BX2200 Questions

Anonymous Poster · May 7, 2003

Here are a few questions I have regarding the BX2200. I plan to pick-up a BX2200 w/60" mower and a FEL this weekend (quoted $12,200).

1) I plan to use the FEL very litttle, but I do have a need for one. Should I load the tires, or use rear weights? I would like to remove the rear 3-pt if possible I have no need for one, and would like to pull a small trailer. I don't know if the rear weights use the 3-pt or not.

2) How much weight do the rear weights add?

3) How much weight does loading the rear tires add?

4) Should I not add any weights at all?

Dwayne

jrlichina · May 7, 2003

No need for the 3-point hitch, not much of a need for a loader, I think you should consider a different tractor. You should look into getting a Simplicity Legacy or a JD X series. You can get a Simplicity Legacy(which is the same size as the BX) with a loader, 60" MMM for about $10,000. So you will save money and still get a great tractor.

Anonymous Poster · May 7, 2003

If your not going to use the loader much don't bother loading the tires. I havn't but I have the weight box from kubota. Once in a while I use it...as...a trailer for tools and you know ..stuff. Also like alot of the members i've made my own hitch for the 3pt so I can move my larger trailers easily. If you don't have the need for 22hp you could also go down to the 1800 or the 1500 just a thought. In the weight box i've kept about 200lbs plus my 235lb carcass and so far havn't fowned the need for more weight.

Cheers
Tony

FamilyFarm · May 7, 2003

The small tires will not help much for ballast. Look HERE for more information.
Your 3 pt setup will not really be in your way and you might even want something like THIS for moving your trailer.
There have also been many ingenious weight "boxes" devised for the 3 pt hitch such as those described in this THREAD . There are other ideas if you search for them - some use a carryall, others mount directly to the 3 pt hitch!
One thing is for sure, you will use the loader more than you think /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. Whether you will load it with a heavy load depends, but I'll bet you will find lots of uses for it that you won't think about until you get it and use it!
Terry

Anonymous Poster · May 7, 2003

( 1) I plan to use the FEL very litttle, but I do have a need for one. Should I load the tires, or use rear weights? I would like to remove the rear 3-pt if possible I have no need for one, and would like to pull a small trailer. I don't know if the rear weights use the 3-pt or not.)

The 3-pt is not easily and readily removable on the BX-2200 and not necessary to remove, either. The easiest option for occasional "extra weight needs" is a rear weight and generally, they do use the 3-pt for quick attachment and detachment. There is no need to load your tires as a detachable rear weight is easier to deal with and will not contribute to compaction of your lawn during mowing.

I think you will find that you'll use the FEL much more than you anticipate. I thought it would be a "nice to have" implement and in three years experience, it's the most used implement around here...my wife and I both use the FEL quite a bit and it's on the machine all the time except when I'm mowing.

Anonymous Poster · May 7, 2003

I agree my FEL WILL be used! It's just that the majority of the time I will just be cutting about 2.5 acres of lawn with the BX. I didn't think loading my tires was the best thing to do considering the amount of time the loader will be used. I don't really have a use for the 3-pt so it doesn't bother me if I have to take some time to re-attach it. How do the rear weights attach? Pictures?

I also had a very bad experience with a 2001 Simplicity Landlord. The 54" mower caused nothing but problems, which is strange becuase my dad used Simplicity as long as I can remember. It was about a $3000+ lesson, and I am going to invest my money in something better this time.

Dwayne

TresCrows · May 7, 2003

If you are going to use the FEL at anywhere near it's capacity YOU WILL NEED TO INSTALL BALLAST ON THE 3-POINT. I would not load my tires and I would not use wheels weights. I would put a weight, home made if need be, on the 3-point for FEL work. THe 3-point can be removed. The cross bolt that holds the lower links can be pulled and off comes the arms and the top link has a pin in it--pull the pin and it comes off--voila--no 3-point. Why anyone would remove it beats me--oh well.
Loaded tires do add weight but you don't want that weight on your grass all the time and rear wheel weights work fine but again they are weight on the tractor all the time whereas a ballast box on the 3-point is on and off quick and easy. The BX does not suffer from the lack of power and traction like garden tractors you may have experience with do and when it does run out of traction there is 4WD and a differential lock.
Please don't think I am poking fun at you but removing the 3-point is kinda dumb and would be like removing the ROP which could get you killed cuz the BX, like any real tractor, has enough power and traction to flip backwards or roll over in a ditch etc and it's weight will squash you like a bug unlike a Craftsman tractor styled riding mower. Good luck, have fun /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. J

WVBill · May 7, 2003

Dawayne:
Just to clarify something on the 3 point hitch. The only components of the 3ph that could be removed are the lift arms, stabalizer arms and the top link. Basically, the yellow items in This Drawing on the Speeco web site. These components don't add hardly any weight to the tractor and they don't get in the way of anything. You could hook your trailer up to the swinging drawbar. I wouldn't recommend removing the 3point hitch parts.

There are a lot of discuccions here on TBN about rear ballast (search for that term), including the pros and cons of loading the tires, wheel weights, ballast boxes on the 3pt and various implements as ballast.

Another reason to load tires is to lower the center of gravity of the tractor for better stability on slopes. If your land is relatively flat and you're going to be mowing or doing LIGHT FEL work most of the time, I would suggest that you do not load your tires or put wheel weights on. Instead, get a carry all, a ballast box or a box blade for your 3point hitch and hook it up whenever you plan to move anything heavier than mulch with your FEL.

Anonymous Poster · May 7, 2003

Sorry can't just have a pic pop up from work(firewall) but heres a hot link to my yahoo pics. After these winter pics were taken I put shrink wrap on top so the snow wouldn't get in.

bota weight box

cheers
Tony

Anonymous Poster · May 7, 2003

( 1) I plan to use the FEL very litttle, but I do have a need for one. Should I load the tires, or use rear weights? I would like to remove the rear 3-pt if possible I have no need for one, and would like to pull a small trailer. I don't know if the rear weights use the 3-pt or not.

)

I did not fill the rear tires on mine, nor did I buy wheel weights. I have been able to use the loader with either my back blade or yard rake on the 3PH for light to moderate loads without problem. I also have a weight box for the 3PH which will add more ballast for heavier loads. No point as far as I can see to removing the 3PH, it doesn't get in the way and there are lots of things you can do with it.

Good luck and enjoy!