BX 1860 Mower Deck Question

Mike, with few exceptions that Top position has been a bear for every BX owner.

There is an adjustment which sets the maximum lift the MMM's lift arms will go and when set properly there should be approx 1/32" clearance between that stop and the MMM. I've used a feeler gauge to make sure I had mine right and getting into and out of the Top position us still a bear at times. That adjustment should also cut down on the MMM banging on that stop but in reality the only way to keep it from banging is to slightly lower the MMM when transporting over rough terrain.

Theres a couple tricks to try to get the MMM locked in the Top position. I use #1.
1) While continuing to hold the 3ph lever in the raised position, turn the dial to the Top position, this works most times for me.

2) With the MMM fully rasied, alternately rock the MMM while turning the knob to Top, this has worked for me also.

There has a been a few folks to actually file down the Top position step on the dial assembly which made it easier to lock the MMM in the Top position. It's actually not a bad mod but it's not the easiset to get at with a file of grinder.

In any case, what you're expericencing w/the 2 questions is very common to BX MMM's.
Dave

Something I've noticed on my bx2660 is that if I am running low RPMs ( like on start up), and raise my MMM that I have trouble getting my dial to go into the TOP position.

If I raise the deck when running at least 2500 RPM, I never have any trouble getting it to the TOP position.

Maybe it is a fluke, but raising my RPMs has worked every time for me. Worth a try.

Right ON with all the above!! I'll add that occasionally I've had to lower the deck, rev to about half throttle or better, then lift again.

Also, make sure you're 3PH drop speed knob isn't turned in too tightly!

If all these tips fail to allow you to lock it into TOP position, it may be time to start looking for a bent linkage somewhere!

The adjustment for how far up the MMM comes on the BX50 and 60 series is in the back just inside the top of the left rear tire when facing forwards. Should be a double nut, one keeper, and the other the adjusting nut, on a trunnion rod. I forget which way you need to turn the adjusting nut (been a few years), but play with it a little and you should be able to get the mower to come up a little more so you can rotate the knob into the TOP position. Good luck.

In addition to have the max height adjusted correctly, I greased the notches on the ramped cylinder at the business and of the adjustment knob under the tractor. Made the dial a lot easier to use and the shape of the ramps prevents inadvertant dial changes. I use the TOP position frequently, having no problems. If the TOP setting is still hard to get into, loosen the max height adjustment some.

IMHO, I think that you shouldn't have to max out your 3ph hydraulics in high rmps just to get in to the TOP position, should be able to do it at idle.

Thanks for all of the responses. I figured out what was going on and remedied the problem.

I got off work today and went out to play around with the deck. I couldn't figure out why I couldn't get it to work, so I began the process of removing the deck- with the intention of tackling the problem from below. When I started, I realized that the "cutting height fine tuning bolt" on the right side was all the way down. I adjusted it to the same depth as the one on the left and no more problem.

Again, thanks for all of the responses!

Mike