BX 23 Loader valve question.

pipefitter · Mar 20, 2015

I bought a 2005 BX23 from the original owner about 6 years ago. I've had the dealer service it once, and I did it last. I decided to have the dealer service it this year, mainly because I had a question about the loader. These guys have always been very honest and reasonable. The loader problem was whenever I tilted the bucket and released the handle, it would go into dump position rather than stopping in neutral. The dealer called me and informed me that I needed a new valve, and the price was $935.15! He had already tried to rebuild the old valve, without calling me, and rebuilding it didn't work. My total was $1499.58. I asked what the warranty on the new valve was and he said, "that's a good question, nobody has ever asked that before". Does anyone know if Kubota has a warranty on their parts? I feel like I was ripped off, especially if that valve fails again. They didn't even clean up the hydraulic oil that leaked out while they installed the new valve. Looks like they've become as sorry as the rest of the dealers I've heard of. The valve part number is YW249-00104. I looked online and the price I paid is what I saw them listed for.

pap71 · Mar 20, 2015

If they didn't get permission from you to rebuild the old valve how can they charge you for it? Most parts under warranty for one year.

pipefitter · Mar 20, 2015

That's my biggest complaint. If he had called and told me that rebuilding it probably wouldn't correct the issue, I wouldn't have done anything with it. The problem I had was a nuisance, but I could work with it. Once they tried to rebuild it, it started leaking so reusing it was out. I'm a retired pipefitter, and although I didn't work on them as a rule, I have pulled hydraulic valves apart and successfully rebuilt them. I kept the old valve and I'm sure one of my instrument mechanic buddies could repair it. I plan to check on a rebuild kit for it, and keep it around. If they didn't charge me labor for rebuilding the valve, it wouldn't be a lot of money, but it would have made me feel better.

pipefitter · Mar 22, 2015

I probably shouldn't complain about the price. We had a communication issue, but I don't think they tried to shaft me. I used the tractor today, and it is nice having the valve operate properly. Hoping to dissect the old valve in the next week or so. I do not want to buy another one. Ever.