BX23 brakes

[bam]

First, I would like to thank this forum for supplying much needed information that assisted me in obtaining my new BX23.

Second, I'm hoping someone can shed some light on the brakes that are on this tractor. My BX23 was delivered Friday afternoon and I have spent the past couple days playing around on it. One of my exercises, not necessarily a smart one, was to stop and park it on a slight incline. I turned it off then realized I needed to place the tractor in neutral to start it. I made sure that I had the parking brakes engaged and place the tractor in neutral. The tractor began to run down the hill and no matter how much pressure I placed on the brakes, I failed to slow up it's 900+ pound mass. I have the dealer coming out tomorrow to look at it fore they believe there may be a problem with my brakes.

Are the brakes on these tractors drum? Are they power assisted? It was pretty scary knowing that I wasn't going to stop until I leveled out or dropped the bucket. I was on about a 20 degree incline facing up the hill and rolled about 20 feet to a level area before stopping. Thank goodness, the kids were away from me.

Thanks for your information and I look forward to learning more from your forum.

 

[Junkman]

It has what is called "wet brakes". The brake mechanism is located internally and run in hydro fluid. I have read where other people have had problems with the brakes not holding on a hill, but mine have never caused me any headaches. They seem to hold well enough that I am unable to move the tractor unless I release the brakes first. I also don't ever stop the tractor pointed down hill, but rather move the tractor so it is going across the hill instead (perpendicular).

 

[DannyD]

I dont think your parking brake is working. I can stop mine on my steep drive and they hold fine. Dont know for sure, but I apply mine while the tractor is running, then turn it off after making sure it will not move. I can then put the tractor in n and start it, put it back in drive and then release the brake.

Make sure when he comes out, that they and YOU test this BEFORE they tell you all is fine.

 

[bam]

I appreciate the feedback.

Hopefully they will be out to look at it tomorrow. My salesman also stated the brakes should supply ample stopping power for the tractor.

We'll see what the service manager says.

Thanks again.

 

[KirkMcD]

I've had to press really hard on the brakes to remain still on a hill, much more pressure than on a level surface.

 

[JWE]

The brakes on my BX2200 are marginal at best. When I first got the tractor the brakes would not hold if parked on a 15% grade. The tractor would slowly drift when in neutral. Last summer I adjusted the brakes according to the shop manual and it helped quite a bit but you have to apply A LOT of pressure to get them to hold. You can easily drive off with the brakes engaged if you are not careful.

John

 

[boustany]

I'd call your dealer and have it fix the machine. My wife's BX2200 brakes are perfectly capable of holding the machine on a slope. I doubt Kubota would make a parking brake that doesn't work by design: the lawyers would have a field day.

Besides parking you rarely need to use the brakes on a hydrostatic tractor.

I'd have them look at it, the sooner the better. If there is something wrong, fault will be a little easier to establish.

 

[DaveInColorado]

It depends on the slope and if there's weight on the front of the tractor. The BX only has rear brakes! With my FEL loaded up, I can't stop when going downhill in 2WD down any type of slope. Put it in 4WD mode and you'll be able to stop, or at least tell if you have brakes. Something else - were the rear wheels sliding? If yes, then too much slope. If no, then a problem with brakes. I would say that if the brakes feel right on the pedal then they are 99% likely to be working fine.

 

[bam]

I'm on vacation, so I don't know if they have been by to look at the BX yet.

The wheels weren't sliding and the incline was only a slight incline at that. I'll call the dealer this week and see what they found out.