Traction Filling BX25 tires F/R

[Scooby074]

Anybody fill the front and rear tires on a Bx25?

I have industrials and have already exceeded the available traction.. Loading the tires would help and also add weight down low for working on my hills.

Ive read on TBN that Kubota doesnt recommend loading the rears? I mentioned it to the dealer in passing, after i priced the weight kits (almost $700:confused2 he didnt comment about it being forbidden.

So what say you? And what do you recommend? I found a source for bulk WW fluid. Have to call Monday for a price. Rimguard didnt return my email for information on local reps.

Anyone with loaded tires, not just on a BX25, but any of the BX series, Are you hapy with the improvements?

 

[paul314159]

My BX2660 manual specifically talks about how to load the rear tires along with details of how much to fill them along with a table of freeze points vs weight if using a water and calcium chloride solution. My manual does state to not fill the front tires.

I had my rears filled with Rim Guard as part of my deal. This is my first tractor so I can't comment on how much improvement the loaded rears are. I also mow with my BX and don't seem to have any ill effects from the extra tire weight.

Paul

 

[redharley]

no problem filling rears,never heard of anyone filling fronts. if you do a search on this in these forums should come up with lots of info.My Bx2230 has been filled with washer fluid since new with no problems.

 

[Scooby074]

Its been mentioned online about filling rears on the TLB. Perhaps due to the added weight when the backhoe is installed? Filling and draining the tires when the backhoe is removed and installed will get old... fast

 

[bxn]

I don't think its the added axle weight that's the issue. The weight is on the ground for the most part. For loader work the added mass for tires changing direction frequently would slow you down your cycles. You'd gain a bit pushing into the pile.

For the fronts there were some notes about not having enough volume to allow for expansion. But you can add weight to the front with the loader so maybe not much point other than a slightly lower center.

A second set of tires/wheels (these filled) to swap out might make that easier.(cost vs weights? ebay?)

Even that change might get old. But it conveniently sets the stage for Dual's

Milkman are you still running your duals? Any trouble?


bxn

 

[AceDeuce]

I just filled the tires on my BX a couple weeks ago. It wasn't difficult at all and it made a big improvement---one of the best "upgrades" you can do I think. Only wish I had done it sooner.

My goal was to do the job as inexpensively as possible so I went to my local Walmart and bought an entire shelf worth of winder washer fluid (told the checkout clerk that the bugs were REALLY bad this year).

Then I put the rear of the tractor on jack stands and removed the rear wheels. Took them to a local tire shop and had the outside bead of each tire broken off the rim leaving the inside bead intact.

Back home, laid each tire on its side and began pouring washer fluid in, one gallon at a time, through the open space between the tire bead and the rim.

Now came the tricky part... reseating the bead. And yes... I got wet the first time. The second wheel was easier though. I did it by myself but it would have been easier to have a helper. You'll need to pull up on the sides of the tire to put the bead in contact with the rim while your helper connects the air hose, then "POP" the tire will seat itself (that's when I got splashed on the first go around).

Last step is to remount the wheels on the tractor---done. No special tools needed and @ $1.49/gal washer fluid was the least expensive anti-freeze fluid.

I pre-calculated how much fluid would be needed (just so I knew how much to buy) but you can prevent over filling by removing the valve core at the 12 o'clock position after remounting the wheel while the tractor is still supported on jack stands allowing any excess fluid to drain out.

For maximum traction, you can add wheel weights to the rears. You probably STILL won't be able to put all that HP to the ground through without breaking traction. BX's are overpowered for their size IMO.

 

[Scooby074]

Thanks, im more concerned with potential damage to the machine. More to the point, Kubota's logic for NOT loading the tires with the BH installed.

I know there will be no issues without the BH or on a regular BX.

 

[paul314159]

For maximum traction, you can add wheel weights to the rears.

I'm not sure what the problem is, but my manual says:
"To avoid damage to the transmission, do not use rear wheel weights and liquid ballast at the same time"

Anyone know why using both would be a problem?

Paul

 

[AceDeuce]

I'm usually not one to second-guess the manufacturer but I am having a hard time thinking why they would recommend against both. The rated 3PT lift capacity and towing rating would put way more stress on the rear axle than an extra couple hundred pounds in the tires---not to mention their own recommendation to use a ballast box with a FEL. Makes me a little concerned about where the weak link might be...

 

[easyinny]

Major difference having rear tires loaded. Every tractor I have owned has had the rears loaded. Now for the front tires I have never done them. The manual for the 2660 states not to load them.