Ballast Tire recommendations / Ballast suggestion

[connor77]

Have a BX2660 that I need to do some grubbing work with and I'd like to know what you guys would recommend for a second set of tires. I have turfs now because I use my tractor for 95% mowing but I will be doing some loader work and clearing a large area (will likely use a rachet rake for this). What would be a good choice of a second set of tires used purely for loader and light brush clearing? I'll be working on some hilly areas if that helps.

Second question is what is an appropriate amount of weight for ballast for performing this type of work? I have seen an attachment from Omni Mfg where weights (weightlifting weights) can be easily added to a welded set up that looks like it might do the trick. I was thinking of adding 200lbs to the rear of my machine to make loader work better - is this adequate?

I'm sure people have seen some stuff on EBAY but I've picked up a front mounted hitch and grill guard - both of which I'm very happy with. If anyone has a need for either there are some good welders selling their products on EBAY.

 

[bp fick]

Having a second set of tires for a radically different set of tasks is something I considered. The turfs are the best for mowing, but once into heavier work, you may find them lacking grip, too squishy, and too puncture prone.

While not a perfect tire for everything, the R4 industrial tires are much stouter. I know. My BX came with turfs. I also ordered a second set, the R4's for $400 from my dealer through Whole Goods. Frankly, I like them so much I sold my turfs on Craigs for list. Don't miss them, but then, your mileage may vary.

Many will suggest the R1's for your second set. While the grip is awesome, the nature of Kubota's brand of R1's is that inbetween the bars, the tire is rather thin and not as thick as the R4's. Tough call. Good luck with your decision.

I can understand you wanting weight that is removable for mowing. I use conventional wheel weights, but they are a PITA to change out. Interested in a better solution myself in that regard.

 

[radioman]

Another thing to consider is, once you are done with clearing the land, then what ? are you done with that only one heavy project ? you may not need to swap tires, I should know since I am still doing bunch of work with turfs, but I filled my tires with rimgaurd. The only time I might have wished I had r1 or r4's is when I know I'll be in soft dirt in mud like conditions. However once you drive in deep mud, no tire in the world for the BX will save you. Only chains can help.

Adding wieght will help. It doesnt matter if it liquid ballast in tires or outside. When I added rimgaurd, I have a total of 166 lbs. When I am doing really hard work, I attach my rototiller or BH for more wieght. This adds another 600lbs. So with you adding wieght with wieghtlifting stuff and attach to the 3 pt hitch is a good start. Start small and add on when you feel you need more. Do you have any attachments you can use? There is extra weight right there.

 

[Reg]

I have a set of loaded R4s and a set of "air filled" turfs (-:
I try to use them "seasonally", but this year got to dig stumps, drill post holes and rototil with the turfs on.
SURPRISE ?! They weren't THAT BAD ! in the dirt, not even when a bit wet.
I am NOT saying that turfs are IDEAL in wet clay, or anything like that, just that it is at least POSSIBLE to do quite a bit of dirt work with them if the ground is reasonably dry.
BTW, my roto tiller is forward rotation, so it tends to aid the tractor's forward motion, a rear rotation tiller might be harder to pull with turf tires on, though you could just til with the tractor in reverse (-:

I didn't do any box blade or disk work with the turfs, I would guess the disk would be OK and the box blade would not.

Here comes winter, one more mowing and raking, then swap the tires for snow clearing and Spring dirt work.


PS The R1 vs R4 debate often ignores the fact that R4s can typically take a lot more liquid ballast than R1s.
I don't know what size tires you have, but on one of my tractors the difference is 55 gallons per R4 tire vs 35 per R1 tire.
With RimGuard the extra 40 gallons total comes to over 400 pounds.
How much that off-sets the lug pattern grip advantage of the R1s is "debatable" (-:

 

[TheFlatlander]

Personally I have turf and R4 for the same tractor. Use the turfs most of the time and occasionally switch to the R4's for repeated loader and woods work. The R4 carry the weight better and are a bit more aggressive. Both sets are filled in the rear. Keep in mind that I love my BX and have been impressed with the things that I can do with it, but as stated earlier if it really gets to deep mud, no tire set will make a difference on the BX as it doesn't have enough tire speed to clean out the tires. Basically the difference will be how deep in you can go. For this I recommend a cell phone to call for a neighbor and a couple of cold ones on stash to say thank-you.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I have turfs on my BX (mowing mostly and lighter/slower FEL work) and R4's on my B3200 for heavier and faster FEL work. Turfs will probably do it all but if you need to spend some money then add R4's. The boxblade or tiller is the best added weight and can also be used for work.

 

[BeezFun]

I made rear ballast out of an old weight lifting bar. I cut the bar to length and welded drawpins on the end so it fits in the 3pt arms. Then I had the wife watch for plates at garage sales. I've accumulated about 400 pounds of weight for probably $20 that's easy to pick up and easy to roll around by hand to keep it out of the way. It's also tucked in nice and tight in the back, so it doesn't restrict movement like a box blade or some other implement on the back.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I made rear ballast out of an old weight lifting bar. I cut the bar to length and welded drawpins on the end so it fits in the 3pt arms. Then I had the wife watch for plates at garage sales. I've accumulated about 400 pounds of weight for probably $20 that's easy to pick up and easy to roll around by hand to keep it out of the way. It's also tucked in nice and tight in the back, so it doesn't restrict movement like a box blade or some other implement on the back.

Best do it yourself on the save money side I've seen, so far on rear weight. Great idea. Exercise equipment is the number 1 yard sale item in my part of the country. Guess people have a "grand" goal but get over it after a day or two and then the guilt associated with seeing it often drives them to the "get this stuff" out of my house. I'll take any offer.

 

[connor77]

Thanks for the help guys.

BP, nice setup by the way with your new tires. If you search the internet for OMNI mfg you will find something that attaches to your 3pt arms to which weightlifting weights can be added. This is the route I'm going to go. Will likely see if I can do what I need to before purchasing 2nd set of tires after adding ballast - I would only need them once or twice a year for probably the next 3 yrs so not that economical.

FYI, Omni mfg also sell stuff on Ebay and it seems to be reasonably priced.

Beez has basically made what I need to buy - I don't weld.

 

[LBrown59]

I have R1s on these 2 And tires are not filled .
The BH and the tiller are what I use for ballast .
Both tractors work gerat .


I have turfs on this one but they aren't any easier on the lawn than the R1s on the other 2 tractors.
In fact since they will spin easier than R1s they will do more damage to the yard .
If I was to replace tires on this machine it would be with R1s.

Have a BX2660 that I need to do some grubbing work with and I'd like to know what you guys would recommend for a second set of tires.
1* I have turfs now because I use my tractor for 95% mowing but I will be doing some loader work and clearing a large area .
2*What would be a good choice of a second set of tires used purely for loader and light brush clearing?
Second question is what is an appropriate amount of weight for ballast for performing
3**I was thinking of adding 200lbs to the rear of my machine to make loader work better - is this adequate?

1*The B and BXs are such small and lite tractors that they do not require Turfs or R4s for mowing.
Save that for the bigger utility tractors.
2*I would sell the turfs and get R1s.
This way you won't have to monkey around with changing wheels/tires back and forth.
3*200 pounds is way to little and to dangerous for handling a full loader.
I have a 600# BH on the rear of my BX23 and wouldn't want any less weight.
Ballast should be somewhere around the weight you are carrying in the bucket.