bx1800 steering problem

[boiler-rat]

Hi. I found this site while surfing the web trying to find a solution for my bx1800 steering. After reading several articles, I have learned this is a fairly common problem with these tractors. I have not found anything that tells me how to fix it, which is why I joined this forum.
The steering has been acting up for a while. A few times it would not respond at all to turning the wheel. I would let it set for about 1/2 hour and then it would be ok. Now it hardly responds at all. I would think the problem is in the valve body under the steering wheel. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[cpicton1]

More likely the steering cylinder that is located above the front axle.

 

[Volfandt]

Theres been a few folks that have experienced a similar problem w/their BX's. But their problems occured more once the tractor was warmed up and the steering would work better if not normally when cold.

A few questions.
1) How many hrs on the unit?
2) When was the last time the hydraulic fluid and filter was changed?
3) When was the last time the strainer was cleaned out?
4) Are you using UDT or SUDT?

Basically, alot of hydraulic fluid problems will go away if the fluids and filter is changed according to to the maintenance schedule, the strainer is checked and cleaned out during the required manintenance schedule, and the fluid used is SUDT and NOT UDT.

There have been a few that operate in extreme heat conditions that have still experienced the steering to still be jerky once warmed up after they've followed the above advice and they changed their fluid over to a Chevron synthetic hydraulic fluid and this corrected their situation.

I don't recall the Chevron fluid's name but a search for "Chevron" under Kubota Owning Operating should turn it up.

Course it could be a problem with either the steering valve body and/or steering ram but theres not been many reports of these failing over the yrs.

Good luck

 

[milkman]

Sounds like it's time to rebuild the steering cylinder, the one on the front of the tractor between the two front tires. My BX2200 was acting the same way you describe, when I start to make a steering correction sometime I'd have to turn the steering wheel almost a full turn before the tractor would start to turn, if I remember correctly it would do this in either direction. Someone on TBN said that the fluid was bypassing in the steering cylinder. There are four seals and five O rings and the kit is, I believe sixty some dollars. I rebuilt mine in about an hour after I took it off. When I got it apart, it was easy to see, some of the O rings were flat on the edge. Of course if your tractor is still under warranty, the dealer will take care of it.

 

[boiler-rat]

Thanks alot for all the replies. I think I will start with changing the fluid, filter and cleaning strainer. The tractor belongs to the RV park where I live. I do all the maintenance here. The original owner passed away last year and I dont have any records on the tractor. I cranked it up yesterday and it worked fine! I mowed probably 8hrs yesterday and today with no problems until late this evening. I had stopped for a minute and got off the tractor. When I got back on and took off it would not turn at all. I whipped the steering wheel back and forth a few times and it started working. Being an intermittent problem like it is, I would not think it would be the cylinder or valve body. I am leaving the country Friday for a few months and will tackle the oil change when I get back. Thanks again for the info.