About to pull the trigger on a used BX2230... couple questions

[radioman]

Hi guys,
My main concern is the rear hitch. It is a 3 point and claimed to be a Class 1 but I've read that it is possibly a Class 1 limited. How concerned should I be about this? Does anyone have definitive data on this? I can't find much info on it.

Darren

I wouldn't worry too much about the word limited for cat. its just the weight and height you can lift things. You can't exactly put a 6-8 foot bush hog on it, but a 4 footer you can. you can try to put a full size post hole digger, but you may not be able to clear ground with auger tip. they have jr versions that is better sized. you can't exactly put a 6-7 foot tiller on it and expect to let it run in heavy clay with roots, but they have 4 footers that is perfect for it. you may not be able to lift 2 ton round bales on spear, but you can lift half ton no problems etc.

Its all about sizing for that BX.

Dag,
I'm no big tractor expert, but if you are buying that BX2230 with intentions of putting a backhoe on it down the road--you are buying yourself trouble. You'll end up having to buy an after market frame and backhoe, spending $5,000 or more.
If you really want something for a backhoe, then buy it now. Look at a used BX24, it's a loader and backhoe with 23 hps. Kubota made em with full frames to withstand the stress of the backhoe. Used ones run from 10-12K.
Good luck.

Not exactly trouble - but it sure it alot easier to get a BX with BH already designed to go with it. most people don't gt BH later, but rather rent. If they do - woods brand BH seems to be thee only game in town for BX's.

Ok, the questions/concerns:

1. There was a black puff of smoke at start. It was momentary and ran clean from that point on. Each start had a little puff. I assume that is normal for a diesel. Please tell me if I'm wrong.

yup normal as you guessed it, just like most tractors and mine.

2.

The PTO selector (mid, back, mid and back) worked great in mid or back but I couldn't get the selector to operate "mid and back". When I selected that position it sounded like a typical clutch grind. Any thoughts? mid or back worked perfectly.

The selectors needs to be lined up. I wouldnt try to shift from mid to rear while running, but if it won't shift - just bump the pto engager and let it stop and theen shift. it should shift smoothly.

3. There was a wiring problem with the turn signals/hazards or they had the wrong bulbs. Headlights worked perfectly. I am thinking they may have selected the wrong bulbs and didn't install the dual filiment or something.

I don't think its the bulbs - I think you will need a new switch as its a common problem on that model.

Anyway, I'm considering offering $7,500 but am a little nervous about the PTO selector and whether it is a clutch linkage adjustment or if there is something more costly wrong with it. $8,500 is the top of my budget, I'm not sure I'll find one quite this clean elsewhere.

You can negotiate , won't hurt a thing - but I would try my advice on the pto selector.

One more thing. Be sure to get the owners manual. If he doesn't have it dicker the price to go get one from Kubota. It is invaluable when it comes to servicing the machine.

What about WSM? normally its bought separately, but its awesome to have.

 

[dodge man]

I have a new BX, and I've noticed it I don't work the PTO selector every so often, it gets kind of sticky. I try and move it to each postition at least a couple of times a year just to keep it working. Sometimes mine will be pretty stubborn to move.

 

[Dagmandt]

The person demonstrating the tractor is the daughter of the owner who is now out of town.

What we did to engage the PTO was to disengage the PTO drive. Move the selector to the different positions, engage the PTO drive and see if it worked. That was it.

One thing that is going to sound stupid but we couldn't find anything in the manual on the function of the pedals on the left. One is a small steel bar that has a "P" by it which I would think is parking brake but don't see how that could be because it does nothing from what I could tell. The other is a longer throw pedal with a circular pad on it. Couldn't figure out what that did either.

 

[RaydaKub]

The person demonstrating the tractor is the daughter of the owner who is now out of town.

What we did to engage the PTO was to disengage the PTO drive. Move the selector to the different positions, engage the PTO drive and see if it worked. That was it.

One thing that is going to sound stupid but we couldn't find anything in the manual is the function of the pedals on the left. One is a small steel bar that has a "P" by it which I would think is parking brake but don't see how that could be because it does nothing from what I could tell. The other is a longer throw pedal with a circular pad on it. Couldn't figure out what that did either.

The small bar is the parking brake lock, but you have to apply the brake on the right first, then push this down to lock it, then take your foot off the brake itself. Be careful not to leave it on when you drive again. Kick the brake hard to release it.

The other small pedal is your diff lock. Only engage this at very slow speeds and not on pavement or other ground where slipping doesn't occur easily.

 

[Dagmandt]

The small bar is the parking brake lock, but you have to apply the brake on the right first, then push this down to lock it, then take your foot off the brake itself.

The other small pedal is your diff lock. Only engage this at very slow speeds and not on pavement or other ground where slipping doesn't occur easily.

Makes total sense although couldn't it be the clutch for the PTO selector??? the image next to that pedal was a pair of gears so that makes sense now either way. Thanks.

 

[radioman]

Makes total sense although couldn't it be the clutch for the PTO selector??? the image next to that pedal was a pair of gears so that makes sense now either way. Thanks.

no. you are thinking of old geared tractors.
The BX has a hydro transmission and pto. There is one shaft from engine to transmission and runs all the time when engine is on. just think of automatics with everything on BX by pushing with foot or hand to move, start, engage something.

 

[Dagmandt]

About to pull the trigger on this one. It is a great deal but still a nice wad of cash to let go of.

 

[RaydaKub]

About to pull the trigger on this one. It is a great deal but still a nice wad of cash to let go of.

I totally understand. I watched mine on eBay. It stayed at the same price for 24 hours. With under 3 minutes left, my wife told me "Bid" in an IM. So I added $500 to the current bid with 1 minute 48 seconds left. I won it with a bid increment of $100. I couldn't sit at my desk and type for over 4 hours. My hands were just shaking.

I don't regret it 7 months later.

 

[BXinNH]

The fan referred to by a previous poster is the hydrostatic transmission cooling fan. It is located on the main driveshaft right in front of the transmission. You should see a small 6-8 inch diameter plastic fan. It is very common for these fans to get wiped out by driving over sticks or branches.

Matt.

 

[Dagmandt]

The fan referred to by a previous poster is the hydrostatic transmission cooling fan. It is located on the main driveshaft right in front of the transmission. You should see a small 6-8 inch diameter plastic fan. It is very common for these fans to get wiped out by driving over sticks or branches.

Matt.

Thanks for that. I'll give it a check. Easy to replace if it needs it?