BX Sway-Bar Updates

BX Sway Bar Kit: Field-Tested Updates and Practical Insights

The BX sway bar kit was one of the first custom accessories developed for BX tractors. Designed for durability and ease of use, it's become a popular upgrade—especially for operators tired of struggling with traditional turnbuckles. After strong demand and valuable customer feedback, a few key takeaways have emerged that are worth reviewing before adding one to your tractor.

What Hasn’t Changed: The Core Kit Design

The fundamental parts of the kit—such as the sway bars and weldments—remain exactly the same as the original design. If you already own one of the early kits, you're not missing out on updated hardware or redesigned components. The kit was built solid from the beginning, and it's still built that way today.

What We've Learned from the Field

Hardware Preferences Vary

Some users found that the supplied pins and hairpins weren’t always ideal for their setup. The holes in the bars accept standard sizes, so many types of three-point hitch hardware will drop right in. If hairpins tend to get knocked out during use or go missing, consider swapping to locking-style pins or other three-point hardware that better suits your needs.

Clearance Around Large PTO Shafts

In rare cases, the top plate of the sway bar can come close to large PTO shafts when the three-point arms are fully raised. This could lead to rubbing or paint wear. If you're running oversized PTO equipment and experiencing tight clearances, the fix is simple—just rotate the top plate 180 degrees. This adjustment shifts the bar downward slightly and can provide an extra half to three-quarters of an inch of clearance.

Why Consider Sway Bars?

Faster, Easier Adjustments

Traditional turnbuckles can seize up with dirt or rust, making them difficult to adjust. The sway bar kit uses pins that drop into preset holes, giving you a faster and more reliable way to set your implement's position.

Improved Durability

The kit is built with heavy-duty parts, offering better long-term durability than the typical threaded linkage rods. It’s a solid upgrade for those who want less maintenance and more field time.

Some Trade-Off in Rigidity

If you rely on ultra-tight implement control, threaded linkages may still offer slightly firmer positioning. That said, for most users, the added convenience and robust design of sway bars make them the preferred solution. They're also what you'll find on most premium and deluxe tractor models.

Ready to Upgrade?

If you're looking for a sway bar kit that installs easily, holds up in real-world use, and simplifies your daily work, this BX kit is a strong option. For questions, orders, or support, contact Messick’s at 800-222-3373 or visit messicks.com.