New BX1870 - Some observations and questions

[dragoneggs]

On the steering shutter with the front wheels turned, are you guys running in FWD? I know that I can feel resistance when turning on dry dirt or grass if turning in FWD. That is just normal 4x4 operation at play. Just want to make sure that's not what you're experiencing.

Yes, exactly my experience too. I try not to 'crank it hard' left or right when in 4WD... which is 99% of the time.

 

[Kevinc2004]

This is a new machine, what if the SUCTION STRAINER for the hydraulic pump is partially clogged from debris left in the passages during machining and assembly. Also the Front End Loader can have air pockets in it that do not work out until someone starts using it. My BX1860D had a dirty strainer. I pulled it and cleaned it to clear some of the issues described! Then refilled the hydraulics. Check the oil level with the bucket closer to travel position, not on the ground, also have the MMM in the up position, and the 3 pt hitch raised. This will give you a more accurate level on the hydraulic reservoir. You may be sucking in AIR!

 

[Mowbizz]

Where did you find this magic number? All I've seen in my manual is "do not operate at full speed for the first 50 hours"

Also just curious, where do other bx18XX rpm's top out at? Mine seems to be around 3400

Hmmm...don't think I imagined it...lol I'll check my paperwork...

Couldn't find anything in the book...dealer must have told me this during the walk around before delivery...

 

[General Lee]

This is a new machine, what if the SUCTION STRAINER for the hydraulic pump is partially clogged from debris left in the passages during machining and assembly. Also the Front End Loader can have air pockets in it that do not work out until someone starts using it. My BX1860D had a dirty strainer. I pulled it and cleaned it to clear some of the issues described! Then refilled the hydraulics. Check the oil level with the bucket closer to travel position, not on the ground, also have the MMM in the up position, and the 3 pt hitch raised. This will give you a more accurate level on the hydraulic reservoir. You may be sucking in AIR!

Clogged strainer at 2 hours? I guess anything is possible. I have a little over 6 hours on it now. Took the loader off and did some mowing today. Whatever the issue is, I thinks it is with the hydraulics. Maybe the pump. How much oil can I expect to lose when I pull the strainer?

 

[wrooster]

How much oil can I expect to lose when I pull the strainer?

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/167108-do-your-own-fluids-filters.html


wrooster

 

[Kevinc2004]

The whole thing on an BX1860 holds roughly 3 gallons of hydraulic oil, my strainer on a 60 is located lower left side, it is the Pump suction strainer! There have been other units that had debris in them from manufacture. I had a brother that mixed non compatible oils in a 30 hp Deere, he had to dump oil and clean the strainer/change filters 3 times before he got it cleaned out!

 

[General Lee]

The whole thing on an BX1860 holds roughly 3 gallons of hydraulic oil, my strainer on a 60 is located lower left side, it is the Pump suction strainer! There have been other units that had debris in them from manufacture. I had a brother that mixed non compatible oils in a 30 hp Deere, he had to dump oil and clean the strainer/change filters 3 times before he got it cleaned out!

Oh I believe it. I saw the metal shavings on my other bota's hydro filters when I changed it, as well as other who posted the same issue.

 

[General Lee]

UPDATE

I may have figured out my original problem, inadvertently. While mowing the other day, I started to lose steering to the left side. 30 seconds later I see hydro fluid pouring out from under the front of the tractor. I shut it down and after close inspection it appeared one of the steering hose had ruptured. It was covered by the protective cloth but it was saturated.

Dealer came out and the hoses were wedged behind a bracket that supports a motor mount. Those bad boys were wedged bad and the tech said to his knowledge they shouldn't be routed that way. Since they were wedged behind that bracket, they were subject to the vibration from the motor. So for the first 20 hours of the tractor's life that hose was pinched and I'm willing to bet it cut off fluid flow and thats why I experienced vibration in the steering at times. ( I hope anyway) Dealer towed it away and they shouldn't have it long.

Curious if hoses on other 1870's are routed that way. I didn't get any pics, was to aggravated to think about it.

 

[radioman]

glad to hear the update and that certainly explain things. At least you caught it on time before anything was worse or out of warranty.:thumbsup:

 

[bp fick]

While no one likes to see crushed and leaking steering hoses, at least the mystery is solved. It explains a lot. You'll be up and running again soon. Really weird the hoses were routed in a bad position. They've made a zillion of the BXs. Must been a new guy down in Ga working on that. I know. Not funny.

 

[General Lee]

Well I cut grass for the first time since getting the BX back from the dealer. I did not experience any of the symptoms I talked about in my post. I'll evaluate it further with more use, but I truly think that pinched hose was causing my woes. It was a true joy operating it yesterday with it running like a Kubota should run.

 

[bp fick]

Well I cut grass for the first time since getting the BX back from the dealer. I did not experience any of the symptoms I talked about in my post. I'll evaluate it further with more use, but I truly think that pinched hose was causing my woes. It was a true joy operating it yesterday with it running like a Kubota should run.

:thumbsup:

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Had a BX (I think the BX25) that had a hose on the very front looking at the bucket that started leaking fluid. I had a hole rubbed in the side of the hose. Simple fix with a replaced hose. When the bucket was tilted the hose would rub the side of the cylinder. Gary at Barlows gave me a length of hose covering to prevent the problem in the future. Didn't use it, traded the BX25 off for a B2620. Now see the B2620 hose is doing the same thing on the left hand side from the drivers seat. Being telling myself to loosen the hose, tune the hose a bit and then tighten back like it is on the other side which doesn't rub or wrap the hose in some type of covering that can take the rub. Maybe find the piece Gary gave me.
This is another great reason for owners to do their own basic maintenance service oil and filter changes. Look around while your under there to see how it's laid out and see if there are wire, lines, hoses that look like they are pinched or rubbing. I also had a fuel line on one that had a rubbed hole because it was touching a drive shaft boot that had came out of position and was spinning with the drive shaft. I repaired it by cutting it in to two pieces and pushed a hose connector fitting into the two ends, and used two screw down clamps. Most of these repairs are fairly simple when you discover them. I also had a drive shaft for the MMM come loose and sling around and destroy the oil filter. I hadn't gotten the drive shaft fully engaged till it clicks but only did that one time.

 

[radioman]

congrats on getting the BX back and running the way it should be.. may the rest of your tractoring time be happy.:thumbsup:

 

[gaylonw]

I am a new forum member with a 2003 B7800 and a 1993 Cub Cadet 2182 with a 3 cylinder Kubota Gas engine.
I am looking to buy either GR2120 or a BX1870.
With every thing I am reading about the GR series, I am inclined to get the BX Model.
The good news there is rebate on the BX and I just feel more comfortable with the older technology.
Anyone have any thoughts??….gm

 

[dragoneggs]

Well I suppose you need to tell us a little of what your needs/uses are! I am a proud owner of a BX25D and it has far exceeded my expectations. I don't have or need a mower for it yet though.

 

[gaylonw]

Well I suppose you need to tell us a little of what your needs/uses are! I am a proud owner of a BX25D and it has far exceeded my expectations. I don't have or need a mower for it yet though.

I have 3.5 acres of oak woods with an acre or so of lawn nestled in the woods on top of a small hill.
I have the '93 Cub Cadet 2182 attached to a DR Subaru leaf and lawn shreader catcher.
As a result, the Cub/DR unit won't turn in lot of the lawn mowing areas.
My 7800 is set up with a Bush Hog for the woods and a loader for snow and dirt work around the property.
The driveway is about a 1/3 of a mile long and the MD winters have kept me very busy with the 7800.
I plan to buy a rear mount snow blower that I can use on either the BX1870 or B7800 with the loader for the snow.
The new BX 1870 will do the lawn that I can't get to with the Cub/DR unit.
Plus, if the mulcher works as good I think it will, the BX will do some the Cub/DR leaf and grass collecting as well.
The grass and/or leaves are many times wet because the dew or rain takes a day or more to dry in the shade of the great White Oaks.
If my 1993 Cub can do this work, I know that the either the GR2120 and the BX 1870 can get the job done.
That said, my '93 Cub with the Kubota gas engine has been spot-on perfect, so I am spoiled; and I want the new tractor to be bullet proof.
With the $1500, 2 implement rebate on the BX; there is not alot of delta in the investments?
Your thoughts???..gm

 

[dragoneggs]

First of all the original poster (OP), might not appreciate the hijack of this thread but you are on topic. Don't worry, I do it all too frequently. So, you may want to consider posting a new thread to really drive the conversation towards your specific case. That said, and I am sure others will still chime in here... you might want to look at a few more Hp. Seeing that you have a bit of acreage and have many more uses than mowing, maybe look at a BX with more power. My :2cents:

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

First of all the original poster (OP), might not appreciate the hijack of this thread but you are on topic. Don't worry, I do it all too frequently. So, you may want to consider posting a new thread to really drive the conversation towards your specific case. That said, and I am sure others will still chime in here... you might want to look at a few more Hp. Seeing that you have a bit of acreage and have many more uses than mowing, maybe look at a BX with more power. My :2cents:

He has a Kubota B7800 (31/32 HP) for more HP needs. The BX1870 will be a nimble SCUT for mowing and other 3ph implement uses. They are well designed and well built for long term use. With B7800 FEL the FEL on the BX will be a luxury/convenience implement but really handy for those SCUT vs CUT jobs.
I'd pick the BX over a G and always have except for one time early on in my purchase history and sold the G and bought a Kubota F2680e which I traded off and then purchased back a year later and currently own it. For mowing nothing beats the Kubota F but that's just about all it does.

 

[gaylonw]

He has a Kubota B7800 (31/32 HP) for more HP needs. The BX1870 will be a nimble SCUT for mowing and other 3ph implement uses. They are well designed and well built for long term use. With B7800 FEL the FEL on the BX will be a luxury/convenience implement but really handy for those SCUT vs CUT jobs.
I'd pick the BX over a G and always have except for one time early on in my purchase history and sold the G and bought a Kubota F2680e which I traded off and then purchased back a year later and currently own it. For mowing nothing beats the Kubota F but that's just about all it does.

JT,
I thought the B would be a better fit than the G as well.
With the rebate and the longer financing, it is a better deal on many levels.
That said, I think the BX will be kind of bullet proof as well, another bonus!!
My 93 CC is 21 years old and still getting it done.
Thanks for the comment! gm