BX blew hydraulic steering line - suggestions for those experienced with the failure.

[SPYDERLK]

Well it happened to my BX2660 this past week. Just so I am prepared, the steering system is driven off of the HST or it has it's own closed system driven off of the motor? Can custom hoses be bopught at auto supply shops, or are the fittings unique to the BX? I will replace all, so any advise is welcomed.

The hydraulics are shared with the HST.
The fittings are not unique, but fittings from different hyd suppliers vary a little and hose diameters vary a little also. ... The tight fit on the hose I replaced may be difficult to accomplish with a non OEM hose. The other line, the one that didnt fail, looks to be easier.

I have experience with the BX1500, but probably the same as yours. The line that failed was the one that ran back on the left frame rail and connected to the HST unit just above the left axle. It developed a pinhole a few inches from the fitting @ ~ 2khrs with no outward sign of damage. -- I believe this is the pressure supply line and the other one is return and is likely to last. The supposed pressure line is kinda special on the back fitting and you might have trouble duplicating it non OEM. Also, routing is not easy and a true dup will be easiest. ... The new OEM hose I got had a higher pressure rating.:thumbsup: ALSO, I was able to slip nylon sheathing over the new hose in the area of failure where it could possibly chafe or pulsate against any hard part. ... I dont want to deal with this again.

,,,,,While I had the platform off I painted its bottom side white to favor routine inspection.

 

[tjl5709]

It sounds like you went with a Kubota replacement. Did the new one appear to be heavier in construction?

 

[SPYDERLK]

It had a 2 or 300 higher pressure rating but no obvious difference in outside dia. Thirty some dollars I think.

 

[gwdixon]

I, too, replaced the OEM hoses with locally made HD hoses. The fittings were exactly the same but the replacement hoses were of a larger diameter.

The larger hoses made it difficult to thread through the firewall and to hook up to the pump. The OEM sheath that is under the floorboard could not be used as it didn't have enough circumference to hold the new hoses.

But...it all worked out with a little elbow grease, determination, and a well-chosen word here and there.