Tires BX22 needs new tires

[copperhead1967]

Ok it's about time to replace the tires on my BX22. Anyone know a good source for AG tires locally in Western PA or off the net. I'm more concerned with traction than yard damage as I don't mow with the tractor and often get in to muck on my hillside property.
I've read the Kubota shop may offer the tires cheaper on the rim from others on the site. Does this still hold true?
I've looked on line and haven't had too much success. Any links would be appriciated. Looking for AG tires 18X8.5-8 on the fronts and 26X12.00-12 for the rears. Anyone ordered replacements and what is your experience with them?

 

[lrunge]

Why would you need to replace your tires already? My BX22 from about 2001 (I think), has over 700 hours on it and the tires don't show much wear. Are you replacing them for another reason?

 

[SeymourBota]

Finding something agressive for the front is a challenge.
Here are some choices for the rear:
CRTire - Search Results

But for the front, mostly mild:
CRTire - Search Results

I have had good luck with this vendor before.

Perhaps a set of replacement Kubota OEM bars on front??

 

[bandit67]

I ordered a set of the bar tires for my subcompact when I couldn't get any from the dealer, who couldn't get them from the manufacturer because of massive backlogs - my machine was shipped with turfs.

They were the same size as the tires on my buddy's BX22, which is the size you are looking for. I ordered them directly from Maxxis, and had a local shop swap them out for me. These were the exact tires that Kubota and CNH were putting on their subs at that time at least (that's how I originally found them).

Here's a link to the tires you want: Maxxis.com

 

[copperhead1967]

The Maxxis link is a dead ringer for what I have. I wasn't too impressed with the tread on the Carlisles even though they are a PA company and when I can I try to buy local, state , usa in that order.
I'm not too sure as far as wear on the tires I have. I just seem to be spinning alot more than normal lately and getting stuck more too. Maybe chains is a solution until the tires wear more.
I think I have more wear on the fronts than the backs so maybe a new set of fronts will help. Do the tires need replaced more often in the from than the back on most tractors due to turning and edge wear?

 

[bandit67]

I put 200 hard hours on the Maxxis tires before I sold the tractor. Based on the limited amount of wear I experienced, I'd expect I would have easily gotten another 500 hours, probably more, before even needing to think about replacing them.

I was impressed with the durability and traction of those tires. It was a night and day improvement over the turf tires that came with the tractor, and the bar tires actually left me with a better cut on the lawn because they didn't tamp down the grass the way the turfs did. 2 days after mowing, the lawn looked like crap when the uncut grass popped back up, in the width of the turf tires. That problem was solved with the bar tires that didn't tamp down anywhere near as much grass, which allowed the lawn to grow evenly every week.

 

[Aquaman]

and the bar tires actually left me with a better cut on the lawn because they didn't tamp down the grass the way the turfs did. 2 days after mowing, the lawn looked like crap when the uncut grass popped back up, in the width of the turf tires. That problem was solved with the bar tires that didn't tamp down anywhere near as much grass, which allowed the lawn to grow evenly every week.

I've always wondered about that. Glad to hear from somebody who has had both.

 

[milkman]

I think I have more wear on the fronts than the backs so maybe a new set of fronts will help. Do the tires need replaced more often in the from than the back on most tractors due to turning and edge wear?

I have over 600hrs on my BX and run on blacktop more than I like to and I just replaced the front tires. The rear will probably outlast another set on the front. I ordered a full set of tires and wheels from the dealer and run duals sometime, the set was ~$300 whole goods, I now use the ones I took off the front for the outside when I dual it up to work on the hillside. I'm sure the rears will outlast the front at least two to one due to turning and also due to the fact that they are a lot smaller. Mine take quite a beating with the extra weight of loader work and they have approx 1/3 less circumference than the rear.

 

[Volfandt]

I picked up a set of turfs w/alittle less than 200hrs on them to fit my BX23 for $200. Got 'em locally off of craigslist. The BX2200 they were on were replaced by BX2350 R4's and the fellow got tired of them collecting dust and taking up room. (And yes the later model BX2350's wheels work nicely on the BX2200, only problem is they slightly rub the MMM on full turns.....)

I've had just the opposite experience as posted above with which tire is more likely to mark the lawn when finish mowing.
My BX23 came w/bars and I got to where I wouldn't mow the front lawn when the lawn was damp as they would mark it in soft spots and tear it up in sharp turns.
The turf's are alot less damaging on my lawn and give me a softer ride.
For finish mowing it's the turfs for me.
My bars only have around 275 hrs but I keep & use them for dedicated TLB work.

 

[copperhead1967]

I'm sure the rears will outlast the front at least two to one due to turning and also due to the fact that they are a lot smaller. Mine take quite a beating with the extra weight of loader work and they have approx 1/3 less circumference than the rear.

I was thinking the exact same thing today. Those little fronts go around 3 times for every one on the back. (I'm sure it's not exactly 3 but close enough.) I just don't seem to be able to pull myself out of the loose stuff as well and even though my front tires are around 60% it seems to be the best bet to replace them. Alot less on the wallet too

I just got a letter today from Kubota saying I owed $1600 on my 5 year note @ 2.9 % so I'll be able to dump a little more into it by summer. I'm tempted to pay it off now but I can't see that with the rate being so low.
Then it's time for more attachments to go with the 5 foot rake and logsplitter. This little BX has served me well and will be a even more of a pleasure to own when it's in the black.
Thanks for the input and allowing me to think out loud. This forum is a great source of info.

 

[copperhead1967]

Hey Milkman just reread your post. Was the 300 for the front set and dual set up hardware. What's involved with the set up ? Looking at the rims it looks like long bolts from rim to rim. The extra footprint would be sweet on some of the places I take my BX.

 

[chucko]

Years ago my grandfather had ditchwitch tires on the from of his Bota. man that thing would climb. I forget the model it was one of the mid/late 90s B's I think it was

 

[milkman]

Copperhead, here's a couple of the threads, the ~$300 was for a set of tires and wheels, two front and two rears. I had to make the spacers and I bought and made the rest of the hardware to mount the wheels.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/69454-new-project.html
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/74076-bx-whatyacallit.html

 

[copperhead1967]

Milkman what can I say but what an awesome sight to see the 8X8 BX in action. Thanks now I'm thinking too!

 

[LBrown59]

== L B == Reports:
Looks a little premature.
I have a a shade over 940 hours on my BX23 and the tires look hardly worn.

Why would you need to replace your tires already? My BX22 from about 2001 (I think), has over 700 hours on it and the tires don't show much wear. Are you replacing them for another reason?

I have a 41 year old 1967 Bolens and a 42 year old 1966 Bolens .
41 and 42 Years on those tires make 900 hours on the BX23 tires look like a blink of an eye.

 

[LBrown59]

Well, Now: to put the argument to rest.
I have a BX1500 with turfs another BX1500 with AGs and a BX23 with AGs.
Actually I don't see any difference between the 3 tractors when it comes to ride or lawn damage.
I'm now thinking I should have gotten AGs on the BX1500 that has the turfs on it instead of the turfs.

I picked up a set of turfs w/alittle less than 200hrs on them to fit my BX23 for $200. Got 'em locally off of craigslist. The BX2200 they were on were replaced by BX2350 R4's and the fellow got tired of them collecting dust and taking up room. (And yes the later model BX2350's wheels work nicely on the BX2200, only problem is they slightly rub the MMM on full turns.....)

I've had just the opposite experience as posted above with which tire is more likely to mark the lawn when finish mowing.
My BX23 came w/bars and I got to where I wouldn't mow the front lawn when the lawn was damp as they would mark it in soft spots and tear it up in sharp turns.
The turf's are alot less damaging on my lawn and give me a softer ride.
For finish mowing it's the turfs for me.
My bars only have around 275 hrs but I keep & use them for dedicated TLB work.

 

[LBrown59]

I've always wondered about that. Glad to hear from somebody who has had both.

I still have Both.

AGs on a BX1500 & a BX23.

Turfs on a BX1500.

I can't tell any difference.

 

[tommu56]

copperhead1967

check out these the come in heavier ply / weight raitings than stock
Maxxis.com

tom

 

[Volfandt]

Well, Now: to put the argument to rest.

I wasn't arguing with you but since you've called me out
I can't think of anything that you've put to rest......
It wasn't too long ago that you claimed an L&G Cub Cadet was the best ever mowing and snow removing machine while recommending it to others, and now it isn't worthy as you've supposedly purchased 2 BX1500's.

And to be honest, someone that doesn't have the sense enough to take the BH & FEL off when finish mowing just may not be qualified enough to know when they're damageing their lawn or not ....

Question for you,
Why do you think tractor manufacturers offer 4 or more different types of tires for their machines?
Now for the sake of argument, lets assume that each tire is actually better suited for a specific usage.
With this in mind lets break down the top 3 types.
1)Turfs. It is documented that this type of tire is best suited for finish mowing as it's wider footprint coupled w/the least aggresive tread available distributes the tractors weight better which minimizes turf damage. This is the type of tire found on commercial mowers.

2) Ags(bars), Now these are documented as the best tire for operating in soft soil. You see they have a very aggressive tread that is design to grip. Funny you don't see these types of tread on commercial mowers ain't it. Could it be they know something, just like the manufacturers?

3)Industrials, mainly designed for operation on hard surfaces, they are also considered a compromise between the Turfs and Ags. And can you guess what the compromise is?
You got it, more aggressive tread than the Turfs but less than the Ags, which produces less damage to the lawn than the Ags, simple ain't it

Folks, do your own research, free advise on the internet is as valuable as what you pay for it

 

[Aquaman]

I wasn't arguing with you but since you've called me out
I can't think of anything that you've put to rest......
It wasn't too long ago that you claimed an L&G Cub Cadet was the best ever mowing and snow removing machine while recommending it to others, and now it isn't worthy as you've supposedly purchased 2 BX1500's.

And to be honest, someone that doesn't have the sense enough to take the BH & FEL off when finish mowing just may not be qualified enough to know when they're damageing their lawn or not ....

I like your avatar showing you using your backhoe, but what's that big orange thing in front of the back wheel????