BX1500 questions

[coveredbridge]

I bought my BX1500 new 9 years ago next month. I have the 48" mmm and FEL. About 1200 hrs on the clock, about 60% - 70% mowing. It is a great little machine. I don't know how I ever managed without the FEL. I had the same problem with the front axle pivot leaking, but I don't believe I worked the loader that hard. I would try to check carefully for a leak before buying. It was about a $350 repair at the dealer. Another issue I've had is with the HST pedal tending to stick in the forward position. I've tried to lube it and adjust the tension spring, but I've never been able to fully resolve it and I've just gotten used to operating it that way. The kill switch under the seat has given me trouble from time to time, wanting to kill the motor when it shouldn't because it works loose from its bracket. Again no big deal. Probably due to the fact that I am a larger than average person. I've had washer fluid in my rear tires since I bought it, and the rims are like new, so I don't know about that story that the fluid ruined the rims. Also I don't think anyone puts fluid in the front rims, so why would the fronts need replaced? Make sure you check the antifreeze/coolant. It is a royal pain to change and if any maintenance was skipped, I would bet this would be it. The manual calls for replacing it every other year, and I admit I stretch that out because I hate doing it. The 2-banger does vibrate like crazy, especially at low idle, so I avoid running it at low idle. Keep it at 20% or more and it smoothes out nicely. I've never had a problem with the mower. Any wear part can fail of course, but a new spindle at less than 400 hours, as well as your description of the condition of the machine, suggests to me that it may not have been well maintained.

I think the bx1500 is a great machine and probably very well suited to your needs. However, the machine you describe sounds like it may have been neglected, or even abused, and I would think very carefully before buying. If you can afford to wait, maybe another one will turn up that was better cared for. Again, I have 1200 hours on mine, and I expect many more years of use, but I believe maintenance is key.

 

[Happy Gilmore]

Also just a FYI, check the screen behind the radiator. It pulls out easily to clean debris. While mowing, I pull mine out when putting the machine up for the day. If the screen plugs up, which it will if not kept clean, it'll run real hot and could overheat.

If you can post some pics as the machine sits now and follow up with some more following the detail.

 

[Persistent]

yeah i checked the screen and its clean...
i do have some reservations about the rim story.
he wasnt quite sure what was in the rear tires...washer fluid or something..and i also thought...why would they replace the fronts? as far as the spindle he said the po hit something that bent a spidle shaft.
it is dirty but i dont see anything leaking fluid anywhere...everything is dry.
no other scratches or dents except for the hood.
in a few minutes im going to go out and take the deck off to get a good look underneath.

 

[coveredbridge]

Everything you've described points toward a machine that was neglected or abused. Having said that, these tractors seem to be built well enough to absorb some abuse, but I think it would be reasonable to expect that you are going to have some mechanical issues with it if you buy it. If you can live with that, then go for it. However, I would definitely negotiate on the price. I also would ask for the name and phone number of the previous owner and I would talk to him about how he used and maintained the tractor. If the dealer doesn't want to give you that information, I would not buy the tractor.

 

[Persistent]

ok guys...i ran the 1500 for around 2hrs straight.
ran great no problems at alll. then i brought it in the garage and let it melt off.
got it under some good light and looked it over really good.
no other scratches except the small dent in the hood. seat is great no rips and no damage.
loader looks better than what i originally realized...i just wiped off some grease and cleaned it up.

bucket edge is worn good but none of the joints are sloppy..alot of old grease caked in.
looked all over the underside...no leaky hydraulics....no bent shafts...and the axel pivot seems fine.

so i cleaned it up a bit and its really looking nice.
i called the dealer and asked for the mechanic that worked on it, and asked about the deal with the rims.
he said the backs were filled with antifreeze (i originally said washer fluid...that was my mistake) and the rims were shot and damaged the tires. so instead of painting the front rims to match the new back rims they said it was cheaper to order
all four tires on the rims and just bolt them on. i think the po greased it and did maintenance but wasnt into cleaning it up much. they said run it over the weekend and let them know next week if i want to keep it. they also said write down anything i see that is wrong and they will pick it up and fix it before i buy it. they also said they would fill the rears with rim guard if i wanted it. so im thinking im going to use it over the weekend and probably take it.

 

[DT86]

Sounds good.

My only question is why haven't we got to see any pictures? Even if it's not "yours" yet, we need pictures!

 

[crabhab]

I have had my bx1500 since spring 2013. It has the FEL, 54 inch mmm, and PTO Kubota bagger. I paid 7500 for the set with 390 hours and thought I was doing well.

I use it to now my grandmother in laws 5 acre yard on her 55 acre farm. We live across the street in a wooded 2 acre lot. I run a king kutter 48" bush hog. And a tractor supply 48" box blade made for bx sized tractors.

I repaired a broken engine counter weight and a front axle bushing. Just like many of the owners here. I have replaced my two front tires with the same grass master brand 4 ply. Tough little machine. I rigged up another adjustable lift arm to lift my brush mower high enough to get the tail wheel up. I also use it to move trailers with a draw bar and draw bar stabilizer from northern tool. I traded a case 1130 23hp geared 2wd tractor for my bx and found that the Kubota works circles around the bigger machine for what I use it for.

 

[coveredbridge]

Definitely get the rimguard. You'll want the weight in the rear for loader work. Sounds like you found a good deal. Makes me wonder what I could get for mine on trade for a BX25. I've been thinking lately that a little backhoe would come in real handy.

 

[Happy Gilmore]

Sounds good.

My only question is why haven't we got to see any pictures? Even if it's not "yours" yet, we need pictures!

We're waiting for the pics

 

[deadhorse]

Check the fluid level in the front axle. If the level is low it will not leak at the axle pivot, fill to the correct level, drive the tractor, then check for leaks.