BX 25 tie rod boots

[SPYDERLK]

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.

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.

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

Thats pretty much what I thot when I tore mine off. ... Info here tho leads me to think theyre no good anyway. Not a necessary feature at any rate. Mainly a source of needless worries or unecessary replacement effort and expense.
larry

 

[vrmnthntr]

At 5 hours I noticed my boots were dry rotted and grease was showing. Not sure how long the unit was sitting around on the lot.

 

[like2wheel]

Similar thread with a couple solutions:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/292794-bx-tie-rod-boot-ripped.html

 

[coveredbridge]

At 5 hours I noticed my boots were dry rotted and grease was showing. Not sure how long the unit was sitting around on the lot.

Same here. Right side boot dry rotted at delivery. Didn't notice right away, but plan to speak to dealer about it Monday. 1.2 hrs on the meter.

 

[HeLa]

while doing my coolant change yesterday i noticed that BOTH of my tie rod boots are again dry-rotted and cracked - these are the ones replaced by the dealer under warranty just 14 months ago!