Options for BX23

RayCo · Aug 28, 2005

Hi group,

I've narrowed down my tractor shopping to either a BX23 or a comparable Massey Ferguson. My question here has to do with the BX23.

1. There is an option for a high capacity alternator. What would necessitate that? If I wanted to have the option to add a few work lights, the stock alternator should be fine, I'd guess, right?

2. Does a BX23 have auxilary hydraulics? I don't see that listed as an add-on option if not.

3. Would I be better off with bar tires or turf tires with tire chains? I don't plan to do any mowing with my new tractor. It'll be for digging ditches, holes, and moving wood around. But it was also see time in the winter to assist with snow removal. I have a long driveway, and certain parts of it are quite steep.

Thank you

jim_wilson · Aug 28, 2005

If you plan on getting lights later I would get the higher amp alternator. The high amps is 40amps - I believe the standard is only like 15 amps. Not enough to run too many lights.

There is no factory option for auxilary hydraulics at the moment. Nasdaqsam added a really slick thumb setup to his BX23 ( search thru the Kubota forums it is was within the last month or so) and used some Kubota parts for his setup. I believe he also mentioned in one of his posts that a Kubota rep said they were looking into aux hydraulics for whatever that is worth.

Ken_CT · Aug 28, 2005

Don't forget the block heater. It makes cold starting much easier. I have turf tires and have no problem plowing snow, except for the front end slipping sideways a little if the blade is angled sharply. I just picked up a set of front bar tires that I filled which should eliminate that problem. From what you stated, bars are probably a better choice, and have the rears filled. If you ever plan to add work lights get the alternator kit. You also might ask if they could throw in a couple of grab hooks welded to the FEL.

Junkman · Aug 28, 2005

If you want to add a rear hydraulic valve to the BX23, it is quite easy. Kubota does have a kit for this, but it is difficult to hook it up the way that they have it set up. I modified it to work on the BX22 last year. If you decide to pursue this option, let me know and I will try to find the original post. The picture was taken during the early stages of the install.
Get the bar tires and forget the turfs. Not needed for general work and the bars will not damage your turf unless you are extremely careless.......
The high output alternator is a must if you add some additional lighting . If not, then the stock unit will work fine.
Junk..

nasdaqsam · Aug 28, 2005

( Hi group,

I've narrowed down my tractor shopping to either a BX23 or a comparable Massey Ferguson. My question here has to do with the BX23.

1. There is an option for a high capacity alternator. What would necessitate that? If I wanted to have the option to add a few work lights, the stock alternator should be fine, I'd guess, right?)The Alternator is a good idea. You may not want extra lights now but may in the future and it esier to do from the get go.

( 2. Does a BX23 have auxilary hydraulics? I don't see that listed as an add-on option if not.)There is a lot of good threads here on TBN regardingthis option. I just got done doing it myself. I can highly recommend following the thread Junkman wrote on how he did his.

( 3. Would I be better off with bar tires or turf tires with tire chains? I don't plan to do any mowing with my new tractor. It'll be for digging ditches, holes, and moving wood around. But it was also see time in the winter to assist with snow removal. I have a long driveway, and certain parts of it are quite steep.)I agree with the others that said go with the bar tires. However your last statement gives me pause. You say your driveway is quite steep. Is it paved? If not then the bars would work well for you. If it is then I would go with turfs and chains. No rubber product is going to give the traction chains will on hard surfaces.

( Thank you )Your welcome.

RayCo · Aug 28, 2005

( You say your driveway is quite steep. Is it paved? If not then the bars would work well for you.)

It's not and won't be for quite a many years if ever. Thanks nasdaqsam. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

nasdaqsam · Aug 29, 2005

( ( You say your driveway is quite steep. Is it paved? If not then the bars would work well for you.)

It's not and won't be for quite a many years if ever. Thanks nasdaqsam. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

)Your welcome. I had visions of you sliding down the driveway.

LBrown59 · Sep 4, 2005

1. There is an option for a high capacity alternator. What would necessitate that? If I wanted to have the option to add a few work lights, the stock alternator should be fine, I'd guess, right?
3. Would I be better off with bar tires or turf tires with tire chains?
============= 
1*If you do it right you shouldn't need the alternator upgrade.
3*I prefer the AG tires.

Junkman · Sep 4, 2005

( 1*If you do it right you shouldn't need the alternator upgrade.)

Please define "do it right". The stock alternator is barely enough to keep the battery charged with the stock lighting system. I can't see how doing it right has anything to do with this. It is a simple equation of the total output of the stock alternator being able to satisfy the amperage / wattage needs of the additional lighting. If you leave the stock factory lighting off, then the most that he could still add as auxiliary lighting would be about the same wattage as the factory installed lighting. That is why they offer a high output alternator. Actually, the original equipment unit is referred to as a dynamo, not an alternator.

( 3*I prefer the AG tires. )

LBrown59 · Sep 5, 2005

1*If you do it right you shouldn't need the alternator upgrade.
Please define "do it right". The stock alternator is barely enough to keep the battery charged with the stock lighting system. I can't see how doing it right has anything to do with this. It is a simple equation of the total output of the stock alternator being able to satisfy the amperage / wattage needs of the additional lighting. If you leave the stock factory lighting off, then the most that he could still add as auxiliary lighting would be about the same wattage as the factory installed lighting. That is why they offer a high output alternator. Actually, the original equipment unit is referred to as a dynamo, not an alternator.
===============
 DHD . . . I don't know if your dealer is 100% accurate or not, but I really do believe that there is way too much made of the alternator size needed to run lights. Most of us run our tractors the majority of the time during the day. Most of us who have extra lights don't run them constantly. There are many examples of little BX series Kubotas with 2 to 4 auxilary lights being run very successfully by folks here in TBN. For someone who runs their tractor at night most nights and wants enough light around his tractor to be seen from the space shuttle, then I suggest that you size up your alternator. But if you snow blow a few hours a week on a winter night, and still use your tractor during the daylight hours, I suspect there will be no problems. Further, I think my suspicions are backed up by the LACK OF PROBLEMS reported here on TBN. If it were a problem, we would all be reading about it right here!!!
Bob_Skurka

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