Since leaf season is upon us, and at the suggestion of our good friend Volfandt, I will attempt to review the features, likes and dislikes of this machine for anyone contemplating a purchase.
I used to tow it with a Craftsman DYT4000 which handled it very well, although when the collection box was full you could feel the weight pulling on the tractor, particularly on side slopes. It is attached to the tractor with the Kubota boot and a hose adapter from DR. Towing behind the BX you don't even know it is there unless you sideswipe a tree.:bonk: This can easily happen if you are not careful turning. The smaller models like mine have large caster wheels and a fixed hitch. This makes it easy to back up but the box swings out in the opposite direction on forward turns. I have brushed a few trees with no damage to the unit. My 5.5 hp machine does not have a chipper but they are available. The engine starts with 1 pull every time. The lifetime warranteed mulching blade does a great job with leaves, grass, small twigs, acorns, needles, etc. The engine is mounted to the frame(trailer) with knobs that can be removed. Then the engine can be lifted off and rolled around on small casters. Very handy for storage. All of the box panels(heavy abs plastic) can also be removed by means of small rubber bungee clips. The trailer can then be stored upright.
Compared to a standard 3 bin bagger I would say the box holds about 20x as many leaves in mulched form. That equates to 19 times not having to get off the machine to empty bins. Leaves enter the box through a cyclonic input chamber which stops them from coming out of the top. The exception is when the box is packed full and there is no where else for them to go. A full indicator would be a nice touch.
The box can be released from the front of the trailer for dumping. As long as the casters are facing forward, the box will stop when it rests against the tires, but if the casters are facing rear the box will flip completely down on its back. :swow: It's a bear to lift back up when it's full. I tied ropes between the frame and box which stops that from happening now, and I have found that because the trailer is connected to the 3PH I don't have to release the box at all. Just raise the 3PH and the entire vac tilts back as far as necessary.
There are several other manufacturers out there but I only have personal experience with this machine for about 4 years now and I really do like it.:thThumbsU
Pay no attention to the dirt in the photos as this is a working machine.:biglaugh:
DR's boot to hose adapter.
Cyclonic chamber keeps leaves and dust inside.
Strong rubber bungee clips work well.
Pneumatic caster wheels with turf tires.
Engine removal knobs. No tools required.
I added the trailer jack for ease of moving
If I missed anything or there are questions, fire away or PM me. Al :smilie_fl
I used to tow it with a Craftsman DYT4000 which handled it very well, although when the collection box was full you could feel the weight pulling on the tractor, particularly on side slopes. It is attached to the tractor with the Kubota boot and a hose adapter from DR. Towing behind the BX you don't even know it is there unless you sideswipe a tree.:bonk: This can easily happen if you are not careful turning. The smaller models like mine have large caster wheels and a fixed hitch. This makes it easy to back up but the box swings out in the opposite direction on forward turns. I have brushed a few trees with no damage to the unit. My 5.5 hp machine does not have a chipper but they are available. The engine starts with 1 pull every time. The lifetime warranteed mulching blade does a great job with leaves, grass, small twigs, acorns, needles, etc. The engine is mounted to the frame(trailer) with knobs that can be removed. Then the engine can be lifted off and rolled around on small casters. Very handy for storage. All of the box panels(heavy abs plastic) can also be removed by means of small rubber bungee clips. The trailer can then be stored upright.
Compared to a standard 3 bin bagger I would say the box holds about 20x as many leaves in mulched form. That equates to 19 times not having to get off the machine to empty bins. Leaves enter the box through a cyclonic input chamber which stops them from coming out of the top. The exception is when the box is packed full and there is no where else for them to go. A full indicator would be a nice touch.
The box can be released from the front of the trailer for dumping. As long as the casters are facing forward, the box will stop when it rests against the tires, but if the casters are facing rear the box will flip completely down on its back. :swow: It's a bear to lift back up when it's full. I tied ropes between the frame and box which stops that from happening now, and I have found that because the trailer is connected to the 3PH I don't have to release the box at all. Just raise the 3PH and the entire vac tilts back as far as necessary.
There are several other manufacturers out there but I only have personal experience with this machine for about 4 years now and I really do like it.:thThumbsU
Pay no attention to the dirt in the photos as this is a working machine.:biglaugh:
DR's boot to hose adapter.
Cyclonic chamber keeps leaves and dust inside.
Strong rubber bungee clips work well.
Pneumatic caster wheels with turf tires.
Engine removal knobs. No tools required.
I added the trailer jack for ease of moving
If I missed anything or there are questions, fire away or PM me. Al :smilie_fl