Extra set of tires for new BX2200?

[Anonymous Poster]

Hi folks,

This is my first post at tractorbynet, and I'm very impressed with the amount of information here, as well as the community atmosphere.

I'm considering the purchase of a BX2200. I have 8 acres in WI; about 3 acres are in grass, 2 in prairie, and the rest is what you would call oak savannah (oaks, hickories, 'cedar'). The main reason I'm getting a tractor is because I want one, [censored]... Other considerations are that it takes me quite a while to mow (4 hrs with a 54" JD walk-behind---a terrific machine). I'm planning on my wife and oldest helping me out by mowing from the tractor. I've also got several projects that would benefit from a FEL (and I just had back surgery 3 months ago to correct issues related to NOT using hydraulics when one should...)---the usual grading, moving, and perhaps digging a small pond (5000 sq ft). In addition, we have a lovely 1000' gravel driveway that loves to get holes, and I'd sure like to be able to deal with that myself, without a wheelbarrow and shovel.

So, the setup I'm pricing is the following:

BX2200
FEL (with tooth and wear bars)
60" MMM
Landpride Box with rippers
grille guard

I was initially looking at a larger tractor (the 2710 seemed like a nice size), but my wife and kids will be much more comfortable with this unit, and I'm not really concerned too much about the extra ground clearance or power---it'll just take me longer to do things (more tractor time... )

My question to the community concerns tires: I was going to go with two sets---both the turf and the bar/turf tires. Do you think it's going to be necessary to have the bar/turfs around, or will they just sit forever lonely in the garage. That could have real cost issues---I'd have to get a second tractor to keep them company.

Thanks for any comments. I'll eventually get a brush hog to get rid of my multifloria rose and the little saplings that are annoying me, but my blade-equiped weed whacker will keep them in check. If anyone can think of something obvious that I'm missing, I'm listening...

 

[TresCrows]

I would get the bar tires, not the turfs. The BX bar tires are fat, wide and soft compared to typical ags and will not tear up your lawn if you use common sense and stay off when soft or wet.
Yeah, the larger tractors are attractive but you wife and kids will find the BX more friendly but still consider your needs and the BX may be just the unit you need for your family unit.
J

 

[RoyJackson]

Definitely the bar turfs! You won't need the turf tires at all!
I've got the bar turfs on the rear of a JD 670. Haven't had any problems with scuffing or tearing up the lawn in any way. Now, I don't take the machine on the lawn when it's wet or soft at all.

 

[Golfgar4]

Roy,

Are bar turfs suitable for medium duty brush hogging? I did some volunteer brush hogging a few years ago for our local Boy Scout camp. I used their tractor, which was equipped with turf tires (that's the way it was ordered). I knew that turfs weren't exactly the right tire for that application - I was cutting hiking trails, camp sites, etc. I was real careful and never got a flat during the week I mowed. A few weeks later I was out there with my troop, and I noticed that they had replaced the turfs with ag tires. I asked about it, and was told that they had four (4) flats over that time period from running over roots, etc. They tried the bar turfs, and they still kept getting flats, so they went to ags. Personally, I think there was a problem with operator head space and timing in running the tractor, and that the bar turfs should've been alright. Do run your bar turfs in medium duty brush hogging? Just wondering.

 

[RoyJackson]

Are bar turfs suitable for medium duty brush hogging?

My brush work is really light...vines and such. I've not had any problems yet. But the area isn't rocky and had been cleaned up at one time.

I've a wooded area behind the house I've got to clean up some..that's more rocky. That will be a tougher test.

If it's a choice between the turf and bar turf, I'd go with the bar turfs for the extrra traction. But if you're going to dance in the woods alot...might want to consider another option.

For the great majority of my work, mowing and snow pushing, the bar turfs are fine. One caveat about the snow pushing: we didn't get enough to really test them out this year. But even when we do get a substantial snow, I'll plow when it gets to 6"-8" rather then wait until it's more then that.

I hope some other folks can give you more responses.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I own a BX2200 with FEL and turf tires. 350 hrs. mow 4 acres. Dug a 50,000 gallon pond for a large watergarden with this tractor. Half dirt, half clay. 6 feet deep in places, average depth 4 feet. Periods of rain with wet bottom. I never got stuck. I had no problems with traction. If the clay was too hard, I tilled it first, and then scooped it up. Turf tires are definitely easier on the turf. Durability has not been an issue. Go with the turf tires. You'll be fine. I'm glad I did.

 

[TresCrows]

The bar tires on the BX are not Bar Turfs, they are a rather fat and wide version of R1 standard ag tires. They are not bar turfs.
J

 

[pcmem]

JimboK,

The two main uses for mine are mowing and snowblowing, including an ice rink. I was going to go with the 7500 and R4's
but my dealer suggested the BX with turfs. They had another customer that really likes the turfs for snowblowing on ice w/o chains. I also filled my rears and don't know how that would affect the BX ags on turf. I was going to get a set of both and swap but my dealer also suggested I start with the turfs and he'd offer the price for the ags if I felt the need (I just loose out on the package financing). So far I haven't felt the need.

You may be able to work with your dealer to try both sets and keep whichever you like or start with your first choice and swap if they don't work out for you.

Something to think about,
Michael

 

[Charliebrn]

I have a BX2200, FEL and turfs. I had in my mind that I would buy a set of ags and put them on when I wanted to till, boxblade or move snow. MY dealer just about insisted that I wait and try the turfs first.

He was right. No need for the ags, as the turfs haven't let me down yet, and I've done some serious digging in heavy clay. The turfs are much nicer on my lawn. I did, however fill my fronts with Agco's Soft-Fill to eliminate flats and prevent rolling off the bead when moving heavy loads with the FEL.

 

[kofronj]

Hi everyone (it's me---registered finally)

I appreciate the advice (even if it is split down the middle). It sounds like for my uses, the turf tires are probably the way to go. I do have some low spots that stay pretty damp, and no doubt that they'll be in better shape if I stick with those.

Can't wait to get this sucker ordered and shipped here---you've all spoken highly of Carver Equipment, and my local dealers aren't doin' much in the way of "dealing" (10% off tractor, list for everything else).

Happy tractoring...