Larger tires on the BX?

[jrm]

just got my 1880, the specs say the ground clearance is 8.3 on the 18 and 8.9 on the 2380... but holy cow, smacked a tree root from a 150' doug fir on the front hub the first time out- threw me into the steering wheel- it only has 3.5" of clearance-- Has anyone put larger tires on these BX18's?
Be interesting to see how those front tires perform in 20" of wet snow I spotted these tires, maybe to heavy duty for a 1880?
https://simpletire.com/bkt-18-8.50-...4hPpQbQN6CszbzHOJ2A5l35AGYjdODdAaAu8jEALw_wcB

 

[PaulL]

You have to be careful to match front and rear or you'll wind up the transmission when in 4WD. Apparently stock they're within 5%, so whatever percentage you increase the front by you'll also need to increase the rear by. I don't think there's enough clearance to increase the rear that much.

 

[skypros]

If your BX1880 is anything like my BX23s, You are going to have a real hard time increasing the rear tire size due to the clearance. My loader stick valve hangs down in the wheel well.... and my clearance is like 1-1/8" I sure would not want any larger tire than what I have.

 

[KennysNewFarm]

Not to sound rude or harsh but several of us forewarned you about the size of the tractor you wanted when you first asked for our opinion. We all stated you should buy a B series for larger tires, additional ground clearance, and a wider stance. Then you purchased the smallest tractor Kubota makes because of your small budget. Then you are writing threads on how small the tractor is and you need to buy wheel spacers, bigger tires, and a grapple in which will be so heavy you will only be able to pick up sticks. When you get done spending all this cash you could have paid for the B series. I am only posting this for the future OPs that are reading your questions so they can make a better buying decision.

 

[Captaincj]

Not to sound rude or harsh but several of us forewarned you about the size of the tractor you wanted when you first asked for our opinion. We all stated you should buy a B series for larger tires, additional ground clearance, and a wider stance. Then you purchased the smallest tractor Kubota makes because of your small budget. Then you are writing threads on how small the tractor is and you need to buy wheel spacers, bigger tires, and a grapple in which will be so heavy you will only be able to pick up sticks. When you get done spending all this cash you could have paid for the B series. I am only posting this for the future OPs that are reading your questions so they can make a better buying decision.

Harsh, but not wrong.

I would highly advise you not change the tire size. As said, the 4WD system requires the tire ratio between the front and back to stay the same, if you have or want a mid mount mower you will play hell getting the deck adjusted if you change the tire heights (especially if you only change the front) and there could be other factors we aren't even thinking of. It's all designed as a system.

 

[jrm]

I knew that was coming, and your right- my friends also totally think Iv gone nuts, they may be right. As Kennysnewfarm states I was warned- but what I didn't realize when reading specs was that the front hub is only 3.5 inches off the ground, specs show double that. I plan to up the tires (all 4) to that of the 2380 and call this one done.

 

[PaulL]

I'd just ask your dealer whether they'd take it back in swap for a B2601. A mistake is only a mistake if you persist in it. The longer you wait before you change course, the more expensive it will be. Can't hurt to ask.

 

[KennysNewFarm]

I knew that was coming, and your right- my friends also totally think Iv gone nuts, they may be right. As Kennysnewfarm states I was warned- but what I didn't realize when reading specs was that the front hub is only 3.5 inches off the ground, specs show double that. I plan to up the tires (all 4) to that of the 2380 and call this one done.

Again 4 people stated not to increase tire size and even went into details on why they wouldn’t and your response is still defying the opinions you asked for by what you think is best. No offense but if you don’t want to take us seriously why waste our time with questions? I am done with this thread just making a valid point. Good luck.

 

[Captaincj]

Again 4 people stated not to increase tire size and even went into details on why they wouldn’t and your response is still defying the opinions you asked for by what you think is best. No offense but if you don’t want to take us seriously why waste our time with questions? I am done with this thread just making a valid point. Good luck.

I think he can be successful increasing the tire size to that of the BX2380, but try and confirm that with math and the opinion of Kubota and/or the dealer. It keeps the ratios the same as the existing (confirm with your own math) and I suspect Kubota doesn't do anything different with the BX1880 vs BX2380 to accommodate those larger tires.

You should definitely ask the dealer about trading you 1880 for a 2380 or 2601.

Applying what you would be spending on larger tires towards the larger tractors (2380 or 2601) is much smarter.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

First that tire 18x8.5-8 is not the same RC as the BX2380 tire which is 18x8.5-10
Second that tire would kill the poor little front end of that tractor, No flex at all, that tire is meant for a very heavy skid steer, not a light little tractor.

Your messing with things that are going to cost you some serious $$$ when they break things, and they will.

The front gears on the diff are about the size of your thumb and it doesn't take much to break them, and they are expensive to replace!

If you were going to do it correctly you will have to change the front rims along with the tires to get a larger, proper RC.

 

[MadMax31]

There have been members with 1870s that ***8220;upsized***8221; there tires buy using a matching set from a 2370. You can get get them from Wholegoods as the tire part numbers havent changed since the 50 series.

I was watching a set of turfs for $675 on eBay incase my R4s get slippy in the winter.

I don***8217;t remember the member name, but he did a YouTube vid on swapping his tires. I was look for his opinion on how it has turned out.

 

[jrm]

Seems I need to clarify that I never intended to just up the front's. Would up all 4 in a matching set. I did stop by the dealer and spoke with the mechanic. He did not like that 8 ply tire I linked in the first post either, said it would be like a solid tire- he did say, with that larger sidewall maybe if I ran it at 5psi it would work since its only a 18hp hydro trans and that the front axle handles the heavy D1005 engine that's in the 2680 without a issue so the light D722 super mini shouldn't stress it to much. The dealer said 23xx tire & wheel swaps are surprisingly common, and bolt right on- plus he said older customers with the 23 series often eye smaller tires to lower the machine- he kept my name and will call me if anyone wants to swap. As for some of the responses above There was discussion in the buying advice thread that a 2301 better suites my ground clearance needs, but after visiting the dealer and changing the 84 months to the 60 months that the B series offers. and the extra $6500 bucks (almost double what I paid for the 1880) its totally not in the cards (kids in private school, and left coast cost of living) So, making the BX work for me is the plan- Yesterday I grabbed a heavy load of gravel, dropped the 5ft blade and scraped the driveway in low range just fine Testing a LP reverse tiller later today.

 

[Chrisw]

Check out baller Faller on YouTube, search (Kubota Bx 1880). The BX 23s is a direct bolt on, IV had these tires for a year and I use the piss outta my 1880 no problems at all. Honestly they should be factory.

 

[AKguy09]

Doesn't putting the 23s tires on the 1880 limit or hinder the belly mower in some way? I thought I read that when I had my BX

 

[Snave]

I knew that was coming, and your right- my friends also totally think Iv gone nuts, they may be right. As Kennysnewfarm states I was warned- but what I didn't realize when reading specs was that the front hub is only 3.5 inches off the ground, specs show double that. I plan to up the tires (all 4) to that of the 2380 and call this one done.

I have an 1880 and would love to hear how the tire upgrade did for clearance and issues if found?

 

[xrocketengineer]

I have an 1880 and would love to hear how the tire upgrade did for clearance and issues if found?

BX1880 Tire Upgrade

I am very happy with the tires so far. I use 4wd less, ride is better and lawn condition is improving.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

re: but holy cow, smacked a tree root from a 150' doug fir

cut the dang tree down.. cheaper than new tractor, 4 tires and rims, repairs, etc.
at the very least trim the root.....

roots are supposed to be UNDERGROUND, so I've been told...

 

[DustyRusty]

re: but holy cow, smacked a tree root from a 150' doug fir

cut the dang tree down.. cheaper than new tractor, 4 tires and rims, repairs, etc.
at the very least trim the root.....

roots are supposed to be UNDERGROUND, so I've been told...

They migrate to the top of the ground when they don't get enough water underground. If you cut them off, you are effectively killing the tree. Cover them with soil and water them during the dry season. In the woods around my home, the roots are deep into the ground because the forest floor keeps the water from evaporating. On the lawn where I have decorative trees, the tree roots are coming up on the lawn. The solution is to build up the soil out to the drip line of the branches and then cover will a lot of mulch and water under the mulch with a soaker hose at least once a week.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Yeah DR I know all that, the neighbour don't ! I've had to replace his 'custom right angled tip' riding mower blades several times ! Finally after it destroyed the engine, he got a 'service' to come in to cut his grass....