BX25 and Brotek Skid Plate

[metalheart]

I just bought a new Bx25 and I am wondering if there is a need for the Brotek or any other skidplate since I believe Kubota now has added some protection for the transmission fan. Should I get a skidplate or do you think the fan is protected enough with the stock equipment on the Bx25?

 

[BigD23]

Welcome to TBN, and congrats on your new Orange vehicle...Bottom line is, you can never have enough protection from the potential enviornment you could be getting into...Enjoy your new tractor.

Don

 

[Deano]

Get the skid plate or make your own (not hard at all). From what I have seen of Kubota's guard, you need better protection!!

Deano

 

[bp fick]

Depends totally on your use. If you get "off road" at all then something additional seems prudent. As hot as these HSTs run, take a look at the various concepts from posters here at TBN. You don't want to potentially create another problem with debris trapping and cooling restriction.

Use the search function to find threads and photos of all the options and self fabricated concept pieces.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Congratulations on your purchase. I have a BX25 and I don't have anything but the plate installed by Kubota. I do work some in areas with sticks but I don't do logging. I try to stay aware of where I am and that there is a vulnerable area for sticks under my tractor. As one poster stated you can never have enough protection, never have enough, even with add on, never enough. There are also concerns for me of wanting enough air for adequate circulation so I'm sticking with the one Kubota installed after the problem became pretty well known and I'm not adding any additional plates. I've had four other BX's that didn't have thhe plate that my current BX25 has and never had a problem with any of them but they all had MMM's on them.

 

[radioman]

Just think of the labor required to replace the little dinky plastic fan if done the right way. Its alotta hours from what I see. If all you do is mowing on flat land, no trees around- then by all means forget the skid plate. Since you have a BH, are you planning on using it? My guess would be yes. If you are diggin near trees, moving rocks from hole you dug, then the chances go up to rip the fins to shreds of the fan. Its up to you.

IMHO, the kubota protection is great to start with, but not enough. I made my own skid plate when I take the MMM off for the winter. (granted I don't always use it during the summer when taking MMM off, I should though).

 

[metalheart]

Thanks for the replies ... at first it seemed adding a skid plate could do no harm and add extra protection, but then I did read past posts about debris between the skid plate and tractor and some issues with heat build up because of the skid plate.

I will not have a mmm on the tractor and will be going off road most of the time I use it, so I guess as long as I examine the skid plate for debris, then it should not be a problem?

Thanks
MH

 

[radioman]

as long as I examine the skid plate for debris, then it should not be a problem?

Thanks
MH

I would think so. :thumbsup:

 

[zoltanthegypsy]

I don't have a MMM on my BX24. I mow a field of _grass_ (not sticks or rocks) with a little bush hog. I don't get there often so the grass is tall and tough.

1st thing that happened was (AFAIKS) grass wrapped the drive shaft and took out the wiring harness. $$$! Got that fixed and went back to finish the job.

Grass wrapped the front pinion shaft and wiped out the seal. Just $$ this time.

I run all 3 Bro-tek plates and a guard I made for the front pinion and u-joint out of 3" ABS. So far so good.

I regularly check for debris accumulation, which seems like a good idea in any case. My mechanic tells me that crap can also accumulate between the rear wheels and transaxle, and take out those seals. He says replacing one of those requires splitting the case. Ugh.

Let's be safe out there...
Z.

 

[BotaBigot]

I don't have a MMM on my BX24. I mow a field of _grass_ (not sticks or rocks) with a little bush hog. I don't get there often so the grass is tall and tough.

1st thing that happened was (AFAIKS) grass wrapped the drive shaft and took out the wiring harness. $$$! Got that fixed and went back to finish the job.

Grass wrapped the front pinion shaft and wiped out the seal. Just $$ this time.

I run all 3 Bro-tek plates and a guard I made for the front pinion and u-joint out of 3" ABS. So far so good.

I regularly check for debris accumulation, which seems like a good idea in any case. My mechanic tells me that crap can also accumulate between the rear wheels and transaxle, and take out those seals. He says replacing one of those requires splitting the case. Ugh.

Let's be safe out there...
Z.

Like Z said...preventative maintenance.:thumbsup:

I like your front shaft guard idea. And there's the radiator hose fix for those dinky tie rod end seals...