need stabilty help

[saintj]

just got a new BX2230, replaced a similiar JD w/ 2wheel drive. Nearly tipped over making U-turns at the end of the field. Field is sloped. Live on the side of a mountain. I have made the same turn hundreds of times with my JD with no trouble. I had 100 lb wheel weights on the JD with no FEL. I relize now that the BX has a higher center of gravity. I sit up higher, the FEL arms are up there, and I removed the MMM for winter snow removal. I have been operating with the FEL about 6 inches off the ground. Will wheel weights lower the center of gravity enough? Can the rear wheels be extended out the way my JD's did? I also placed a 60 pound elevator weight on the rear draw bar, is this ok , will it damage the rear lift arms? what about a weight box? I would rather not fluid fill the rear tires so I can run as light as possible in the summer. Any other Ideas? Also I need more forward light, anybody tie a 55 watt lamp into the pigtails under the seat? Is it fused?

 

[redharley]

Hi,You are going to need some type of ballast to counter the FEL on side hill's.Why not fill the tire's most do with no ill effects.My 2230 has the tires filled and most of the time this is enough,if you feel you need more hang a box blade or some other piece on the 3pt if you have to or add weight like you said as long as it not falling off or binding the arms,Keep your load low use low range and 4x4 when you have weight in bucket on hills it help's. Take your time Tractor's don't look good on there side. have a great day Red

 

[RoyJackson]

I'd sure consider filling those tires. It puts weight as low as you can, thus lowering the center of gravity. Also, weight in the tires adds inertia (in this case, a resistance to tipping).
As far as worrying about the weight of the tires...I've never found this too be too much of an issue when mowing. There may be tire marks, but they smooth out after a day or two. Also, you'd be less likely to spin those rear tires with weight in them. I strongly suggest you do not operate your tractor on those slopes if the grass is wet! Wet grass is slick!

If you don't need the loader, remove it. If you do need front ballast to counterbalance an implement, maybe front suitcase weights would be a worthwhile investment.

 

[Mike_Lipke]

Big difference if you fill those tires. My dealer charged $50 for windshield washer fluid, me carrying them in and back out (heavy!)

 

[saintj]

Thanks, I had a lot of time on the JD and will have to rethink how to use the BX. A box blade sounds like a good idea I have been thinking about getting one to smooth out some trails. How much weight would fluid fill add to the rear? My local kubota dealer has a citrus base wheel fluid that is suppose to be friendly to the tractor wheels and environment. A few of my neighbors use RV anti freeze. Most do not add anything but tire sealant as I did with my JD because of the frequency of tire punctures around here( thorns, old barbed wire). Sounds like a box blade would be the answer. The BX has been great I only have 7 hours on the meter and have used it where the JD would have bogged down.

 

[saintj]

Side slip on wet grass... did that once on my JD started sliding sideways down a slope, the back went down first... just held on and tried to keep it pointed up hill as I picked up speed. Stopped after about 30 foot, felt like Everast. That is one of the reasons why I got the 4WD BX. You are right, spin is a problem, it was even a problem with my JD, was always using the rear dif lock. I now do not plan on leaving the FEL on when I am using the MMM or when I do not need it. And I have slowed down. I think that and the extra weight down low will help. Thanks.