I am in the market for a compact tractor. R-4's are not available on the bx1880. I am going to use the 50" snowblower. Will i be OK with the turf tires in four well drive? I live in upstate NY and we get a lot of snow. I'm concernd about traction on my paved drive way. Chains are not an option. I also will be off onto the yard clearing paths to my propane tank and sheds. Do the R-4 work that much better in the snow? If so i'll need to step up to the BX2380. Any help will be appreciated.
R-3 Turf or R-4 Industrial on BX1880?
- Thread starter Ketchken
- Start date
dirtydeed
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
B2650 BH77, U27-4R2, BX23TLBM, box blade, rear blade, flail mower, Stump Grinder
dirtydeed
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
B2650 BH77, U27-4R2, BX23TLBM, box blade, rear blade, flail mower, Stump Grinder
I had a Ags (actually they were called a bar tread) on my BX23. They worked well. Don't know if they are available for the model you are looking at. Also had 75lb rear wheel weights.
With a 50" snow blower I'd be looking for more horsepower. Check into the price difference between the two if you are shopping for new.
With a 50" snow blower I'd be looking for more horsepower. Check into the price difference between the two if you are shopping for new.
Turfs will be your best bet in the snow. As for HP, the 1870/1880 has more grunt than most are willing to give them credit for. Truly, the most underappreciated BX in the lineup. Always hear the 'Guy never complains about too much horsepower' comment. How often do you hear an 1870/1880 owner complain about 'too little horsepower'? Any of the BX's will break traction before stalling when in low range.
Go bigger in the line if you need more ground clearance, tilt steering and armrests.
Go bigger in the line if you need more ground clearance, tilt steering and armrests.
dirtydeed
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
B2650 BH77, U27-4R2, BX23TLBM, box blade, rear blade, flail mower, Stump Grinder
Hey Ramos, thanks for the input! Have you used both the bar tire and the turfs in the snow?
Or do you know someone who has? My dealers won't really give me a for sure answer on which work best in winter. I like the idea of the turfs becasue I know they will be best when mowing.
Or do you know someone who has? My dealers won't really give me a for sure answer on which work best in winter. I like the idea of the turfs becasue I know they will be best when mowing.
I have experience with both..... kind of. My BX has only ever run turfs and they do great. Makes sense with all of the 'edges' that come into play, much like a snow tire or an all-season tire. As for R-1, or Ag or bar type tires, I have used them on several different (larger) tractors in the snow. They do get some traction. However, on frozen ground, as soon as you spin a tire, you are done. Just hope you can back up and take a slightly different path as they will make that particular spot too slick.
I truly believe the key to any of these tires working in the snow is 4WD, though.
Below is my opinion and others may/will disagree:
Turf, best for lawn and snow. Not good in mud, marginal in dirt.
R-1, best in mud and dirt. Fair in snow, marginal on concrete/pavement.
R-4, best for loads, concrete/pavement durability. Okay for lawn, dirt. Marginal in snow and mud.
Again, this is not the Gospel but, it is reflective of my experience.
I truly believe the key to any of these tires working in the snow is 4WD, though.
Below is my opinion and others may/will disagree:
Turf, best for lawn and snow. Not good in mud, marginal in dirt.
R-1, best in mud and dirt. Fair in snow, marginal on concrete/pavement.
R-4, best for loads, concrete/pavement durability. Okay for lawn, dirt. Marginal in snow and mud.
Again, this is not the Gospel but, it is reflective of my experience.