This is ridiculous - No alternators in the US!!!

[radioman]

The OP didn't say what model this was for (though it could be in his sig tag). I've got a BX2230 and was thinking about the alternator upgrade, but the $345 price tag made me swallow a bit. Is this the same alternator I'd want to upgrade the dynamo? I thought I'd read another thread that the alternator upgrade wasn't available any more.

Its the 30 and 20 series that has the dynamo alternators. 50 and 60 series has the newer alternators already so no need to worry.

compacttractorfan, I suspect your dealer will cannabolize the floor models if it meant to keep you happy. however with it being close to xmas, that ties up $19-20k and unable to sell to the next guy who wants a BX for xmas due to missing part.

 

[crazyal]

Have you asked the dealer if there's an upgrade for your tractor? If so maybe he can get one of those and only charge you the difference in price.

If I had to guess, and this is only a guess, I would say Kubota hasn't been stocking the parts that are in very low demand. Usually the way it works with spares is that when the level reaches a predetermined point an order to the supplier is automatically placed. The set point can be adjusted due to things like demand history and maybe Kubota lowered the setpoint because the supplier has reduced capacity due to the earthquake.

 

[RaydaKub]

Its the 30 and 20 series that has the dynamo alternators. 50 and 60 series has the newer alternators already so no need to worry.

But isn't that dynamo the 15 amp one? That's why I am thinking about it. Mine is the 2230.

 

[Artisan]

Certainly the remedies of a part made from unobtainium mentioned here are all viable, but should a failure happen it is not as simple as words suggest. I could write a book, and perhaps I should have in my original comment. It is not "just" and alternator, in my mind all other parts are now suspect. A failure whereas a tractor has to be dragged to a trailer and removed and a new unit rented could be a very expensive and time consuming job. I bought brand new to try to cover no breakdowns. Sure, there is an awnser to everything, but the fact that a simple regularly go-bad alternator is non-existant in the USA is still, "concerning". I want an awnser, should Kubota Corp. return my email directly to them regarding this issue I will forward it. No alternators in the USA is unexcusable in my book.

(I appreciate the banter...

 

[wrooster]

but should a failure happen it is not as simple as words suggest.

So words won't do. Then you must have another way. But then...

I could write a book

Ok. So that means more words?

It is not "just" and alternator, in my mind all other parts are now suspect.

You must be a *blast* at parties! :laughing: All other parts, including the steering wheel, are now suspect?

I bought brand new to try to cover no breakdowns.

You have set yourself up for a lifetime of disappointment. "Stuff" happens. Brand new machinery breaks. Sticks go where they shouldn't. Water gets into where it was sealed out from. Bearings get contaminated with dirt. Fuel gels. Hydraulic hoses leak.

Life is tough. Get a helmet.

Sure, there is an awnser to everything, but the fact that a simple regularly go-bad alternator

One of the largest dealers in the country has explained herein that he has never sold a BX alternator, and you extrapolate that to "regularly go-bad"? Please, show your math. By the way, my BX has about 300 hours on it and my alternator still works. So there is a sample size of two for you thus far -- the OP's and mine. Keep track as others chime in.

I want an awnser, should Kubota Corp. return my email directly to them regarding this issue I will forward it. No alternators in the USA is unexcusable in my book.

Please post what you get back. Did you inquire also about the in-country inventory of BX steering wheels?

ps
I remind you from an earlier post that, in contrast to alternator failure, there are probably a hundred more likely circumstances which could result in you being unable to complete a contract. Cover the most likely scenarios first.

Wrooster

 

[bunchgrass]

I think the OP has every right (read "is entitled") to expect an alternator to not fail on a new tractor. And should it happen, he is certainly entitled to anger/concern when the dealer and the manufacturer who built, sold and profited from his purchasing of their product seem to fall back on the "s**t happens" philosophy. The difference between good and poor service is how they make things right. IMO - these guys are not doing the best they can to make it right. Ask those guys at Penn State about doing what you have to vs doing what you should do ....

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Yup, that's what I mentioned to, it'll get you by in a pinch, no need to run all day, you will get several starts from a full battery.

But that's assuming that his only problem is that the alty is not charging, if it's a complex issue with a short or open etc. it might not work.
With the modern machine it might not start/run if you disconnect the alt.

JB

Back on topic I'm thinking a Kubota diesel uses very little 12v power to run, I bet in a pinch you could get a days work out of one just by recharging the battery at night. Start it once and leave it run all day:thumbsup:

I don't know about the BXs but my Allis Chalmers 5040 (American tractor made in Romania back in the 1970s) alternator went out several years ago. I didn't have the time to get it fixed right then. I just hooked it up to a battery charger. That worked so well that depending on how much I use the tractor I just charge the battery every few weeks. Not too inconvenient and has done me well for years. Our BX 23 is a lot more complicated tractor. I would be curious to know it this would work on it should the need arise.

We did that until they picked it up...

 

[CompactTractorFan]

I

compacttractorfan, I suspect your dealer will cannabolize the floor models if it meant to keep you happy. however with it being close to xmas, that ties up $19-20k and unable to sell to the next guy who wants a BX for xmas due to missing part.

Yeah, but the part will be in soon, so I don't think they will do that...

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Have you asked the dealer if there's an upgrade for your tractor? If so maybe he can get one of those and only charge you the difference in price.

No, did not think of that.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

No alternators in the USA is unexcusable in my book.

Me too...