Thanks for the input--I'm buying it mostly as a mower and tow-er, but will certainly want to explore the other functionality, within its limitations.
Glad to hear your endorsement Dr. Honda. I'm pretty sure this is the machine for me. But from your photo I've got two questions for you, if you don't mind:
With R4s not being a factory option on the BX1870, I'm not sure whether turfs or R1s will be better for me. I've read elsewhere that some users mow with R1s and don't have significant problems with tearing or marking up their turf; other users have indicated they get very good traction with turf tires, even when towing on hills, by using the 4wd and diff lock when needed. So it doesn't sound like either would be a horrible mistake. But still not sure which way to go--leaning turf at the moment. Also wondering about ballast--more traction, of course, but also more lawn problems? The dealer I visited recommends R1s and no ballast for my application. Since Pittsburgh is far from flat, I'm wondering about your experience with turf tire. I hope to be able to tow large garden carts of green firewood up and down trails. But I will be driving back and forth across some narrow sections of lawn, and don't want to leave muddy tracks. (I do know enough to keep off the grass when it's wet.)
Also wondering about your ROPS--looks like it is folded down farther than I thought you could go on the BX's. I usually see it sticking straight back in the down position. I intend to have it up on any inclines, but will need to lower it to store in my garage, and there the less room it takes up the better, especially for my cranium.
Thanks!
Jack
It depends on your ground.
If you have hard, dry-ish ground... then you could get away with the industrial tires. I know they aren't an option, but your dealer may swap them. My ground is relatively soft, and an aggressive tread would absolutely SHRED my yard !! But I guess that will depend on how often you mow. My yard is a manicured yard... and in the spring/early summer... it's getting mowed every 4~5 days.
If your primary goal is a "mower"... then get turf tires.
If you are thinking of plowing a section of your yard (soft mud)... then you will need the R1's to dig in, but there's no way I could mow with them.
FYI: I have my tires filled, but I don't hang extra ballast.
As far as traction... my yard is hilly, and I've never lost traction, even when wet. (using 4wd) AND... if that even becomes a question... you have a rear dif-lock that will make it go. I even store one of my Utility trailers (6x12') behind my shed, and I drag it up to the street with my tractor. (up a grass hill) I generally don't even need 4wd to do that. A yard cart isn't an issue, even on the hills.
One thing to keep in mind... more rubber in contact, will give more traction. (in general) To get a R1 to get real traction... it has to dig in.
The ROPS can fold down (more or less) flat to the base. The one that sticks out backwards, is the older one. (pre 2013 ?) So, if you are looking at a new one... it will be just like mine. And yes... it's great to be able to put it down, and put it in the garage. FYI... I only put it up when I'm using the FEL. It's the only time I get "Tippy".
Cool! I've only just seen mention of the there being an "-01" update. Any idea what else was changed?
It was a change in the ROPS, and the floor mat. (that was only cosmetic)
If the ROPS fold down it is very hard to do with out something to pull it down on mine at least. And thats removing all the bolts and pins where it is so tight in it.
Once you do it a few times... it loosens up. The first time I did mine... it was dam near impossible. But after it was worked a few times... and I put a few drops of oil in the pivot... I can move it pretty easy now.
Just don't forget to put it down before putting it in the garage. (lol) I did, and crushed my new aluminum trim around my garage door.
