issue. In the really thick fibrous stuff I usually have to go over it slowly multiple times but it leaves a great finish cut. I love that it mulches everything up so nicely. For the really steep inclines I’d recommend looking at a ventrac. They can handle some very steep inclines up to 40 degrees I think. Keep on tractoring!
put those factory ends on 2 Pieces of threaded rod could ac weld them and screw them into that center section,might work... Or just Weld those hooks shut. Your showing up GP with that Flail Mower!!
I’m lacking a welder. That and a drone are on my wish list. The flail mower is really exceeding my expectations. Glad GP talked me into it. Keep on tractoring!
I tried the same and it didn't take long until I bent both, switched to the telescopic flat bars and they held up better, tho I did bend one. They are spendy and I did have to shorten the spacers to fit on my B1700 but a lot quicker to adjust. A word of warning, if you push the clip pin to the first notch brush will pull them out, I lost both on mine, push them all the way in to the end.
Jon not sure if you seen these are not? They look like pretty nice replacement stabilizers for the 3 point. Someday when I finally breakdown and buy a tractor I was going to look into these style for easy adjustment and no threads to get rusty or plugged with dirty. Check out the video Kubota BX23S Stabilworks Telescoping Stabilizers 3 point Hitch BX
You could buy a steel set that work for what you need and heat treat them and then temper them.or ask a machinist to make you some.im sure they wouldn't charge a lot.
It’s called dryer screen used on a paper machine. You won’t find it for sale anywhere. It’s actually some of the toughest stuff I’ve ever used. Keep on tractoring!
About the same temp as it is outside but in the shade. Also keeping the windows open helps because the reverse cooling system the BX has it brings some circulation in through the windows. Also even with the windows open the deer flies don’t fly in. Keep on tractoring!
Have you tried to weld the turnbuckle eyes closed? if it has zinc either dip in muratic acid or grind off welding pads and always have strong ventilation as zinc fumes can make you sick.
I had a good amount of flail mowing to do yet. However you’re right. I did end up on the 3940 later that day. You’ll see it in a future video. Keep on tractoring!
@@ritterjon Thanks so much for the reply, I appreciate it! Do you have issues with grass or wire etc getting caught up on the outer ends of the cutter shaft? I have a Mott flail mower and I am trying to cut very thick and long bahia/hay grass, and the grass keeps getting sucked up into my cuttershaft bearings and smoking them. I can't go more than 30 feet without ruining a set of bearings. I was looking at getting a mower like yours with the hammers. I have the fine cut knives and think the hammers will perform better. But I am trying to find a manufacturer that has a great wire protection system so that I just don't end up with the same problem I have on my current flail mower. Thanks again! Just found the channel and subbed!
Hi Jon. Do you have a shield protecting your HST fan. I was one of the idiots that didn't protect my fan on my BX cost me $700 dollars CDN to repair. My solution was to buy a B2601, now no problem. Everytime I see you out using your flail mower it reminds me of my situation. Great videos thanks.
I do have a skid plate that I’ll eventually do a review on. I didn’t want to break that HST fan so a skid plate was essential. The B2601 sure is a nice machine. I bet you’re enjoying it! Keep on tractoring!
I hated the BX 3 point stabilizing arms however the ones on my B26 are awesome. Can use my hand to get them as tight as needed and then I just put in a pin that keeps them tight. So tools needed and works well.
The BX stabilizer arms could use some improvement! They’ve had the same set up for years now and there are better ideas now to implement. Keep on tractoring!
How did you decide to get two machines? We are taking delivery of a 4760 soon and trading in our 25hp LS, but worried we are going to miss our mulch carrier.. bx seems temping but hard to justify that extra money.
You will no doubt miss your smaller LS. The only way I decided on keeping two machines is that the L3940 was my dads who passed away 6 years ago. At first we tried to sell it but selling a used tractor is difficult with the 0% rates they give you for buying a new one. So instead I bought it from my mom but I don't get to use it that often. It's 3 hours away from where I live. Someday I hope to have a use for it. It has more sentimental value to me than anything else of my dads. Keep on tractoring!
@@ritterjon Thank you for your response, that's awesome that you have something of your father's like that. I'm a first generation tractorer, but hope i can pass something like that on too! I was really hoping you'd say i wont miss my smaller machine! damn!
I’m not sure where it’s made actually. I know it’s made overseas somewhere. I’m so far very impressed with its performance and quality. Keep on tractoring!
OD got some from net. and years ago I brock mine in behond repaire and I welded it 3 or 4 times , I dought mine a tractor salemane for 16.$ bucks .all steel .from Idea made .they are very goods .
Oh yes, those parts. All together about $25. My local hardware store Menards had everything I needed. Seems to work well. Help up just fine plowing snow this winter as well. Keep on tractoring!
With the turnbuckles being aluminum, those threads won't last long to punishment. Look for STEEL eyelets & body. The threads in the aluminum body can't take torture from steel threaded bolts. As I have found out on an experiment.
I’m actually kind of surprised they’ve held up through an entire season of plowing snow. I’ll be using a brush hog later this summer and I expect them to fail. We’ll find out I guess. Keep on tractoring!
Greetings from Southern Ohio! That flail mower is a beast! I’m impressed! How does the flail mower performance compare to a rotary cutter in those conditions? Thanks and take care, Fred.
I think the compactness of the flail mower is a better fit for smaller tractors and rotary cutters seem to throw material everywhere. The flail mower mulches everything up extremely well. I think you can go a little faster with a rotary cutter but the cut is far better with a flail mower. Keep on tractoring.
That BX looks like a small breeze would blow it over with the cab setup. Not a fan of that Chinese flail either, even though the cut quality seems good.
I was thankful for the cab not to have brush hitting me in the face and it kept the deer flies off of me. I took a chance on the flail mower holding up through the stress I’d put it under. It’s impressed me so far. The US made flails were double the price. Keep on tractoring!
Great minds think alike! It probably won’t be the last time I bend one. I think it’ll be common practice for me always have a spare whenever I’m out and about. Keep on tractoring!
The skid plate and the under armor in this case could be considered the same. However, I tend to think of a skid plate as a very robust device made of thick steel that protects a vehicle like a jeep from tearing out a transmission, oil pan, transfer case etc when off roading . The skid plate needs to be able to support the weight of the vehicle and try to prevent damage to the protected items. The Bxexpanded under armor is made of a lighter steel and designed to just deflect sticks from penetrating into the HST fan from breaking blades, filters from being punctured, etc. However, the under armor is not capable of supporting and deflecting the tractor. The question I had in my mind was two fold 1. Did you have the under armor, which you answered-yes and 2. I was hoping you elaborate a little and state whether or not you ha d taken the time to install it before you went out and ran you BX through all the heavy brush while flail mowing with the mower deck removed. I cringed seeing you run through all that brush, knowing the damage that could be done. So, the real question is: did you have the under armor/ skid plate installed when making the last flail mowing video? Thanks
@@ritterjon Lol. Yes, but the JD has the stabilizers on the outside, rather the inside, so it's more direct and less susceptible to bending. And they have the lords power on their side!
I know you mentioned that you are not looking for the adjustable stabilizer bars but that is what I am using now. I have a set of the Hodge stabilizers from Stabilworks. www.stabilworks.rocks/about It was a bit of a wait as Mark had a lot of orders when I ordered mine. Mark does fantastic work and they are a well built high quality item. Anyway for what its worth that's what I use.
I know he makes a great product as I’ve seen many people comment how happy they are with it. I’m kind of stubborn however and I try all the cheap alternatives first. Maybe Mark would like to send me some at a discount I could feature. 😁 Keep on tractoring!
@@ritterjon Are you the same with your choice of oil? Seems rather silly to pinch pennies when it comes to a machine worth well over 25k. Especially on something like a critical load bearing part.
That’s a good suggestion as I know some folks like to hear the equipment working. I’ll try and remember to do that next time. Thanks. Keep on tractoring!
It dident have chains in begening all are trators use chais and u slack in out one link at a time never have problem but never used small tractors under old 8n ford
Turnbuckle solution. one thing turnbuckles should be left a little loose to allow the implement to have some movement . If you don;t turnbuckles will get bent. I advise getting rid of the stiff turnbuckles and go back to the old farmers remedy of using chain to stabilize your lift arms. A short length of chain attached with shackles will do the job and it won't bend or break. you can adjust by changing the position of your shackle, and if you need fine adjustment you can twist the chain. I've used that solution for better than 50 years and it's worked for me.
The log chain and shackles is was I was thinking also. We had a couple bigger MF's that I grew operating and that's the way they were set up and worked fine.
As far as play in the turn buckle. I have the nicer ones that have the pin and slide style on my JD3039R 39hp. I have them set tight carrying a 830 pound bush hog and have never had a problem with it. I have it set that way to limit sway. My cutter don't cover the tire tracks by much and my property is hilly.
My Ford flail mower is at least 30 years old and still works great. Flails do such a nice job, I rarely use my bush hog anymore.
Agree. I have a 1965 Ford 907 flail that is 7 foot wide that I just finished restoring for my 20 acers. Used it for the first time yesterday and the cut is simply amazing compared to a rotary cutter
John, I hope you are running a HST guard under your BX when you remove the mower deck and working around all those sticks. You don't want to take out your HST cooling fan.
I do have a skid plate that I’ll be doing a review on eventually.
Keep on tractoring!
Jon that is one heck of a weed whacker you've got there. If you want to straighten the bent turn buckle use a torch to heat it to cherry red then put it in a vise with aluminum shields to protect the threads of the turn buckle. I don't think it is hardened as it would have broken rather than bent. Chains would be the way to go instead of turnbuckles. Good luck! Great video, thumbs up.
Hammer your ends back together and weld them, the most you'll be out of is time and a little rod.
I think eye bolts are my best solution. I’ll see what I can find.
Keep on tractoring!
Those are the consumer hardware version of eye bolts. Welding the end to the shank will make a huge difference. Cast eyebolts may be stronger but the end with the left hand thread may be hard to replace.
You may want to look at industrial turnbuckles at Granger (granger.com) or McMaster Carr (mcmaster.com). Granger has a store on the south side of the Cities near the airport.
There's also a hardware store chain called Mac's in Moorhead, Detroit Lakes, and Olivia (macshardware.com) that is loaded with interesting stuff.
Enjoying your videos. Owned Kubota 2410 for years. Very tough little tractor. Think you'll be satisfied. Thanks from north carolina
Thanks for the comment!
Keep on tractoring!
A very creative solution. I replaced the same bolt on my 3-point. Fortunately for me, Messicks is only 20 minutes from my house, and closer then any of the hardware stores. BTW, you can order parts online from Messicks if you can wait to have them shipped. Take care John.
Good evening Sir that flail mower is really a great tool !!! Cheers !!!
It’s really impressed me so far! I couldn’t be happier!
Keep on tractoring!
@@ritterjon Yes very tuff against rocks !!! Cheers !!!
Cool video. I just bought a flail mower, so this was useful to see what I can do with it. Use a round type end with a caribiner that screws together. That will be stronger but easy to take off.
You need to find out the rating on the flail. Light duty can only cut around 3/4" all the way up to the heaviest duty cutting up to 5" . I just don't want you to mess up your setup
That mower is going to be the best thing you bought for your property!
Weld up your links( on your turn buckles) and they should be fine.
Cheers
I agree, it combined with the grapple is just awesome and fun! 👍😁👍
They make closed eye bolts I’ll try next.
Keep on tractoring!
A grapple is on my wish list. Maybe next spring. Cheers
Like someone else commented, hammer those ends together and weld it. Like you said though, I was thinking the aluminum threads would fail. That mower really cleaned up that corner!!!
Think I’ll replace them with closed eye bolts. Easier than welding. Besides I lack a welder. Seriously though, the aluminum threads held up. Crazy.
Keep on tractoring!
Morning Jon. Tough one on the turnbuckles. The B series have stabilizer bars instead of turnbuckles. Maybe you can see if Kubota makes them to fit the BX series. Good luck out there and enjoy your time at the cabin!
I had another great weekend. I did some more driveway repair at the cabin , video in the works and then cleared some more land out at Yukon Acres. They are two separate locations up north. .
Keep on tractoring.
I don’t know if you can get them for the BX but my B2601 has a sliding bar type with holes and a pins 3 point stabilizers on it. Maybe you could order them at your dealership. These are much stronger. Wayne from Wisconsin.
That is a realy nice set up rigvt hear with grapple on front its perfect nice and small id go alittle bit biger not much just for more lift power mabe 40hp what i need great little set up for what you need ive got 60 acres to maintain. Id build some heavy dudy ones.
Nice video. Good luck on the subscribers. I'll certainly be watching.
Why do you edit out the part where it cuts the big trees?
I added turnbuckles, and bent them like you did. I then got heavy ones from mcnastercarr.
That little orange boo'kota tractor has a cab SO huge that it looks like will flip over on a 2.0% grade... funny looking...
I tried turn buckle stabilizers. Ripped them apart pretty quick with the rotary cutter. I'll have to caugh up the money for the factory ones at $35 a piece
35 a piece huh, well, that’s not terrible but I don’t really like the design anyway. I’m going to try plan B first.
Keep on tractoring!
My 1023E has very nice turn buckets that are easy to turn and are heavy duty enough that I haven't broken them yet. However, they are located on the outside of the lower bars not inside like your Kubota.
Good afternoon Jon
Your turn buckle idea is great
You just have to get what is called a “”welded eye””
Then they won’t open up
Tractor supply carriers them
Enjoy
EDWARD
I think that’s the ticket! 👍
Keep on tractoring!
looking at buying a farmer helper fh-efg155 for my mahindra 1538. I've never used a flail mower. can you mow in reverse or is it better to pick it up then backup? when cutting a hill is it safer to mow going up, down
John - How does the BX with the Flail mower attached fit in your dump trailer? I'd be curious to see that video.
Are the turn buckles to keep it for swaying side to side? If so just run some chain from each side on a diagonal
I took my bestco 53" flail out again this weekend, 2 more wrecked belts and weeds wrapped around the cutting drum and the outsides of the flail( had to stop and cut away weeeds 2 times) gave up and headed back to get my brush hog. still on the fence if i'm going to get rid of it or spend $100 on hammer blades before I declare it a failure. Most likely I'm going to try the hammers, still want it to work out. I know your's is the medium duty flail, not sure if that makes that much of a difference, but we are having completely different experiences with flail mowers.
I think the only difference between the light and medium duty is the type of blades that come with it. I’m not sure though. I sure hope swapping to hammers works for you. As you’ve seen I’m having a lot of success. Keep in mind however the majority of the footage you’ve seen is sped up so take it slow over the thick dense stuff.
Good luck my friend! 👍
Keep on tractoring!
I would for sure try the hammer flails before giving up. From what I've read the "Y" flails are really more like a finish mower (a tough finish mower, but still a finish mower either way). I also wonder what HP tractor you have and whether it's appropriate for the size flail you're running; I've watched almost every flail mower video on TH-cam at this point (lol), and I've yet to see someone with a proper setup using hammer flails get jammed up. I imagine a combination of tough weeds, not enough HP, and dull or incorrect flails would create a situation where the drum can't get up to proper speed, starts burning through belts, and causes havok. Just my .02 as an armchair TH-camr.
My tractor is 23hp but just 17hp at the PTO. I’ve seen GP outdoors use the knives for some tall grass but when he used the hammers he had better success with thicker stuff.
Woodmax has flails to I'm not sure if they go this small though.
Jon does the cutter cut in reverse ? The 3ph stabilizers from Kubota are pretty much your best choice unless you want to fabricate some. I snug mine down pretty good to prevent any side to side play.
It will cut in reverse but of course it cuts better going forward. Going over it multiple times really mulches it up.
Keep on tractoring!
I hope you made a video of the backhoe / 3940. Nice snipit at the end of this video. The 3940 was your father's tractor, wasn't it ? The cab on your B series is so nice I forget it isn't a factory heat / AC unit. Sorry don't want to rub HEAT in the wound. That flail mower is great. You can get turnbuckles that are cast iron / steel that are for rigging but they might cost more than the replacement Kubota parts [ try heating and straightening the original }. It depends who you ask but Pittsburgh, Pa. is part of Appalachia and some of us say "crick" some say "creek". I say "Wurch ing ton' as well as Washington. Always a interesting video. Take care and enjoy the family.
Yes a video is coming on the 3940 and it was my father tractor. (Papa tractor) as my kids knew him. 😇
The cab I have is actually on a BX series and it is very nice. I’m extremely happy with it! AC is an option for it but heat in the winter was my main priority!
Keep on tractoring!
Would this work better than a rotary cutter for saplings and undergrowth in woods where you have to maneuver between trees?
Thanks
I think this is definitely the ticket to tackle that sort of job. The shorter profile makes it much more maneuverable.
Keep on tractoring!
Is it stamped or does it say where the Betsco Flail mower is made?
It is not stamped, it’s fabricated and it’s Chinese made but has held up to everything I’ve thrown at it. I’ve been truly impressed by it.
Keep on tractoring!
I think it's a good idea to replace the vertical rods the lift your lifting arms with chain so that the mower can articulate up and down fro side to side.
Hmm 🤔 haven’t thought about that idea. I’ll look into it. Thanks!
Keep on tractoring!
A small ratcheting chain binder with a folding handle may work.
Great video Jon👍
Thanks Hank!
Keep on tractoring!
I modified a pair of B series stabilizers to work on my BX. Works great.
Good video mate. How wide is the flail you've got on there? Cheers
you are looking for a telescopic stabilizer kit. kubota makes a kit for L-series (L8430), but not sure about the bx. there may be an aftermarket kit available.
I’ve got those on the L series. Pretty sure they’d be too big for the BX.
Keep on tractoring!
@@ritterjon Mark Hodge makes the telescoping stabilizers for the BX. He's on some of the Kubota facebook groups. Someone else mentioned them in another comment. www.stabilworks.rocks O&D Life did a video about them as well. definitely a better option than the original set.
I got a dr brush mower for our 6 acres with an average grade of 25-30 degrees throughout. I’ve struggled with the thick brush and the brush mower. It’s just not powerful enough to cut through the mustard weeds and milk thistle without getting jammed every 50 feet.. I thought it would be my only solution since the grade is so steep. I’m now looking into a tractor and mower solution. Would this little 4wd kubota and flail work for me? Nice work out there!
This would definitely be an option for you. The BX has the power to run my 48 inch flail without an issue. In the really thick fibrous stuff I usually have to go over it slowly multiple times but it leaves a great finish cut. I love that it mulches everything up so nicely. For the really steep inclines I’d recommend looking at a ventrac. They can handle some very steep inclines up to 40 degrees I think.
Keep on tractoring!
A RITTER BIT WILL DO
Thanks for the tips!
put those factory ends on 2 Pieces of threaded rod could ac weld them and screw them into that center section,might work... Or just Weld those hooks shut. Your showing up GP with that Flail Mower!!
I’m lacking a welder. That and a drone are on my wish list. The flail mower is really exceeding my expectations. Glad GP talked me into it.
Keep on tractoring!
Jon do you think an 1880 would do just as well?
Buy telescopic stabilizers. They are best and really quick to work with. It made my life alot easier. No wrenchs
I tried the same and it didn't take long until I bent both, switched to the telescopic flat bars and they held up better, tho I did bend one. They are spendy and I did have to shorten the spacers to fit on my B1700 but a lot quicker to adjust. A word of warning, if you push the clip pin to the first notch brush will pull them out, I lost both on mine, push them all the way in to the end.
Jon not sure if you seen these are not? They look like pretty nice replacement stabilizers for the 3 point. Someday when I finally breakdown and buy a tractor I was going to look into these style for easy adjustment and no threads to get rusty or plugged with dirty.
Check out the video Kubota BX23S Stabilworks Telescoping Stabilizers 3 point Hitch BX
Thanks! Hurry up and get that tractor! No one likes shovels and rakes. 😁
Keep on tractoring! Not shoveling.
Talk to Ai2 to find out. I think Kubota model is forged for more strength so you won’t get good results from the cheaper ones.
Maybe try 2 welded eye bolts with a rod coupling nut to connect them. I personally use mark hodge stabilizer bars and love them.
I’ll probably try the closed (welded) eye bolts next. Mark Hodge makes a great product but it not cheap.
Keep on tractoring!
You could buy a steel set that work for what you need and heat treat them and then temper them.or ask a machinist to make you some.im sure they wouldn't charge a lot.
I brought your subscriber count one closer to your goal of 10K lol. great channel
I appreciate that! Glad to have you. Thanks!
Keep on tractoring!
I'm wondering what the material is that you park your tractor on? Looks like a good moisture barrier.
It’s called dryer screen used on a paper machine. You won’t find it for sale anywhere. It’s actually some of the toughest stuff I’ve ever used.
Keep on tractoring!
@@ritterjon Thanks for the reply. I'll keep looking for something to park on.
Try McMaster-Carr Industrial Supply House. They have clevis end turnbuckles with 1/4-20 thread to 1-8 thread.
What is the work surface you are working on?
Trying to figure out what you mean? 🤷♂️
That mower looks like it does a great job
It continues to impress me and I haven’t broke it yet.
Keep on tractoring!
i like those stock turn buckles.
Hey Jon, got another question. How warm is it in the cab this summer? 🤔🤔🤔
About the same temp as it is outside but in the shade. Also keeping the windows open helps because the reverse cooling system the BX has it brings some circulation in through the windows. Also even with the windows open the deer flies don’t fly in.
Keep on tractoring!
Have you tried to weld the turnbuckle eyes closed? if it has zinc either dip in muratic acid or grind off welding pads and always have strong ventilation as zinc fumes can make you sick.
I ended up getting the stabilizers from Messicks and they are awesome!
Keep on tractoring!
weld the eye hooks to make a solid ring at the end
The 3940 might have been a good choice for this very hot day as it has air conditioning.
I had a good amount of flail mowing to do yet. However you’re right. I did end up on the 3940 later that day. You’ll see it in a future video.
Keep on tractoring!
Great video! What brand of flail mower is that?
Thanks, the flail is a Bestco EFG-125. It really has worked great for me. Highly recommend!
Keep on tractoring!
@@ritterjon Thanks so much for the reply, I appreciate it!
Do you have issues with grass or wire etc getting caught up on the outer ends of the cutter shaft?
I have a Mott flail mower and I am trying to cut very thick and long bahia/hay grass, and the grass keeps getting sucked up into my cuttershaft bearings and smoking them. I can't go more than 30 feet without ruining a set of bearings.
I was looking at getting a mower like yours with the hammers. I have the fine cut knives and think the hammers will perform better.
But I am trying to find a manufacturer that has a great wire protection system so that I just don't end up with the same problem I have on my current flail mower.
Thanks again! Just found the channel and subbed!
I sure hope you have an under shield on your BX
I do have a skid plate that I’ll be doing a review on eventually.
Keep on tractoring!
Ya Minnesotans pronounce "creek" like the Pennsyltuckians "Crik", you sure know how to work that magnificent little "bota" Mr. Ritter.
Weld the openings closed on the turn buckles and it won’t stretch out.
I found some solid eye bolts to use. We’ll see how plan B will work out.
Keep on tractoring!
Hi Jon. Do you have a shield protecting your HST fan. I was one of the idiots that didn't protect my fan on my BX cost me $700 dollars CDN to repair. My solution was to buy a B2601, now no problem. Everytime I see you out using your flail mower it reminds me of my situation. Great videos thanks.
I do have a skid plate that I’ll eventually do a review on. I didn’t want to break that HST fan so a skid plate was essential. The B2601 sure is a nice machine. I bet you’re enjoying it!
Keep on tractoring!
100% stabilworks. Mark Hodge. Worth every nickel
Why not crimp the hooks and weld them closed? Have a shackle at the end and there's a problem solved as long as the aluminium doesn't fail.
Gone rendered to atoms.
😂
i see you have a death machine as some call it lol. i have the plain 83 200.
If you get sanles steel I bolts the mild steel is to soft.
Do you have cheld under your BX
Yes I do, I’ll be doing a review on it real soon.
Keep on tractoring!
I hated the BX 3 point stabilizing arms however the ones on my B26 are awesome. Can use my hand to get them as tight as needed and then I just put in a pin that keeps them tight. So tools needed and works well.
The BX stabilizer arms could use some improvement! They’ve had the same set up for years now and there are better ideas now to implement.
Keep on tractoring!
they must make those in steel dude !
I’ve already found a few different options. 👍 We’ll have a new system in place eventually.
Keep on tractoring
You need forged loops on your turn buckles
I upgraded and now have them. They've been working much better.
Keep on tractoring!
How did you decide to get two machines? We are taking delivery of a 4760 soon and trading in our 25hp LS, but worried we are going to miss our mulch carrier.. bx seems temping but hard to justify that extra money.
You will no doubt miss your smaller LS. The only way I decided on keeping two machines is that the L3940 was my dads who passed away 6 years ago. At first we tried to sell it but selling a used tractor is difficult with the 0% rates they give you for buying a new one. So instead I bought it from my mom but I don't get to use it that often. It's 3 hours away from where I live. Someday I hope to have a use for it. It has more sentimental value to me than anything else of my dads.
Keep on tractoring!
@@ritterjon Thank you for your response, that's awesome that you have something of your father's like that. I'm a first generation tractorer, but hope i can pass something like that on too! I was really hoping you'd say i wont miss my smaller machine! damn!
Maybe try welding them so they don’t separate.
I think I can replace them with eye bolts that are already fused. Don’t want to be welding zinc plated stuff anyway.
Keep on tractoring!
This is true... Didn’t realize they were zinc coated. They didn’t look it.
Make the stablizers out of flat stock or something that can’t fail. I guess
Hello, thank you for making great video and share your experience. Is this flail mower China Made?
I’m not sure where it’s made actually. I know it’s made overseas somewhere. I’m so far very impressed with its performance and quality.
Keep on tractoring!
Yes a betsco is made in China. I have one of their ditch flail mowers, lighter uses should be ok.
Jon you make work get done using the equipment right
God Bless
PaK
Thank you and I really appreciate you always taking the time to comment on my channel!
Keep on tractoring and God bless.
Close the hooks back up and weld them. That would be my first try. Hope it works!
Found some closed ones I’ll be using next time. 👍
Keep on tractoring!
I think they make those out of Tempered steel.
A few people have sent me some links. We’ll get it figured out now!
Keep on tractoring!
A good spot weld might help
They do make close eye bolts I think I’ll try first. I don’t own a welder yet.
Keep on tractoring!
OD got some from net. and years ago I brock mine in behond repaire and I welded it 3 or 4 times , I dought mine a tractor salemane for 16.$ bucks .all steel .from Idea made .they are very goods .
weld the eyes together
O & D Life has some of those that are real great
Thanks 👍 they will be my plan C if plan B doesn’t work out.
Keep on tractoring.
How much did all of those parts cost?
Please be more specific, what parts are you referring to?
The parts you got for the three point like the steel eyes, and the aluminum turnbuckles.
Oh yes, those parts. All together about $25. My local hardware store Menards had everything I needed. Seems to work well. Help up just fine plowing snow this winter as well.
Keep on tractoring!
Weld the ends so they don't open...
They make closed eye bolts I’ll likely try next.
Keep on tractoring!
With the turnbuckles being aluminum, those threads won't last long to punishment. Look for STEEL eyelets & body. The threads in the aluminum body can't take torture from steel threaded bolts. As I have found out on an experiment.
I’m actually kind of surprised they’ve held up through an entire season of plowing snow. I’ll be using a brush hog later this summer and I expect them to fail. We’ll find out I guess.
Keep on tractoring!
Use a turnbuckle with clevis ends.
I think that’s the next plan. 👍
Keep on tractoring!
Greetings from Southern Ohio! That flail mower is a beast! I’m impressed! How does the flail mower performance compare to a rotary cutter in those conditions? Thanks and take care, Fred.
I think the compactness of the flail mower is a better fit for smaller tractors and rotary cutters seem to throw material everywhere. The flail mower mulches everything up extremely well. I think you can go a little faster with a rotary cutter but the cut is far better with a flail mower.
Keep on tractoring.
So after multiple years, have you had to replace any blades or had any issues with this flail mower? Thank you
I probably have around 80 hours on it and still original everything except paint. It's help up remarkably well.
Keep on tractoring!
That BX looks like a small breeze would blow it over with the cab setup.
Not a fan of that Chinese flail either, even though the cut quality seems good.
I was thankful for the cab not to have brush hitting me in the face and it kept the deer flies off of me.
I took a chance on the flail mower holding up through the stress I’d put it under. It’s impressed me so far. The US made flails were double the price.
Keep on tractoring!
To funny I just bent one also, and did the same fix.
Great minds think alike! It probably won’t be the last time I bend one. I think it’ll be common practice for me always have a spare whenever I’m out and about.
Keep on tractoring!
👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🗽🙏🏻 Enjoyed!
Do you have the bxexpanded or other guard installed to prevent a stick from destroying the plastic HST fan?
I have the bxpanded skid plate I’ll eventually do a review on.
Keep on tractoring!
I guess I asked the wrong question I meant did you have the under armor instead??
I guess I’m still kind of confused. I thought a skid plate was considered under armor.
The skid plate and the under armor in this case could be considered the same. However, I tend to think of a skid plate as a very robust device made of thick steel that protects a vehicle like a jeep from tearing out a transmission, oil pan, transfer case etc when off roading . The skid plate needs to be able to support the weight of the vehicle and try to prevent damage to the protected items. The Bxexpanded under armor is made of a lighter steel and designed to just deflect sticks from penetrating into the HST fan from breaking blades, filters from being punctured, etc. However, the under armor is not capable of supporting and deflecting the tractor.
The question I had in my mind was two fold 1. Did you have the under armor, which you answered-yes and 2. I was hoping you elaborate a little and state whether or not you ha d taken the time to install it before you went out and ran you BX through all the heavy brush while flail mowing with the mower deck removed. I cringed seeing you run through all that brush, knowing the damage that could be done. So, the real question is: did you have the under armor/ skid plate installed when making the last flail mowing video?
Thanks
Couldn't u back in high brush
Oh, heck no,,, digger pine cones are hard,, about the size of a football(American)
I’ve never heard of them. They sound awful! Sure glad we don’t get them anywhere around here.
So you bring out the Indian tractor couldn't even stay with same brand
I don’t understand your comment 🤔
... blades must be dull 😏 ...
Maybe a little.
If you had a Deere, they wouldn’t have bent!
Because the Deere wouldn’t have enough power to bend them right. 😂 just kidding.
Keep on tractoring!
@@ritterjon Lol. Yes, but the JD has the stabilizers on the outside, rather the inside, so it's more direct and less susceptible to bending. And they have the lords power on their side!
I know you mentioned that you are not looking for the adjustable stabilizer bars but that is what I am using now. I have a set of the Hodge stabilizers from Stabilworks. www.stabilworks.rocks/about It was a bit of a wait as Mark had a lot of orders when I ordered mine. Mark does fantastic work and they are a well built high quality item. Anyway for what its worth that's what I use.
I know he makes a great product as I’ve seen many people comment how happy they are with it. I’m kind of stubborn however and I try all the cheap alternatives first. Maybe Mark would like to send me some at a discount I could feature. 😁
Keep on tractoring!
@@ritterjon Are you the same with your choice of oil? Seems rather silly to pinch pennies when it comes to a machine worth well over 25k. Especially on something like a critical load bearing part.
i can barely hear that mower working with this music. put some breaks in there without music maybe? i want to hear the thing working.
That’s a good suggestion as I know some folks like to hear the equipment working. I’ll try and remember to do that next time. Thanks.
Keep on tractoring!
i want to hear the machines. LOL
I'm bored. The front of the mower should be angled up more. 🤔🤔🤔
👍🤪👍
It dident have chains in begening all are trators use chais and u slack in out one link at a time never have problem but never used small tractors under old 8n ford
Where the heck are you
Minnesota, where are you?
The systems for that is not 5.00
Yeah no kidding, I don’t even want to find out what it would cost to replace. I’ll find another solution instead.
Keep on tractoring!
Just weld the eye closed