Ballast Toothbar? on FEL and filling tires on a BX23

jim_wilson · Jun 22, 2004

I plan on buying a BX23 this week - have gotten a number of quotes from dealers and and just trying to conclude my decision making process. I had been thinking of getting a toothbar for the FEL on the BX23 but had a couple of dealers say that it wouldn't help. I was thinking that the toothbar would help with digging out sod and in certain other digging situations. If a toothbar is the way to go I was wondering what type would be appropriate. I looked at the H&H website and they have a number of different version available. Would one with more or less teeth be best?
I was also wondering about the whole tire filling issue - after searching thru past posts I have seen that people use antifreeze, calcium carbonate, " beet juice", and water to fill their tires. I would like to stay away from antifreeze and water will freeze in my area so that leaves the calcium carbonate and the beet juice. Is that something I can do myself or is it a dealer only thing? Should I bother to try and do it myself? Where can you get the beet juice stuff if I was to try and fill myself? Thanks

BotaGuy · Jun 22, 2004

The tooth bar is next on my list of must haves, just haven't gotten around to it yet. I think you will find those with the tooth bar here, will unanimously reccomend one. I have not filled my tires yet, and I am not sure that I will do so, it has not been an issue yet.

Jim_Becker · Jun 22, 2004

Toothbar...absolutely will help with digging and they are usually easy to install and remove so you only use them when appropriate.

As to filling the tires...I didn't fill mine on the BX22 and don't miss it. When I need extra weight in the rear, I have a 3pt weight to use. When I want more, I just put the BH on...you can't beat 600+ lbs right behind the rear wheels when it comes to traction.

MessickFarmEqu · Jun 22, 2004

You might also try wheel weights, while they do not add as much weight, they give you the option of taking them on and off and they are not very expensive. The ones we sell are only $90 for a pair of heavy cast iron ones.

vlpena · Jun 22, 2004

Yep, toothbar is a gotta have. I used mine for the first time last weekend and one of those things that is instantly noticeable. If used right (never overload your FEL) that toothbar can pull up small yopons (10' to 12') and lotsa groundcover. Easy to install too, thanks to other TBNers giving advice! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I agree with Jim B. the weight of the BH is enough for me. Got all the traction I need. Of course everybody's situation is different.
And of course this is all even better if you get the BX23. What a workhorse. I think you will have fun. Good luck!

jim_wilson · Jun 22, 2004

So for those of you who have used a toothbar - what kind should I go with? The H&H site lists a number of different types some with less teeth - some with more. There is a "landscaper" version that has a lot of teeth that I thought might work well in this rocky New England soil that I have and would do well at ripping out sod.

vlpena · Jun 22, 2004

Jim,
Mine has six teeth on it. That is the only kind that I have seen. There are several web sites and plenty of informative TBners that will help. Type in Toothbar in the Search Engine, and you will find mucho discussions on toothbars.

jpr62902 · Jun 22, 2004

The toothbar is a must. As for filled tires, my BX22 manual recommends against it when using the BH, but then again, it also has a section about how to fill the tires, so go figure.

NIXON · Jun 22, 2004

Jim . As for filling the tires , I'll leave that unanswered . As I have no experience with loaded tires. But as to the tooth bar .... By all means get one . John

surfran · Jun 22, 2004

I would say the normal toothbar with teeth spacing in the ~7" spacing would be the best. I think the landscaper would not dig as well in your rocky soil as it would have more surface area to break in, at least that is what seems logical to me.

I built my toothbar last fall after spending the Summer using my loader without one moving and digging quite a bit. Anyhow when I put my toothbar on in the Fall it made a huge difference in digging in my rocky soil here (note my rocks are potato size and slightly larger, not monsters you have up there).

In any event get the Toothbar!!!

I don't have loaded tires on my BX1800. I do use wheel weights and a rear weight box when using the FEL. I have turf tires and manage to do what I need when I need to.

Good luck on your decision,