Bigger tires on a BX23S

[GuswithK]

So after a lot of research and gnashing of teeth I finally have 2 in taller tires mounted and operating on my BX23S. I searched high and low for examples of anyone that's done this and could not find anything so figured I would outline what I did. As any BX owner knows the tiny little toy tires on the front leave a lot to be desired especially on bumpy ground while hauling heavy loads in the bucket. I wanted to ensure the front and rear ratio stayed within the 5% specs which I believe I have done by going to a 28x12-12-in swamp witch six ply UTV tire for the rears on 2-in spacers and a 20x10x10 357mag 6ply UTV with 2in spacers up front as well. It was quite a chore finding the front tires with the specs I wanted but this was the end result. I'm including pics so that the naysayers can see that there is in fact plenty of clearance on both sides of the rear. I do not have or plan to use a belly mower so that additional with on the new tires is a non-issue for myself but I believe the spacers would ensure adequate clearance. So far I'm absolutely loving the increased comfort on rough terrain not to mention increased traction on muddy job sites. Hope this helps anyone thinking of doing the same. Also found a set of 8-in rims and tires combo that will work but only with a 2-in spacer up front they would not work mounted to the factory hub.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

Looks good, I image the larger fronts were easier to mount than the stock size, even though they were 6 ply, compared to 4 ply.

I run stock size on my SCUT, but went to 8 ply on the front, but only run 10 psi in the rears for comfort (if you can call it that!)

Have you measured the difference in top speed? How has it effected the low end "grunt" to pull or push! Do your stabilizers pick your rear tires off the ground now?

 

[GuswithK]

Looks good, I image the larger fronts were easier to mount than the stock size, even though they were 6 ply, compared to 4 ply.

I run stock size on my SCUT, but went to 8 ply on the front, but only run 10 psi in the rears for comfort (if you can call it that!)

Have you measured the difference in top speed? How has it effected the low end "grunt" to pull or push! Do your stabilizers pick your rear tires off the ground now?

I haven't actually measured difference in top speed but I've noticed in second gear it whines a little bit more about going up steeper hills full throttle, that being said first gear has become more usable especially for bush hogging on my farm which was too rough and hilly to do in second gear at the same time first gear was a hair too slow even with the pedal to the metal lol.

 

[GuswithK]

Btw the stabilizers still pick the tires off the ground no issues there however I am running on oversized stabilizers

 

[Sportsman762]

It will be interesting what the longevity of the new tires are. The factory rear tires were Garden Master 26x12-12 with a 1760 lb load rating, The new tires are Deestone D932 Swamp Witch with 565 lb rating.

D932 Swamp Witch - Deestone Tires

Aggressive directional tread design provides superior traction over a variety of terrain Center tread contact area gives a smooth ride Grooved lugs enhance self cleaning property 6-ply nylon construction provides exceptional durability

deestonetireusa.com

The factory front tires are Garden Master 18x8.5-10 with a 780 lb rating. I could not find your new front tires

a 20x10x10 357mag 6ply UTV

However the Arisun X-Trail 20x10-10 6 ply are 695 lb rated, and the Carlisle All Trail II 20x10-10 4 ply are 695 lb rated.

All Trail II Hard Pack Tires

All Trail II tires are specifically designed for use on hard surface conditions. A low, wide profile reduces chassis roll offers a smooth ride.

www.carlstar.com

Amazon.com

The total weight of a base BX23S with backhoe and loader is 2785 lbs without operator, the old tire capacity was 5080, your new tire capacity (estimated) is 2950 lbs. I am curious how this will hold up.

 

[GuswithK]

yup I knew this going in and am prepared to chalk it up as a learning experience but with right at 500 for all 4 tires it's worth a shot. funny you bring it up because it's the rear tires that give me the greatest pause after a couple weeks it seems pretty obvious the front will have no problem lasting and seem to flex and distort a lot less than the factories

 

[ning]

So besides ride quality change, this should give you another inch of ground clearance?

 

[BX23S-1]

An overly taxed transmission already, and you put taller tires on it? Not something i would even try. I hope you don`t tear up your transmission. I gotta admit, it does look pretty sharp with the bigger tires.

 

[BX23S-1]

Do you have a the 60 inch mid mount mowing deck? Does it clear the rear tires while on the tractor?