2 questions

[shownuff]

when operating the bx 23 backhoe should the transmission be in gear or in neutral? 2- finally got 50 hours on my machine local auto parts only has 15-40 diesel oil rotella and delvac manual says up to 10w 40 depending on temp.is the 15 40 recommended by the board or what should i use? thanks

 

[DannyD]

When using the bh all wheels on mine anyway are off the ground, so tranny can be whatever. If you plan on moving tractor with bucket (not rec'd though) should be in neutral to do that, but make SURE you are on level ground, out of gear this thing moves fast.

I dig what I can, get off move tractor, get back to digging, more "work" but hey that is what it is for, right....... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[lstumper067]

Can't answer the backhoe question, but you will get several opinions on the oil...I use Chevron Delo 15-W-40 in my BX2230 (same as Rotella 15-W-40 just different brand)

 

[BRIGUY]

I have always left mine in gear never really thought about it.

For oil I have been using mobil 1 5w40 Truck and SUV.

 

[Henro]

When I got my first Kubota about 3 years ago I asked Kubota(via email to their headquarters) the same question, and the reply was that 15W40 was fine, that they knew the 10W40 was hard to come by, and they need to update the manuals...

15W40 is all I have been using since...although I may change to a 5W40 synthetic in the future.

I always leave my B2910 in gear when using the backhoe. I may have the rear wheels off the ground, but the fronts are usually on the ground, and the tractor is in 4X4 mode, so the HST aids the brakes in holding position, possibly...

Also, one less thing to remember to do when changing positon on a slope...and frankly, the more things holding the tractor in position on a slope the better I like it. (bucket, brakes, HST, Stabilizers...).

 

[Stef]

When you use your tractor on leveled ground it's ok to put it on neutral if you want... but I don't recommend it unless you have to stop and restart it.

One day or another you'll have to work on slopes (small or big ones, it doesn't make any difference), if you're used to put your tractor on neutral and you remove your parking brake forgetting to gear the transmission you'll have a big surprise... it moves fast enough to get you in trouble. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

When I use my backhoe, the transmission is geared, parking brakes are on and I use the stabilizers to remove just enough weight on the rear tires to be very stable. Same thing with the loader. This way I get 7 contact points with the ground instead of 3 (it helps to avoid pulling the tractor with the backhoe when working). /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Have fun

 

[Jimbrown]

Well I won't touch the oil thing it is simply personal preference.
But here is how I do the digging and I have dug over 1000 ft with my bx 22. 1. lower the FEL and lift the front wheels off the ground. 2. lower stabilizers to as high as you can and keep the thing level side to side. 3. Leave it in gear. I use low range. 4. Dig. It will only dig about 3 or 4 ft before you have to move. 5. Rasie the stabilizers raise the FEL and then just reach back and press the hydro pedal to move the thing a few feet backward. No need to get off, turn the seat or other time consuming things. You will work yourself to death if you do. 6. lower FEL, stabilizers and dig. 7. Repeat. Note the FEL should be in the full dump position to get maximum braking action. If you do not have the FEL and stabilizers full on the ground the back hoe will simply drag the whole machine all around.

 

[SCB]

My dealer crossed out the 10-40 in my manual and added 15-40. He said that the 10-40 was going to be changed in the next printing odf the maunal.
As for the Backhoe, I leave mine in gear for the reasons others have stated. It will keep you from rolling when you release the stabilizers and lift the FEL. I also don't want to shift into gear every time I move. I do it like LBrown said. Reach around and move the hst pedal with my hand. Although I'm not against using the BH bucket to move myself along either.

 

[Stef]

As SCB said (that's a good point), on leveled ground, if you're trenching in soft soil you can leave the transmission on neutral and use only stabilizers to stop the tractor by lifting the rears wheels. To keep going with your trench, raise the stabilizers and push with the backhoe for 4 or 5 feet, lower the stabilizers to lock the tractor in place and... I think you understand the move by now. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
(You can keep the loader up or lower it with the stabilizers for more grip)

 

[SCB]

Stef,
Actually I always leave mine in gear when using the backhoe. That way I can reach around and push the HST pedal or move the tractor with the BH. I leave it in 2wd and when moving with the hoe, I raise the rear wheels off the ground. That way I can move the tractor either way with out messing with the gear selector.