Yet another tire question?

[trum979]

First of all I want to say that I have gleaned a wealth of info from this forum. Decided its about time I contribute in the form of a question. In order to make a long story short, last spring I was about to purchase a small two acre plot and I went out and bought a new Bx 1860. The land deal fell through at the last minuet and I ended up buying 10 acers of wooded hills and hollers. Really like the place but determinded that I definitely need more tractor. The more I read about the BX 24-25s on this forum the more I new I had to have one. To shorten the story even more a local dealer unexpectedly offered me a deal on a 25 that I could not refuse. My question, I have in strorage a new set of turf tires that I bought for the 1860. Probably never will have a use for them, but was wondering if they would work on the BX 25. I realize that it would slow the speed of the tractor and lower it an inch, all things being proportional, would it have any detrimental effect on the Drive train? Don't even know if the lug bolts are the same. thanks

 

[MikeInEburg]

First, welcome to TBN!

The manufacturer has sized your front tires in proportion to the rears. If you change the diameter of the rears, it will mess with the 4-wheel drive front wheel turning ratio.

Also - if you have wooded land, the FIRST accessory to consider is a skid plate or some other protection for the plastic hydro fan located under the operator's seat. One stick can ruin your whole day.

Mike

 

[trum979]

Thanks Mike. The newer BXs have the new and improved skid plates. Hopefully that will be enough. Although, I will be cutting trails and paths, its still something to be aware of.

 

[beenthere]

Small diameter tires make it difficult to get traction in the woods. I'd suggest going to the larger diameter, if traction is what you want.

Also, a big difference in the ride on larger diameter, as they smooth out the bumps. Much easier seat time that way.

 

[rdsaustintx]

This is easy. Sell the turfs to somebody with a big lawn. You don't want them.

 

[LBrown59]

First of all I want to say that I have gleaned a wealth of info from this forum. Decided its about time I contribute in the form of a question. In order to make a long story short, last spring I was about to purchase a small two acre plot and I went out and bought a new Bx 1860. The land deal fell through at the last minuet and I ended up buying 10 acers of wooded hills and hollers. Really like the place but determinded that I definitely need more tractor. The more I read about the BX 24-25s on this forum the more I new I had to have one. To shorten the story even more a local dealer unexpectedly offered me a deal on a 25 that I could not refuse. My question, I have in strorage a new set of turf tires that I bought for the 1860. Probably never will have a use for them, but was wondering if they would work on the BX 25. I realize that it would slow the speed of the tractor and lower it an inch, all things being proportional, would it have any detrimental effect on the Drive train? Don't even know if the lug bolts are the same. thanks

Why not save some money and keep the BX1860?
It will do most anything the BX25 will do except run a BH .

First, welcome to TBN!

The manufacturer has sized your front tires in proportion to the rears.
1*If you change the diameter of the rears, it will mess with the 4-wheel drive front wheel turning ratio.

2*Also - if you have wooded land, the FIRST accessory to consider is a skid plate or some other protection for the plastic hydro fan located under the operator's seat. One stick can ruin your whole day.

Mike

1* I thought he was talking about swapping all 4 tires ;not just the rears.

2*This would be no differen than the 1860 he now has.

 

[LBrown59]

Small diameter tires make it difficult to get traction in the woods. I'd suggest going to the larger diameter, if
1*traction is what you want.

Also, a big
2* difference in the ride on larger diameter, as they smooth out the bumps. Much easier seat time that way.

1 & 2* I have a BX with the 24'' tires and another one with the 26'' tires .
I can't see any difference between traction and ride of either tractior.

 

[bp fick]

Conversely, I did indeed put BX25 wheels and tires on my 1860 and love the larger stance. You could swap all four. But why? You wouldn't want to put smaller tires on the TLB.

I sold my 1860 turf set, all four tires and wheels in a week on Craigs. The guys that use up tires mowing commercially need them.

I have also noticed guys getting great prices on eBay, although the selling costs eat away your profits.

 

[trum979]

Like I said, I don't really envinsion ever using tlhe tires, given the type of terrian I will be running on. I was mostly curious about the ramifications of the gearing change by swaping all four tires and keeping everthing proportional. I will probably try to find some one local that can use them and make them a good deal.

 

[AceDeuce]

Bottom line: It WILL affect the gear ratios, however if you are operating off road the difference is probably not enough to have a detrimental effect.

Others have swapped their tires successfully but the long term effects are not known. Keep in mind though... Kubota will almost certainly void your warrantee.

 

[radioman]

Ok I am gonna throw in my 2 cents: I don't even know if the tires lug nuts are the same for BX25 to BX1860. They do look awfully similar though. I am going to disagree with others here- going an inch lower on BX25 will NOT affect the drivetrain as long ALL 4 are changed out, not just the rears in 4wd. I really don't think you are going to have a bumpier ride with smaller tires. LBrown is unfortunately correct here. It will affect the ratios , but an 1 inch on a SMALL tractor ?! you will hardly notice the difference, all it will give you is a tiny bit more pulling/starting power under a load in high gear. The low gear on the BX's is so low you get all the power you need anyways from the size of the BX tractor.

If you do go with BX25, do it only because of the convenience of the BH, the way it comes on/off. The set of turf tires you have will sell like hot cakes anyways if it doesnt fit, and this little tidbit would be great useful info here on TBN for future BX owners wishing to swap like you.

My gut feeling says it will fit. Nearly all of the BX stuff is interchangeable and of course there are exceptions .

 

[milkman]

I don't think you'll need the turf tires, but you do NEED a skidplate even though you have the so called fan protector. Just look under there and you'll see that it will do little to keep a stick from getting in there. Make a skidplate or buy one, it'll be cheaper than replacing the fan.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Ok I am gonna throw in my 2 cents: I don't even know if the tires lug nuts are the same for BX25 to BX1860. They do look awfully similar though. I am going to disagree with others here- going an inch lower on BX25 will NOT affect the drivetrain as long ALL 4 are changed out, not just the rears in 4wd. I really don't think you are going to have a bumpier ride with smaller tires.

Since the front/back are of different sizes the tire size must change in equal proportion to maintain the same front back lead/lag ratio. It is my experience that the small Kubotas go up in 1" increments front and back as the model # escalates. This is not an equal proportion increase. Going up from standard by equal increments will increase front lead [good for steering agiliy] - - going down will cause lag, pushing the fronts, and impair steering agility. I have 1" bigger tires on the BX1500. Very good steering response compared to stock. And I did notice a better ride.
larry