BX: How is your alternate HST fan replacement solution holding up?

Hedgy · May 6, 2013

I have to replace my busted HST fan, either via the expensive Kubota-approved technique of moving the engine and shaft apart or a cheaper homebrew solution such as:

- cut the new fan in one place, twist to get it over the shaft. Bolt / glue / zip-tie into place.
- cut twice into halves. Bolt / glue / zip-tie the pieces into place.
- fabricate new sheet metal blades and screw to old hub

It would be helpful to know how these alternatives have held up over time.

If you've taken one of these approaches, how long has it survived and which solution did you implement?

lp333 · May 7, 2013

I am curious about how effective that HST fan is in actually cooling the housing.
Have any owners been in a position to measure differences in heat levels "with" and "without" a working HST fan?

Hedgy · May 7, 2013

As I'm currently without a fan I'm theoretically in position to measure it, but I don't have a suitable thermometer. What intrigues me is that my fan could have been broken anytime in the past couple years (when I last had the skid plate removed for service access), and so the HST may even have survived fanless through a (Connecticut) summer. If I ever find the missing blades in my yard and maybe able to figure out how long since I worked in that site.

unbidden · May 9, 2013

Though it's not the best in forum etiquette to post a link from another forum, I think considering the issue and it's cost that this is justified:

Has anyone actually replaced the HST fan on a BX series tractor? - OrangeTractorTalks - Everything Kubota

caincreek · May 12, 2013

I took a look at the threads on this site and others, considered alternatives, and decided to go ahead and replace the fan. Using the step by step guides over several threads, I ended up spending about 5 hours, with a few breaks, to take the tractor apart and put it back together. The actual time replacing the $9 fan was about 5 min.

Here are a a couple of things I learned that may help someone who isn't a tractor mechanic. It was easier for me to take of the rear tires and unbolt the PTO, transmission and other leavers rather than try and get the rubber tips off of each one. Rear fenders came off easy after that. Also, the MMM lift arm depth control knob is much easier to deal with if you just unbolt it from the bottom rather than trying to take the knob off the shaft. Next, don't try to lift the engine until you have disconnected the drive shaft from the engine; with only three bolts it's easier than it sounds. Lastly, have someone underneath the tractor holding the drive shaft back when you lower then engine. Otherwise, the rear of the engine may not seat down on the mounting bolts, rather it will get stuck on the top of the drive shaft.

My next adventure is building a skid plate so I don't have to replace the fan again. My 2360 came with a factory skid plate, but it didn't stop the stick that got up into my fan. I attached a picture my redneck-engineered engine hoisting device for y'all's personal amusement and edification.

Mike

radioman · May 12, 2013

redneck hoist ? I dont think so. Its making do with what you have. good thinking!:thumbsup:

techman · May 12, 2013

I have replaced the fan on my BX22 with a minimum of effort. After removal of the center body sheet metal (foot pan) I was able to unbolt and move the drive shaft. It moved enough forward against the springs in the CV joints to clear the transmission drive flange. Next is simply unbolting and removing the fan. Reassemble in the reverse order. No unbolting or moving the engine. About 2-3 hours total. I removed the shaft again a few months ago to replace the CV boot. Same procedure.

Is mine a fluke or are people just missing the easy path for the fix ?

paul

caincreek · May 12, 2013

Paul,

I tried your way first, but I couldn't get it working for me. Maybe your just more talented, but it makes sense for folks to try it the way you did it before taking everything apart. I did learn a lot more about my tractor doing it the hard way, and that may help in the future.

Mike

rnbrn21 · May 12, 2013

I think that there have been changes in the design of the PTO shaft from the BX22 to the BX24. On the BX24 you have to move the engine to get the clearance needed to get the PTO shaft off the transmission.

techman said:
I have replaced the fan on my BX22 with a minimum of effort. After removal of the center body sheet metal (foot pan) I was able to unbolt and move the drive shaft. It moved enough forward against the springs in the CV joints to clear the transmission drive flange. Next is simply unbolting and removing the fan. Reassemble in the reverse order. No unbolting or moving the engine. About 2-3 hours total. I removed the shaft again a few months ago to replace the CV boot. Same procedure.

Is mine a fluke or are people just missing the easy path for the fix ?

paul

DCWilson · May 26, 2013

techman said:
Is mine a fluke or are people just missing the easy path for the fix ?

paul

I also had heard horror stories about getting that fan off for a reinstall. As rnbrn21 said, I think there were design changes. My BX is from 2001. Changing the blade wasn't bad at all.