Chains BX 22 and Tire Chains

catskill_bob · Dec 8, 2003

I got 4 tire chains for my bx-22. When I went to install them, the front chains fit fine. The rear chains did not have enough room because of the backhoe. I was hoping to leave the backhoe on for the additional weight. Which would be more effective, the rear chains or the weight of the backhoe? What should I do for weight if I remove the backhoe?

Junkman · Dec 8, 2003

You can spring for $160 and buy the Kubota weight box for the 3 PT hitch set up and then fill it with 300# (Kubota's recommendation). I pushed a lot of snow this past weekend with the loader and didn't have chains on my BX. I did have the backhoe attachment on and my rear bar tires are filled with beet juice. I have considered chains, but decided that the clearance is so close between the fender and the tire, that if it isn't absolutely necessary, that I wasn't going to go for them. I have plowed snow in the past only using chains on the front wheels of my Willy's.

sandyc · Dec 8, 2003

The weight box is a great option. I have one that I use on my 2200 when plowing and or snowblowing. With all the snow we had the past two days the little beast didn't spin a tire. I am using filled rears and bar tires. Watch the chains for clearance under the tractor.....use a very tight spreader to make sure they don't get loose and wrap an axle or tear something off the HST.

Junkman · Dec 8, 2003

SandyC....... do you snow blow and plow with the same machine?????? How easy is it to take the snow blower on and off of the BX-2200????? and the plow also????? Have been thinking of one or the other, but didn't think it was practical to have both....... thanks

paparammer · Dec 8, 2003

I have a BX1800 with both a front blade and snowblower. I was using both for the first time this weekend. Started with the blade, switched to the blower and then back to the blade at the end. The hardest part of mounting the snow blower is connecting the driveshaft (there have been several posts with suggestions and I'm still playing with them) It took less than 10 minutes to switch from the blade to the blower. Switching back took less than 5. With experience, I'd expect both of those numbers to come down. Anyhow, no big deal to switch them.

Steven · Dec 8, 2003

I made one of these weights for my bx-22 it is 400 lbs.
(Not sure who originally posted this picture but I used the idea.)

sandyc · Dec 8, 2003

Junkman:
I use the blade for back dragging soil and stuff like that in the summer. I also use the blade to clean up from the snowblower. I have a gravel road into my house so I keep the blower up as high as the shoes go. That means that there is about an inch of snow that I need to clean up after blowing. Also, I use the blade for slush and on thawed ground. I guess if I were to buy one I would buy the blower because you don't need to move piles of snow in mid-season because you are running out of room.
I can switch between the blade and the blower in a matter of minutes. You have to get used to fitting the drive shaft in a tight space. Sometimes it will snap right on...other times I swear there is a gremlin fighting me....

art · Dec 8, 2003

You must have a gravel driveway to want tire chains on that rig. Even without the backhoe or rear counterweight I have people that clean without them.

dmartin88 · Dec 10, 2003

I had been wondering about chains myself. We had about 8 inches of snow last week and I used a rear blade on my BX22, in FWD, to clean my gravel driveway. Never had any issues with slipping but only the first time I've done this. Up north, you may get a lot more snow and find the chains to be needed. I'm thinking if I stay on top of any measurable snow fall, I should be able to get by without chains.

Junkman · Dec 10, 2003

we had about 20" here and I didn't even move until it stopped snowing. My filled bar tires on the BX-22 had no trouble pushing the snow with the loader and clean up was a snap. I even took it for a ride down one of the dirt roads with the bucket up to see if it would get stuck.... didn't miss a beat and had no trouble at all going up or down hills and around corners.... Junkman in Northeast CT....