New BX2370-1: Great, but jarring ride

[bp fick]

This thread does bring up for conversation something that isn't discussed very often, and that is that filling BX tires DOES make a difference in perceived ride quality. Sometimes the gospel of filled tires is preached without this addendum and this thread may serve to remind folks that it has to be factored into the total package equation.

Wheel weights are seldom mentioned, which is too bad. While not for everyone, wheel weights provide a second option and it's worth mentioning every now again. The whole thing is sort of a Goldilocks situation of too big, too soft and just right kind of deal.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I have discovered that the faster I go on my rough yard the rougher the ride and the slower I go the less rough the ride :shocked:.
This seems to apply to all of the Kubotas I've owned, BXs, Bs, L, Fs and even the RTV1140. I've also had filled and un filled tires and it seems to be the same with FELs on or off on even the same machine, rough or unrough based on speed. Filled tires and FEL on or off do make some difference or has for me but speed still the biggest factor to ride, for me.
Try slowing down when you get this rough ride and see if it helps or makes a difference like it has on my Kubotas. Non of my Kubotas ride like my cars/trucks but the Kubotas don't have a shock/spring suspension or non of mine have/do.

 

[bellweather]

Remove the FEL, slow down, mow with the speed control on the turtle...your tractor does not have a suspension system.
If you reduce tire pressure you will get a softer ride but it will affect mower blade height...may need to compensate with the deck setting and adjust gauge wheels.

 

[thirdroc17]

If you put a suspension seat on it, let me know how it works out. I wanted turf tires on my BX-2670, but alas, all they had in stock were ones with R-4's. While the additional traction might be nice, those stiff tires suck. I'm currently running 5psi trying to get at least a little sidewall flex. My old Wheel Horse, with smaller tires, shorter wheelbase, and narrower tread width had a better ride than these cotton pickin' R-4's. It's the tires, not the tractor, at least in my case.

 

[tlj87]

If you put a suspension seat on it, let me know how it works out. I wanted turf tires on my BX-2670, but alas, all they had in stock were ones with R-4's. While the additional traction might be nice, those stiff tires suck. I'm currently running 5psi trying to get at least a little sidewall flex. My old Wheel Horse, with smaller tires, shorter wheelbase, and narrower tread width had a better ride than these cotton pickin' R-4's. It's the tires, not the tractor, at least in my case.

Will do! Ordered the Michigan V-5300 today. There is a $20 off coupon from Northern Tool if anyone is interested. Dealer will sell my BX2370-1 stock seat for me. That will pay for the suspension seat.

 

[Zick]

Sorry I'm late, but I was going to mention that I had the same complaint about my BX2350. I tried whatever I could to soften the ride while mowing and almost considered selling to get a full suspension Ferris ZTR.
But I decided to buy the Michigan suspension seat first (a much cheaper route) and see how that worked.

It wasn't a direct bolt in, I had to make up brackets and even put a spacer in the front as the seat was angled differently than Kubota's. But in the end, it helped a lot and I can tolerate the ride once again.
I think you'll be happy with that seat.

 

[HEC]

What a surprise I got with my new B2650 as compared to my M5700 , same tires (r 4s loaded )etc .etc .just a different beast that's all. I only run the b in low range so it makes things tolerable . I use a bush hog or cultivator on back and weights on front with a cab so weight certainly isn't an issue . It is what it is so I will get used to it .

 

[Deerherd]

Sorry I'm late, but I was going to mention that I had the same complaint about my BX2350. I tried whatever I could to soften the ride while mowing and almost considered selling to get a full suspension Ferris ZTR.
But I decided to buy the Michigan suspension seat first (a much cheaper route) and see how that worked.

It wasn't a direct bolt in, I had to make up brackets and even put a spacer in the front as the seat was angled differently than Kubota's. But in the end, it helped a lot and I can tolerate the ride once again.
I think you'll be happy with that seat.

If you buy the seat from Kubota, there is no modification necessary. Michigan seat makes many seats for OEM manufacturers. I ordered mine directly from Ferris and it bolted right on. (Of course you pay a premium!)

I mow a lot of bumpy ground and was tired of getting beaten up and did just what you were contemplating. Sold my small tractor but I added the suspension seat for added measure. It's now an enjoyable job that I can complete in less than a 1/3 of the time.

I will get another small tractor, this time with a backhoe but for mowing a lot of rough ground quickly, a zero turn is the way to go.

 

[Zick]

If you buy the seat from Kubota, there is no modification necessary. Michigan seat makes many seats for OEM manufacturers. I ordered mine directly from Ferris and it bolted right on. (Of course you pay a premium!)

I mow a lot of bumpy ground and was tired of getting beaten up and did just what you were contemplating. Sold my small tractor but I added the suspension seat for added measure. It's now an enjoyable job that I can complete in less than a 1/3 of the time.

I will get another small tractor, this time with a backhoe but for mowing a lot of rough ground quickly, a zero turn is the way to go.

View attachment 388943

I know Michigan seats are used in other brands (Ferris is one) but I don't ever recall seeing Kubota selling this seat.
But as you say, you'd probably pay a premium and the bracket wasn't very hard to make.

Btw, nice Ferris!

 

[Deerherd]

I know Michigan seats are used in other brands (Ferris is one) but I don't ever recall seeing Kubota selling this seat.
But as you say, you'd probably pay a premium and the bracket wasn't very hard to make.

Btw, nice Ferris!

Thanks! I think it was Gary Fowler who said it was the same seat on his Kubota when I posted a picture previously. Maybe he can chime in.