BX 1850 HST Fan Cliped

splotkin · Apr 18, 2009

Well, It happened today. I was driving on the street and there are still some sticks along the side of the road from the Ice storm we had in December. I am not sure how it happened but a stick got into the hst fan and crunch!!!!!

I have looked at most of the posts about this happening. I know that some of the BX like the BX 24 have no room to get the fan out. Does anyone have any experience changing out the fan specifically on a BX 1850? Is there enough room to loosen the engine mounts to get the new fan in and out? HELP

I do not have a garage and will need to have the dealer do it. Just hoping I can show him something to suggest a less time consuming way to do the job.

What I do not understand is why there is no replacement fan with a split hub to allow you to bolt it on without having to slide it off the end of the shaft. I used to work on automatic car transmissions. They had something called a quick band. It allowed you to replace a snapped transmission band by snaking it around the shaft instead of having to pull the shaft.

Thanks
Scott

radioman · Apr 18, 2009

Your 1850 is pretty much the same way when neededing to replace the HST fan. So far we haven't heard any reports on a easier way to replace the fan. I am afriad you are stuck unless you can come up with a better way.

splotkin · Apr 19, 2009

The dealer that works on my tractor does not even stock any BX, only larger ones. I do not know if they have ever replaced the HST Fan on a BX. I have the Kubota BX factory service manual and there is not even a procedure that I can find to do the R&R. I was hoping someone on the forum might have a step by step that either I could try to do or pass on to the Kubota service department. I looked at Messick's site hoping there was a procedure there but no luck. I am familiar with Flat Rate for car repairs and use it frequently. I was hoping there was a flat rate for this particular job. It helps to keep the price reasonable when an inexperianced person does the work.

Thanks,

Scott

CHDinCT · Apr 19, 2009

Do a search on BX fan on this forum. There was a few threads about some guys who did it themselves and I think one poster who reported his dealer replaced it with some simplified procedure. I do recall some guys loosened the motor mounts and were able to shift the drive shaft forward to get the fan off and replace it. Good luck. Those stories scared me enough to get the Bro-tek skid plate just for that reason.

tractorguy76 · Apr 20, 2009

You have a choice: move the engine or the transmission. It is the only way to disconnect the HST fan and replace it. I suggest loosening the engine mounts and shifting the engine forward on a chain hoist. The dealers should be able to order the new BX HST fan guard which came available last month. I would recommend purchasing one or fabricating my own. It is a pain in the rear but that is the only way to replace the fan. A one piece hinged fan would be ideal for this location. Hope this helps.

splotkin · Apr 21, 2009

Thanks for the info Tractorguy76. I called the dealer today and they had to order the fan. They still have not even given me an estimate on the cost yet. I did pass on your information about the new Kubota fan guard. They did not know about it and will check. I don't suppose you have a part number and price? The big thing is how hard is it to install the new guard? If it costs a lot and you need to incur a lot of additional labor hours beyond replacing the fan, I may opt out and install the bro-Tek myself.
Thanks,
Scott

tractorguy76 · Apr 22, 2009

Not sure of the cost but I do know that the kit part number is K2581-92120

RobertCramer · Apr 22, 2009

Thye price for the Kubota fan guard is about $30.00.

thavil · Apr 22, 2009

Once you see a picture of the new Kubota fan guard (there is a recent post with it installed), you will probably want to order the Bro-Tek skid plate. The Kubota version is very small and will only protect from an object coming directly below the fan. The Bro-Tek version is well worth the extra price in comparision to the protection it provides (IMO).

CHDinCT · Apr 22, 2009

thavil said:
Once you see a picture of the new Kubota fan guard (there is a recent post with it installed), you will probably want to order the Bro-Tek skid plate. The Kubota version is very small and will only protect from an object coming directly below the fan. The Bro-Tek version is well worth the extra price in comparision to the protection it provides (IMO).

plus 1!