BX2230 Ride Comfort Idea

[Scrounger]

Has anyone tried to air down the tires a bit on the BX tractors to make them ride a bit better while mowing. I was test riding a BX2230, I've decided to step up from the BX15, and the first thing I noticed was it rides pretty rough. I know these are mini tractors, but I dont want to be sore after I mow with it.

 

[Will_C]

Matt;
When I am just using the tractor for mowing, I run the back tires at 14psi. I believe the recommended pressure is 20. I have done this for 5 years with no problems. I think some people go even lighter.
Will

 

[Scrounger]

Thanks for the advice, now I just need to decide on whether I should get a BX15 or a BX2230.

 

[frank_f15]

WELL as long as i am spending your $$$$ get the bx23 /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif seriously tho, i don't know your acreage no do i know your main uses for the tractor. but i think you would be happier with the larger machine

 

[Scrounger]

Not alot of grass right now, about 1.5 or 2 acres, but I need to do alot of lawn work. The back hoe on the 23 is nice but its too much, I can add an aftermarket hoe later if I want on the 2230. I like the size of the BX15 the best, but the extra horsepower and smoothness of the BX2230's three cylinder is a HUGE plus right now.
javascript:void(0)
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[aardvark]

I don't know that airing the tires down is going to help too much, just based on the tire's rigidity. The time I got the BX23's ROPS wedged under the garage entrance, I let all the air out of the rear bar tires (removed valves), and the sidewalls barely flexed at all even with no air pressure. This was with the backhoe on it too, so 600 extra lbs behind the axle.

Also, the BX23 vs the BX2230, if you are sure to buy a hoe, you might as well buy the BX23. I understand where you are coming from by tring to save money now, and spend it later when you have more. However, the price difference up from on the 23 vs the 2230 will be about $3500, and you can finance it with Kubota's financing, and get good rates. To buy a hoe a few years from now, you will either pay cash, or buy on credit with much higher rates. Unless you are paying cash now, in which case my point is completely busted. Either way though, they are great little machines.

- edit

Also, I think the only way you will be sore is if you mow unreasonably fast over bumps. I find it's real easy to modulate the speed and slow down quickly when I'm about to hit a bump. I pretty much know where all the bumps are now.

 

[Scrounger]

I would LIKE a BH, but the cost is just too much for the BX23. THe weight could be an issue too while mowing. For the amount of times I might use the BH, I think the Woods or something liek it would be fine for the BX2230. Its a money and a size issue. The BX2230 is a bit of overkill for me so the BX23 is really pushing it.

 

[Junkman]

The Woods back hoe in the end will cost more than the difference between the BX2230 and the BX23. My guess is about $1,000. You can remove the backhoe when mowing, and if you ever decide to sell the tractor, the BX23 will retain more of its original purchase price value than any other model. Look around, you will find many BX1500, BX1800, & BX2200 models for sale in the past, but rarely will you find a BX22 for sale. When you do find them, they sell almost immediately, where the others will sit for a while. If it is a money issue, then why not consider a used BX rather than a new one? Who knows, you might get lucky and find a used BX22 for the price of a new BX2230.

 

[Scrounger]

Good point Junkman, I'm still focused on the weight of the BX23 since I need to use this as a big mower first. THe only reason for the BH debate from other treads was for planting trees. nI just can see the BX23 being a comfortable machine to be mowing in with its size and weight. While the same general size of the BX2230, the extra weight will make it a turf killer I would think.

 

[SCB]

<font color="red"> the extra weight will make it a turf killer I would think </font>



Nope,
It isn't a turf killer like you think. Now I'm not here to try to convince you to get the bx23, but I don't think you would have any problem with weight on your lawn with the 23. My backhoe comes off in under 3 minutes. Really. It's a peice of cake. Money, now thats another issue.