BX 25 tie rod boots

[RAECOREP]

Has anyone else experienced ripped tie rod boots on their BX 25?
This will be the 3rd time replacing mine since I bought it. I have less than 70 hours on it.
They seem to be ripping right where the large clamp band is at. Both sides are doing this.
They are not being caught on anything while in use.
Also, you can't notice until you turn steering to either side. Thanks for any input.

 

[HeLa]

yup. mine were replaced once about a year (~150 hrs) into ownership. the dealer noticed one was torn when i brought the machine in for a warranty replacement of the boot at the front end of the main driveshaft (that runs the length of the tractor) opposite the HST fan. you might check yours, especially if you are under warranty - it is very labor-intensive to replace it.

i am certain that neither of these were damaged from use or snags, but rather were a result of poor quality from new. my machine is used 99% for finish mowing. i don't own any woods, unkept areas or a brushcutter. i wrote to kubota on this point but did not receive any response.

 

[RAECOREP]

Thanks for the response.

 

[rbarker]

Thanks for the response.

There's been a bunch of other folks here talking about ripped covers, it's pretty common I'm afraid.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[radioman]

I'd would just get a bicycle tube and cut it to fit over the tie rod and ziptie it in place. cheaper then messing with replacing boot that has no recall or thicker boots for.

 

[techman]

I went through several tie-rod ends due to ripped boots. The solution I used is to cover the boots. I bought woven cloth cover made for hydraulic hose. Went to a local Parker Store and got a size that fit over the boots. I pierced a few holes with a soldering iron for lacing a tie wrap through, and tie-wrapped both ends on to the metal on each end. Only cost a few bucks and I have not had any boot problem since deploying the covers.

paul

 

[SPYDERLK]

I'd would just get a bicycle tube and cut it to fit over the tie rod and ziptie it in place. cheaper then messing with replacing boot that has no recall or thicker boots for.

I went through several tie-rod ends due to ripped boots. The solution I used is to cover the boots. I bought woven cloth cover made for hydraulic hose. Went to a local Parker Store and got a size that fit over the boots. I pierced a few holes with a soldering iron for lacing a tie wrap through, and tie-wrapped both ends on to the metal on each end. Only cost a few bucks and I have not had any boot problem since deploying the covers.

paul

I hadnt realized they were such poor quality. I use my BX1500 hard and mine were torn off quickly before I had the chance to realize that they were designed to have a brief life as a visual token and potential cash boon for Kub. That was 2000+ hrs ago. The tractor lives outside. The original tie ends are still without play.
larry

 

[AStanton]

Thanks for the suggestion, Techman. If my boots ever rip, I will do what you did.

 

[techman]

I hadnt realized they were such poor quality. I use my BX1500 hard and mine were torn off quickly before I had the chance to realize that they were designed to have a brief life as a visual token and potential cash boon for Kub. That was 2000+ hrs ago. The tractor lives outside. The original tie ends are still without play.
larry

I don't think it is a question of quality, but when you are working in brush, branches, ruts and rocks there are many objects that can impinge on the boots, which are relatively low and right out front.

paul

 

[HeLa]

I don't think it is a question of quality, but when you are working in brush, branches, ruts and rocks there are many objects that can impinge on the boots, which are relatively low and right out front.

paul

in my experience (above) this is a quality issue.