brandy new BX23 (questions)

[broomjob]

I am totally new to tractors. (Not to mention a loader and Backhoe). Just spent 5 hours on my new BX23 getting used to the machine and starting an excavation for a new well line. All is going pretty good as long as I remember to release the parking brake, duh. I do have a few questions that don’t seem to be addressed in the operator’s manual. When digging with the backhoe, should the tractor be in neutral with the parking brake set? And, Is it ok to slightly reposition the tractor by pushing or pulling with the hoe. And lastly, when digging on level ground, how dangerous is it to slightly reposition the tractor by activating the pedal with your hand.

 

[Kelvin]

broomjob,
While I have had various "B" series Kubotas over the past few years, I am new to the BX23 as well as Kubota backhoes. Given that limited qualification, I'll attempt to answer your questions. There are plenty of other regulars on this board that have more experience than I do with Kubota backhoes and BX22/BX23s, and I'm sure that they'll jump in and give good answers and correct my answers as needed! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( When digging with the backhoe, should the tractor be in neutral with the parking brake set? )</font> I'm recalling from memory here, but I believe the owner's manual says to lower the stabilizers such that the rear wheels are barely in contact with the ground. Without any traction on the rear wheels, it should not make any real difference whether the parking brakes are set or whether the transmission is in neutral or not. Personally, I have not set the parking brake and I have typically left the transmission in low range.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Is it ok to slightly reposition the tractor by pushing or pulling with the hoe. )</font> I can't help much on this question. However, this topic has been discussed on this board before; I remember it being stated that many of the big TLB operators do this maneuver frequently, but I don't remember what the recommendations were with regard to smaller TLBs such as the BX.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( And lastly, when digging on level ground, how dangerous is it to slightly reposition the tractor by activating the pedal with your hand. )</font> I'm sure that most people with advise against this maneuver as well, but I have done it on several occasions and have felt comfortable doing it. That is the main reason that I leave the transmission in gear and the parking brake off.

One last suggestion: The main "short-coming" of the BX that I have found so far is that when digging out stumps the backhoe will pull the tractor towards the stump before it'll pull the stump out of the ground. I have found that one technique to minimize this is to curl the FEL bucket as far forward as it will go such that when it is lowered to the ground it will have the edges of the FEL dig into the ground slightly. My BX23 came with a tooth-bar that was not on the tractor when I got it and I haven't put it on yet (my larger Kubota FEL has the tooth-bar installed).

Good luck with your BX!
Kelvin

 

[Junkman]

If you are being pulled toward the work with the hoe, then you are against a immovable object. The best thing is to take another bite at the apple and try again. Working around an obstacle will often loosen it. If you allow the hoe to drag the tractor towards the item you are digging, then you are accomplishing nothing. You will eventually learn to hone your skills with the hoe and how to loosen rocks etc.
As for the transmission being in gear, I try to keep it in neutral, but for no good reason. When I get back on the tractor, I always put it in gear and release the brake pedal before I raise the outriggers if I know that there is a chance that the tractor will roll in a direction that I don't want to go. I wouldn't reposition the tractor by using my hand on the directional pedal, because if it sticks, you have a run away tractor. The BX tractors are known for sticky hydro pedals. On flat ground and at a idle only is when I do it by hand and then only to align the backhoe when installing or removing. Safe working takes only a few extra seconds, healing takes many months. Work safe and not be sorry.

 

[bam]

I may be the odd man out, though I always keep my 23 in gear. I have had it roll on me and was unable to stop it with the brakes. I do keep the brakes on to keep it from creeping.

Generally, I do get the rear tires off the ground, or at least not under full weight by using the stabilizers.

Also, you will find that you have better hydrolic pressure by keeping the 3 pt hitch/mmm in the down position (at least with the loader pressure).

 

[Jimbrown]

I have probably dug over 1000ft of trench with my BX. A 150 or so this week end for a water line to my new mare motel. Here is how I do it. Curl the FEL full dump and lower to raise the front wheels off of the ground. Tramission in low range. Brake off. Lower stabilizers to raise the back wheels off of the ground. The BX has such a short reach you can only dig 3 to 4 feet with out moving it so I just raise the stabilizers clear of the ground raise the bucket reach back and to the forward pedal and move forward 3 or 4 ft. and then start over. If you had to get off and turn around every time you moved the 3 or 4 ft it would take for ever to dig 100 ft trench

 

[gsxr1100]

The above posts are correct. I also curl the FEL into the ground and it helps preventing the tractor from moving back-and-forth. I think this was/is in the manual. I do not raise the rear end high up in the air. I just do it so that the tire just lift off the grass, dirt etc (about 0.5”).

I also do the same, reach back and push the pedal with my arm. Is it “dummy proof” or 100% safe, no but nothing is in mechanical things.

I also have the sticky pedal on my BX22 but it is bad in high gear not low. It is going in on 9-11-2004 to get fixed and the famous leaking fuel sending unit.

To close, just be careful and wear the seatbelt when moving heavy objects. I never wore it till I tried to remove a concert walkway (in sections after jackhammer) and the BX22 tractor was on a 45 degree angle!..about 3 feet in the air….always where it now when using the BH an FEL.

 

[SCB]

I use the hoe to reposition all the time. I have also used the hand on the pedal method a time or two. I find that it is quicker for me to use the hoe in most cases.

 

[UncleAl]

I'm printing these responses out to show to my wife. She fusses when I reach back (forward?) and move the pedal by hand when using the BH. I'll let her know that I'm not the only impatient one out there. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Junkman]

better delete mine..... do as I say, not as I do.... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif no way will I ever recommend that anyone do something that is unsafe, knowing full well that I might do it myself. I am responsible for my own mistakes, but I don't want to be responsible for someone else's mistakes that might injure them...

 

[SCB]

Well said Junkman..