BX takes 1st roadtrip

[jpr62902]

Took the BX to my brother's house yesterday to do some landscape and sidewalk destruction, as well as some digging. Here's a pic of it on arrival (and yes, after the tie-down straps have been removed).

The trailer is my neighbor's 12 footer. It handled the load fine, but I think a 16' tandem axle would be ideal for the BX22. The trailer I used just didn't pull smoothly enough, probably because the weight distribution made it a little tongue-heavy. I kept it under 55 mph and all went well.

Before I hauled my expensive toy, er tool, around I wanted to make sure I was fully insured. I was pleasantly surprised to find out from my insurance agent (in writing) that my auto liability covers my truck, trailer and tractor. I also wanted coverage for damage to my tractor, so I got a Commercial Inland Marine policy. One note of caution -- if the tractor is damaged in transport because its not properly tied down, coverage could be excluded under the shifting of load clause. Still, the cost was very reasonable -- $217.00 annually with a $1,000.00 deductible. This also covers the BX if it falls into a hole I just dug and gets damaged. Now, on to that hole (see next post).

 

[jpr62902]

Actually, its not really a hole, more like trenches dug by my turf tires in way-too-soggy ground. I think I see a set of ag tires in my future. I was too embarassed to take a pic of the BX stuck in the slop, so here's a pic of the aftermath. My brother and my friend actually help push me out by hand.

 

[jpr62902]

Here's a pic of the BX in front of the house. I just got done tearing out the yew bushes and stumps in front of the new doorway (the old one was around the corner of the entry way). Man! That thing can dig! Just drop the bucket behind the base of the bush, curl, and POP! Out comes the bush.

We then moved on to tearing out the sidewalk leading to the old doorway. First, I tried running the FEL toothbar under the edge to lift the concrete out of the ground -- no luck. Next, I tried curling the BH bucket under the other edge to lift it out -- still no luck. I thought, "What the *&%$#@!" I was starting to get a little down on the BX. We then broke up the first section of sidewalk by hand and Voila! There were TWO sidewalks -- one poured on top of the other. Once we cleared a decent edge on the top layer, I then would go at it with the BH. No worries now, mate! The mighty BX would lift 6' of concrete at a time. It only took us 45 minutes to tear out 30' of "double" sidewalk (and that's including the time it took to figure out the double sidewalk thing).

Finally I dug out a 4" dogwood tree. A couple of scoops around the base and the thing pried right out of the ground.

Moral of the story -- The BX22 was a very capable machine.

 

[BIGUN]

Looks about as wet there as it is here in Tulsa right now. Wish I could save some of this for August. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Rimmer]

Outstanding pix, and enjoyed the sidewalk story very much! The neighbor across the road mentioned that he needs some help pulling out a section of sidewalk between his driveway and front door -- I won't hesitate to volunteer to help, now.

Personally, I think the BX22/23 looks a lot bigger and tougher when it has some mud on it!

 

[jpr62902]

Here's one with a little more mud on it.

 

[Jibber]

Well, if it's any consolation.. I left ruts with my little Sears 18 horse garden tractor.. no loader.. no backhoe. My lawn is so soft right now it will be June before I can put the big Kubota over it.

I'm antsy to get out there and do things too.

 

[Cliff_Johns]

I'm a bit curious about the drawf shovel in the forground of
the last picture. Did your old shovel and the new tractor get
into a disagreement? Perhaps the shovel was feeling like
it had lost its place to some new fangled invention?

Cliff

 

[Inspector507]

That might be a former wooden handled shovel try to dig out a load of wet Ohio clay. Worst thing ever on a wood handle.

 

[jpr62902]

Bingo! In fact, you can see the handle leaning up against the backhoe.