BX24 quality or lack there of...........

[douce48]

I own a BX24 with 220 hours on it. I bought it used with 200 hours on it.
Note: This tractor has always beed stored in a garage.
My garage is heated to around 70 degree's.

None of the recalls had been done on it prior to me buying it.
So I brought it to the dealer and had the back deck replaced since it had snapped and had the brackets installed for deck stability.
I bought the new seat at the same time which was a huge upgrade over the stock seat.

I just had the radiator replaced because it was leaking out the bottom. Kubota stood behind the radiator and I paid the labor. I found out today that they had snapped one of the headlight assembly angled tabs right off when they did the work. They installed it broken so when I loosened the bolt (see thread on coolant leak still) the 'bracket/tab' just fell off. When I brought this tractor to the dealer to have the radiator replaced the first time, I had the fenders and headlight assembly in hand since I removed them to find the initial leak. They must have stepped on it.
I think it's quite weak that they did not own up to it and tell me.

On to the quality:
> I had to buy a new hood because when I opened it to inspect for the original coolant leak, the plastic latch was sheared right off the hood. I have no idea how that happened but I had to buy a new hood. I had no choice.
I almost bought the BX25 hood (it will fit with a upgraded bracket per Kubota) but it was around $500 to buy. The plastic hood was half that.

> The plastic tabs on the fender in the front are broken off so I have to use fender washers now.

The durometer of plastic is so hard, it's brittle. You need to use 'kid gloves' when your doing anything with the plastic. The tractor is fine, the 'skin' is pathetic. How could Kubota build such a rugged machine and cover it with garbage?

So in 20 hours of owning, I replaced the seat, the hood, the radiator (warrany-parts only), the back fender (warranty).

You would think that the tractor was beat on, not at all. I would have never bought it. I am extremely meticulous and this tractor gets nothing but the best treatment and preventive maintenance.

With all the above said, I still like Kubota machines for what they allow me to do instead of having to use bull work like my younger days.
So what's the future hold with all this plastic? I don't know if I want to find out. I will contemplate upgrading to a BX25 if I continue to have issues with this BX24.

Regards,
Douce

 

[montelatici]

I am quite happy with my BX1850 and BX24 but I have to admit that I was rather disappointed at the amount of plastic compared to my old B5200 which was all steel.

The only thing one can say is that to remain competitive Kubota has to take the same shortcuts on relatively "non-essential" features such as the skin.

Even the cooling fan screen on the BX 1850 was a pretty cheap piece of crap. It was rusted when I bought the tractor brand new and had to be replaced under warranty. Interestingly the BX24's screen is ok after almost three years, both tractors are stored in an unheated barn.

 

[traildust]

Wow, talk about some really bad luck with your tractor, I feel for you.
Ummm, now that we have full disclosure on your Kubota, how much you willing to take for it

 

[LBrown59]

I am quite happy with my BX1850 and BX24 but I have to admit that I was rather disappointed at the amount of plastic compared to my old B5200 which was all steel.

I see you have a bx1850 and a bx24.
What do you use each one for ?
I have a BX23 with a FEL BH and a 60'' mmm and a BX1500 with a 60" front blade and 48'' rear tiller .
I have another bx1500 with a 48'' mmm that is used to mow the close areas.

 

[montelatici]

I use the B1850 with a MMM for mowing and to use implements on the 3 pt hitch. I have a trencher mounted.

I use the BX24 for landscaping, odd jobs like lifting things with the FEL, and snow removal. I keep the back hoe mounted. I have a 60 in. MMM for the BX24 but it isn't mounted. Might sell the MMM as I never use it with the BX24.

 

[keyman1808]

I can say that I have not had any of the problems with my BX24 that you described. My machine has been very dependable also. Shame on the dealer for not being upfront about the damage. I dont know anything about the mower brackets or anything like that as I dont mow with mine currently. But with summer coming I'm seriously thinking about getting a deck for it. Hope its not the wrong decision. Good luck

 

[radioman]

montelatici- the 60" deck will sell like hotcakes as everybody wants one.

douce48- I am sorry to hear about all the troubles you are having with the BX24. I also have a BX24 but had it since brand new. the only thing I have broken is the red tailights on both sides .
perhaps the floor pan cracked since it one of those earlier models before the ribs were added ont he earlier BX24's. I wouldnt worry too much about that. its a known issue. The radiator on the other hand, is still curious issue. The latches and hood is definately somewhat flimsy- I am very afraid of it breaking and think it will. So far I have scratches in the plastic hood that cant be buffed out- but I used a plastic spray in red can from home depot rejuvenator to add gloss to minimize the stratch looks. I am glad you bought the upgraded seat since its a much better seat- worth every penny I bet.

Hang in there - you bought it used and I suspect your BX is the one of the first in line to come off assembly line and issues werent taken care of yet. You are ironing out the issues and soon all wrinkles will be gone. its a great machine and I suspect you will find it the same.

 

[actionaj]

I broke one of the the tabs on the front end on mine to, when I was servicing it the last time. I used a large fender washer under the knob. Went ahead put one on the other side to. I agree the plastic is way to brittle and the fit isn't the best either. But this is the only problem I have had with plastic on mine so far.

 

[BotaBigot]

This summer will be year three for my 24, with no plastic problems beyond scratches and busted taillites. I like the plastic, scratches not dents, and fenders flex when I back into things to break taillites...

It was delivered with all mods including seat, which I requested thanks to TBN. Mine sleeps indoors. Makes me wonder if those with "brittle" plastic problem are outdoors more. UV exposure tends to harden plastic. Likewise, cold temps. As for hood release, I found it hard to operate, so I push down on hood when releasing...

 

[douce48]

Great comments and positive remarks. This forum is one of the best

My tractor is a 2006.

I am pro Kubota so don't get me wrong. Much of the machine/s are built extremely rugged but they should not drop that same focus and quality when it comes to the other parts that would make the tractor top notch.

You have to be gentle with the plastic hood when opening and closing. I have no idea how the plastic latch off the hood just sheared off.
You will find no more gentle tractor user than myself. I know, just use it but I like to keep my stuff nice. It's expensive so I take care of it externally and internally.
Yes, I wax it too .

The tractor is a beast but it's wrapped in brittle plastic. The replaced rear fender assembly was a nice warranty upgrade especially with the brackets underneath. The fender doesn't move at all when stepped on. Not a great combo package.

Would I sell it, no. Would I upgrade to a BX25 in the future, yes.
I am skeptical about the future years and the plastic.
I have a 1989 Wheel Horse 518 that looks fairly new. The steel skin looks great. I don't think it would look so good if it was plastic.

Open to all comments!
Thanks, Douce

 

[Tollster]

I have a BX23 and have looked at the later plastic ones and always ask myself, Why on earth would anyone use plastic to cover such broad areas on a friggin workin mans tractor? Sure I can understand dash boards, plugs, fans and such. But larger areas that get repetitive use and prone to "line of fire" (fenders, hoods, latches, etc) usage is beyond me.

 

[Kubota-guy1911]

Montelatici,

Who makes the trencher attachment for your BX and would you mind posting some pictures?

Thanks
kj

 

[montelatici]

"Who makes the trencher attachment for your BX and would you mind posting some pictures?"

I don't have a pic handy, but this product comes with a trenching tool (point) that can be bolted on instead of the plow thingy. This point will give you a 12 inch deep trench that I have used to run direct burial underground electrical cable.

CountyLine Middle Buster Sub-Soiler Combo - 2122476 | Tractor Supply Company

 

[Grandad4]

There are probably some folks at Kubota that would take a "do over" on that decision to start using plastic on those BX's. When I was shopping for a BX2230 just before the 24 series came out, some of the competitors and some of the shoppers were giving Kubota a bad time for using metal parts instead of the supposedly "superior" plastic components used on some of the competitor units. Can't say for sure, but it wouldn't surprise me if Kubota thought they were giving customers what they wanted with that plastic. But hindsight is always perfect, as they say.