Tires Really basic BX2230 question: right tire pressure?

scobb99 · Oct 3, 2010

Finally got around to prepping my BX2230 for its first working winter here in upstate New York (plan to use the front end loader to move the larger piles of snow that my ATV stacks up).

The tires are bar-type and will try without chains to start but I need to know the right pressures. Front tires had gone flat (I'll be honest, I neglected it this summer due to the day job taking all day, every day, and most evenings too).

Also, seems like the rear tires have liquid sloshing in them. Would they have come from the dealer like that? I bought the tractor in Florida and ran it about 40 hours down there before hauling it up here.

Thanks for any insight...feel a bit guilty that I just bop in here to ask a question then leave. I do have one tip I can share:

When heading out to start your Kubota for the first time after it has sat idle for 6 months, take a can of wasp spray.

Yesterday I found big, active wasp nest under the hood, full of wasps! Fortunately the diesel smoke seemed to keep 'em sleepy long enough for me to go grab the spray.

Stephen

bp fick · Oct 3, 2010

First, you are gonna love that tractor!!! I doubt you'll need chains, but who knows. Those bar tires ought to the job!!!

On pressure, you'll get some disagreement, but generally, they work better if you don't over do it. Start with 12 lbs in front and 14-16 in the rear. If you find that too soft, be slow to bump up more than 2 lb increments.

I'd drain the slosh and inspect it. Place the valve in the 6 o clock position and drain out a good three ounces and try and determine what you have. Water? a solution that will freeze? I'd not risk it for a moment. It is supposed to be near 20 degrees here tonight and if you are in upstate NY, your temps will be like that or will be soon enough.

bp fick · Oct 3, 2010

Your prepping for colder climate use wouldn't be complete without an oil change to either synthetic 5w-40 Rotella or similar or Rotella10w-30 or Kubota 10w-30.

You know that already, but thought I'd mention it. Also, if you aren't absolutely sure the anti-freeze has been flushed recently, I'd do that too! Cheap insurance and cheap protection. Warning: Anti-freeze must be appropriate for your diesel and off the shelf stuff at car parts and discount stores isn't the right stuff. If in doubt, get it at Kubota.

Fuel filters new? These too will need to be fresh for upcoming winter. Clogged filters can take the joy out of fighting a snow storm in a hurry. Burn up your summer diesel this month, and your local fuel station will be selling you winter blend soon.

Have fun!!!

radioman · Oct 3, 2010

I agree on taking a little bit of fluid out of the rears and see if it has any color to it. if it seems clear, water ? After all it came from florida. I would take the few ounces you took out and stick it in your freezer and leave it overnight. Check it the next day and see if it has frozen. If it did, if I were you- I'd dump the fluid out of your tires in a hurry!!! its getting pretty cold now and you may need to think about adding real liquid ballast in the tires that doesnt freeze so the solution can lower the freeze point whatever water is left.

congrats on your new tractor! :thumbsup:

TripleR · Oct 3, 2010

I seem to remember my BX2200 requiring about 25 pounds in the front while doing loader work and a little less when just mowing.

dodge man · Oct 4, 2010

I run about 20 lbs or a little more in the front tires, anything less, they squash down a lot with the loader on. I'd take a little bit of fluid out of the rear wheels and if you have any doubt as to what it is, stick it in the freezer and see what happens. You don't want it to freeze.

scobb99 · Oct 4, 2010

Wow! Thanks for the all the good [and really quick] advice folks. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/images/smilies/2/thumbsup.gif

I love the pure simplicity of "put a sample of the liquid in your freezer".

(I'm embarrassed to say how many years I've spent in cold climates -- including 7 in North Dakota -- without thinking of that method of testing the anti-freeze characteristics of a vehicular liquid.)

New fuel filter, anti-freeze, and oil are now on the checklist.

What about the hydraulic fluid, does that need to be changed?

Thanks...Stephen

TripleR · Oct 4, 2010

scobb99 said:
Wow! Thanks for the all the good [and really quick] advice folks. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/images/smilies/2/thumbsup.gif

I love the pure simplicity of "put a sample of the liquid in your freezer".

(I'm embarrassed to say how many years I've spent in cold climates -- including 7 in North Dakota -- without thinking of that method of testing the anti-freeze characteristics of a vehicular liquid.)

New fuel filter, anti-freeze, and oil are now on the checklist.

What about the hydraulic fluid, does that need to be changed?

Thanks...Stephen

Your tractor should have two fuel filters.

I believe hydraulic is changed at 400 hours.

bp fick · Oct 4, 2010

Stephen

Do you know the service history of the machine? Look under the tractor. What color filter for the HST do you see? Is it grey or white? While not fool proof, the factory was painted the same color as the frame, dark grey.

If it has been changed, it likely is a light color filter. Did I miss you saying how many hours are on it? If you have 300+ hours on the meter, and you do not know its history, I'd change it, because it is due. If the filter looks new, and it isn't the original painted-in-place filter, it likely got changed at 50 hours.