Tires R1 tires for BX2230??

newcountry · Jun 21, 2005

I've got heavy brush with some small trees (<2 inches diameter) to clear- bought my rotary cutter and thought I was ready to go. This weekend my father-in-law warned me about a couple things. He's afraid that the small stumps from the brush and the trees will puncture my R4's and tear them up. Is this a valid concern? He also thinks the tire sealants won't help when 1 inch sumac stump pops a hole in my tire. Anything bigger than 1&1/2 inch I'm going to cut at ground level with my chainsaw. I'm planning on filling the tires anyway with Briggs&Stratton RX Tire Sealant as they offer lifetime tire warranty. And then as a warning, maybe /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif, My right rear tire has a slow leak after I mowed two swaths of weeds alongside my driveway last week.

So, I see my options as (and let me know you're opinions on these!)
1. Going forth with the R4's and fill with the tire sealant and leave it at that
2. Fill my R4's with foam (I'm not at all familiar with this other than my FIL said that if makes the tires puncture-proof and is very expensive) If anyone has references or weblinks that would be helpful.
3. Buy R1's and not worry but have no money. How much do these run for a BX-series anyway?

So what should I do?

Av8r3400 · Jun 21, 2005

About $300 for the "bar" style tires. A worthy investment (also on my short list).

I believe that Scrounger (?) has foam filled tires. If so, he will surely have an opinion on their worth. From what I remember of other member's opinions, it is generally thought of as a good thing for additional weight and puncture resistance, but is stiffer than fluid or air.

SeymourBota · Jun 21, 2005

You're referring to your tires as "R4"s and asking about "R1"s, so I think that means you have what we refer to as 'bar' tires already. They are sort of a combination of R4 and R1. The only other option, due to the unique sizes, are the turf tires, which you clearly do not want for your stated job.
I think your best bet is to pick your path as carefully as possible and be ready with a tire sealant or fill them with foam. Henro has had foam filled tires and I think he was happy with them.

BRIGUY · Jun 21, 2005

I may be wrong but I think there are only 2 tire choices for the BX. Both really are turf tires. Bar turfs or treaded turfs. I have the Bar turfs.

They do puncture fairly easily.

RonR · Jun 21, 2005

I'd be also concerned about the soft underbelly of the BX. Several have posted here to having damaged the hydro cooling fan or worse with an errant stick.

Do a search for slid plate or belly pan and you will see some good ones.

I don't plan to take mine into rough country until I can build one.

Ron

newcountry · Jun 22, 2005

Thanks everyone. I do have the 'bar' tires already, I've seen them called R4's so that's what I've taken to calling them.

Seymour and Briguy, I guess R1's aren't even an option? Wow that's really a bummer /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif. Would like to hear from foam-filled folks (Scrounger and Henro, are you out there?) to see if that's worth it. How much does that cost, too?

RonR, fellow Kansan- Yes I've got all those posts linked and am working on some people I know locally who weld. Unfortunately I don't have the equipment or expertise to do this yet. For now, I may even go in reverse or leave the belly mower on for protection.

Are the Bar/R4 tires 4-ply?

If anyone knows of Ag/R1 tires available in the BX series size please let me know.

Junkman · Jun 22, 2005

Henro has the front tires filled on his BX, but not the rears. He said that it was too expensive to fill the rears and didn't think it was necessary. For what you are planning on doing, I suggest that you plan on spending a lot of time changing tires. Keep in mind that the BX is a sub compact, not a bulldozer. Whenever you are going over stumps that closely resemble spears, you are going to have problems unless the tires are the thickness of log skidder tires. No matter how you plan this, you are headed for problems. If it were me, I would have a bulldozer come in and stump the entire site and in the end, you will be a lot happier with no possibility of damage to your tractor. The right tool for the job is always best.

Just because you can, doesn't mean that you should. (old Junkman proverb) /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif