Newbie here

/ Newbie here #1  

Maestro71

Silver Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2012
Messages
106
Location
Ohio
Tractor
Kubota bx2660 loader mmm back blade woods rotary cutter
Is it possible to widen the distance between rear tires on a bx? I've noticed it's incredibly dangerous on a hill with anything in the loader. Any input would be appreciated as this is my first scut. Thanks.
 
/ Newbie here #3  
:welcome:
 
/ Newbie here
  • Thread Starter
#7  
Thanks for the info and thanks for the welcome. Is there any downside to doing this?
 
/ Newbie here #8  
Is it possible to widen the distance between rear tires on a bx? I've noticed it's incredibly dangerous on a hill with anything in the loader. Any input would be appreciated as this is my first scut. Thanks.

I had my rears filled for this very reason. I've also added ballast to the 3ph. I've been using my fel on some steep ground and there's no way I'd be doing so without plenty of rear ballast. Also, I back up the grade, and descend with the loader as low as possible. Up and down is good; side hill is trouble. As a youngster I mowed hay on steep ground in NH and never had a tractor roll, but boy do I ever recall sucking a tractor seat. Go slow and be safe. :welcome:
 
/ Newbie here #10  
Are the wheels currently set to the maximum width? I don't know the BX series but most tractor tires can be set to various widths.
 
/ Newbie here #11  
We have one of our BX's we are setting up for use in the woods and on slopes with a FEL and box blade etc. I had the rear tires filled and bought a set of Bro Tek rear wheel spacers as they are not reversible like some other tractors. As mentioned always use some sort of rear ballast when using a FEL for safety and to get optimum performance from your tractor/loader combination.

We have used a BX on slopes since 2003 and found them to be surprisingly stable, but they feel pretty scary once you put the FEL on. We have never flip one though.

Good luck with your tractor.
 
/ Newbie here #12  
+1 what TripleR and others have said. The BX tractor itself is quite stable, as tractors go, because the comparatively small tires keep everything close to the ground. But when you install the FEL and carry something in it, you shift a large amount of weight to the front, where the front axle is on a pivot, and that makes it very tippy. Raising the FEL higher amplifies the problem, of course. The solution is putting as much offsetting weight as possible on the back of the tractor, so the back axle, which does not pivot, stays on the ground. Ballast in the tires, a heavy implement on the 3 point hitch, an operator who wears XXL garments, you name it. And using wheel spacers would also help.

Even if you get it all set up the right way, you still have to use good judgement when working on uneven ground. But if you are careful, you can do a lot of work in places other equipment can't get into. Good luck!
 
/ Newbie here #13  
TripleR and Grandad4 know what they're talking about. Keep the loader as low as you can, ballast like crazy, watch out for rocks (on the high side) and critter holes (on the low side). My BX feels pretty secure on a 20-25 degree slope w/o the FEL. W/ the FEL it will start to get your attention. When you feel your cheeks start to grab onto the seat, pay attention. We call it the pucker factor here. It's not pleasant, but tremendously useful.
 
/ Newbie here #14  
Thanks for the info and thanks for the welcome. Is there any downside to doing this?

"Technically" you're increasing the loading on wheel bearings/seals/housings, which could lead to premature failure depending on usage...but some here have done mod and so far no reports of problems, just happy owners with increased stability...your mileage may vary...
 
/ Newbie here
  • Thread Starter
#15  
yes! i just did this with mine. there are a few makers of rear wheel spacers. i personally like, and went with, the bro-tek design.


Bro-Tek: Tractor Add Ons

here they are on my BX (i went with smaller spacers, since i run a narrow MMM):
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/266754-bro-tek-wheel-spacers-bx25.html
Thanks I didn't mention I do have weight on the tph I use a 60" blade and it works just fine I was just wondering if spacers would make it any better. I go up the hills loader first with no trouble, just low and slow. Thanks for all the replies. I originally started moving topsoil with no weight on the rear and could literally tip the tractor on two wheels with one hand. Once I did that I drove straight to tractor supply and bought a blade for ballast. It did the trick. I have now moved 125 yards if dirt and plenty of mulch and brush. thanks again
 

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