BX23 loss of power at wheels

gerford · Nov 6, 2011

My BX23 is sick. I was back-hoeing a larger parking spot for a friend and when I went to use the FEL to move the dirt I loosened with the backhoe, the transmission wasn't up to the task. It was in 4 wheel low and as I went into the pile, the transmission would make a loud-kinda fluttering noise and have no power. I loaded a couple of buckets and the tractor would drive down the road fine, but when it needed to do some work, it didn't have the power it use to and makes a noise that says something is wrong. I checked fluid level and it was mid range and the implements work perfect.

The transmission works fine until I put it under a load and then the noise comes from somewhere under the seat. It would never be able to plow snow the way it is.
The machine has about 520 hours and just had its 500 hour service at the dealer about 20 hours ago.
I'm thinking I have to take it in to the dealer to get it fixed. I see there is a high pressure relief in the transmission and hopefully that might fix it. I saw in some other threads that a new transmission not a cheap fix.

Any ideas?
Thanks

OrangeBeast · Nov 6, 2011

how is your fluid level? I know if it gets a little low she dont go to well, had it happen once. Tho a few times i had issues with forgeting to take off the brake! Good luck.

n3qik · Nov 6, 2011

Almost in the same boat as you. My BX is half the power/speed as it once was.

There are two pressure reliefs, one for forward and one for reverse. If it is low in power in both directions, then possible it is the pump.

don white · Nov 6, 2011

n3qik
Nice to see a neighbor here. I live right up in West Rockhill. I am on Allentown road, the guy with the index finger mailbox. Stop in.

Gergford
I had some problems with a B20 and the trans. I changed the oil to Kubota Super UTD and got much better results. I think part of the problem I had was foaming of the oil. Mine would actually foam up and come out of the breather. Only did it on start up and if I had problems I would shut it down and let the oil settle out then start up again. Everyone says there is no difference in UTD oil but I question that.

gerford · Nov 6, 2011

I'm not sure about the loss of power in reverse, I'll have to try that out and see what its like. Good point.

n3qik · Nov 12, 2011

Don
Small world, live just about 1/4 mile south-west of Tylersport.

don white · Nov 12, 2011

n3qik said:
Don
Small world, live just about 1/4 mile south-west of Tylersport.

To funny we only live a couple miles apart. I am just north of the twin chruchs

SPYDERLK · Nov 12, 2011

gerford said:
My BX23 is sick. I was back-hoeing a larger parking spot for a friend and when I went to use the FEL to move the dirt I loosened with the backhoe, the transmission wasn't up to the task. It was in 4 wheel low and as I went into the pile, the transmission would make a loud-kinda fluttering noise and have no power. I loaded a couple of buckets and the tractor would drive down the road fine, but when it needed to do some work, it didn't have the power it use to and makes a noise that says something is wrong. I checked fluid level and it was mid range and the implements work perfect.

The transmission works fine until I put it under a load and then the noise comes from somewhere under the seat. It would never be able to plow snow the way it is.
The machine has about 520 hours and just had its 500 hour service at the dealer about 20 hours ago.
I'm thinking I have to take it in to the dealer to get it fixed. I see there is a high pressure relief in the transmission and hopefully that might fix it. I saw in some other threads that a new transmission not a cheap fix.

Any ideas?
Thanks

Check this thread. There are some others on the forum too. Similar problems perhaps not all the same. A latent defect in the BX line?
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/162734-help-mighty-mouse-nibbled-kryptonite.html
larry

gerford · Nov 12, 2011

I took the bx23 to the dealer and we'll see what they say. With a 60 second diagnosis the mechanic thought it could be the pressure relief valve on the transmission, but had to run the test to see whats the problem. It's a good time for this to happen since its not quite plowing season for snow yet, but it will be soon. My feeling is that its the pressure relief valve since the transmission works fine until a good load is put on it, but once you hit that threshold, the transmission doesn't move the tractor anymore and it stutters.
It only has about 500 hours so its still a youngster.

rich bx · Dec 13, 2013

gerford said:
I took the bx23 to the dealer and we'll see what they say. With a 60 second diagnosis the mechanic thought it could be the pressure relief valve on the transmission, but had to run the test to see whats the problem. It's a good time for this to happen since its not quite plowing season for snow yet, but it will be soon. My feeling is that its the pressure relief valve since the transmission works fine until a good load is put on it, but once you hit that threshold, the transmission doesn't move the tractor anymore and it stutters.
It only has about 500 hours so its still a youngster.

Curious what the outcome on your tranny woes came to Gerford? thanks