I've just bought a BX2400 with backhoe with problems

Pointla · Jan 19, 2016

Hi all,
I have recently purchased a 2008 BX2400 with backhoe, FEL & MMM. I am very pleased to finally have a near new kubota after having owned a BX2200 for a few years now.:cool2:The new machine had 20 hours when I bought it and now has just on 50hours.
I need some advice on problems that have developed since my purchase.
The first problem is that the engine seemed to cut out momentarily a number of times but recovery was almost instantaneous. Then, while mowing, the engine bogged down and would stall unless I disengaged the PTO.

After disengaging the mid PTO, the engine starts immediately but with an initial burst of black smoke. As soon as I moved the PTO clutch lever 1/4" to engage the mower deck, the engine bogged down but immediately I released the PTO clutch lever to the aft position, the engine revs recovered. I removed the mower deck and pumped grease into all points and checked the gearbox oil level which was ok. (I had previously pumped grease into all bearings). I checked underneath the deck for obstructions and that all blades turned freely.
After refitting the mower deck, the same problem exists with the engine stalling until I move the PTO clutch lever all the way back to the fully disengaged position. After running the engine for a few minutes, I was able to engage the mid PTO again and get on with the mowing. I don't fully recall but if the engine bogged down after that, I just disengaged the PTO clutch and waited a few minutes before engaging the mower deck PTO and continuing to cut the grass.
Has anyone ever had this problem? Does anyone have a solution?
Next problem is that the engine will start while the tractor is in gear. Has anyone ever had this problem? Does anyone have a solution?
As I bought my bx2400 from a dealer, I assumed that all fluids would have been checked and topped up, duh. At 46 hours, I checked the HST fluid level and found it to be below dipstick level but still visible through the filler port. Would this have damaged the transmission? I have since topped up the HST fluid.
Thanks in advance to anyone who can help

davesl708 · Jan 19, 2016

Congrats on the new to you tractor.
Have you performed the 50hr service? That can identify some problems. As to starting while in gear check the safety switch. It is probably stuck.
How old is the fuel? Might want to run a cleaner through it. Water could be a problem.

Pointla · Jan 19, 2016

Thanks. I have purchased kubota UDT transmission fluid and filter and will do the 50hour service next week as I am currently away from home. Tractor has been refuelled recently.
Is the safety switch under the seat or behind rear wheel?
Thanks

davesl708 · Jan 19, 2016

I would look for the switch down near the base of the shifter. It should be near where the shifter meets the transmission.
I would also add some Power Service or other fuel treatment to get water out and clean up the fuel system and injectors.

Pointla · Jan 19, 2016

Ok, thanks, I will do that and also buy my diesel fuel from another fuel supplier.

davesl708 · Jan 19, 2016

Might consider getting a "Mr. Funnel" or other filtering funnel to clean the fuel before you put it in.
I thought I was buying clean fuel since the station supplied all the local contractors and had a steady turnover. Ran it through a coffee filter and was surprised at the junk in it.

I add Power Service in the white bottle to all fuel. Never have issues.

Gary Fowler · Jan 19, 2016

I don't think you have a problem with starting in gear. My B26 will do the same thing as long as the HST pedal is in neutral position. If the pedal is pressed while not in the seat, the engine dies but it has enough hesitation that I can move it a foot or so from the ground before it starts to die. For me that is enough of a safety. I usually park it with it in gear, no kids around here so I don't have an issue with doing that.
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As for your engine stuttering, I think you need to change the fuel filter, perhaps even drain the tank also and refilter the fuel that is drained. The previous owner likely put in some contaminated fuel. I think your BX has 2 filters so be sure to check /change both. It could be that the filter bowl is just filled with water and dumping it may solve the problem. Dump the bowl, blow out the filter and you may be good to go.

Edit: If there is a full bowl of water, I think I would completely drain the tank and either discard the contents or Mr. Funnel (or equivalent ) filter it. Water and contaminants will settle to the bottom so it is pretty easy to separate them especially if you have a glass container to set it in.

dodge man · Jan 20, 2016

As for the bogging, change the fuel filters and don't forget the back filter, its usually the one thats plugged. I had an on and off problem like you described and finally gave up on the tiny factory filters and installed a Racor unit. If you do a search here under "Racor" you will find some good posts on how to install one including some good pics.

Pointla · Jan 24, 2016

dodge man said:
As for the bogging, change the fuel filters and don't forget the back filter, its usually the one thats plugged. I had an on and off problem like you described and finally gave up on the tiny factory filters and installed a Racor unit. If you do a search here under "Racor" you will find some good posts on how to install one including some good pics.

Thanks for all the good advice everyone. I've changed the transmission and engine oils along with the filters today at 50hours. I had recently checked the mower gearbox oil level via the check plug and it was ok. However, whilst mowing today, the engine bogged down and stalled again. After disengaging mower pto, the engine started ok and after a few minutes when I engaged the mower pto, operations were normal. I think that perhaps the gearbox has been overheating due to low oil (even though I checked it). I intend to change the oil in the mower gearbox tomorrow with epx 80w90.

Yes, maybe being able to start whilst in gear is not an issue. I'll check the manual again tomorrow. I'll get some fuel treatment/fuel injector cleaner as well. Filters will have to wait. No fuel bowl on my model.
Thanks again

Grandad4 · Jan 24, 2016

Have to say your engine sputtering problem almost certainly involves the fuel filters you're not planning to deal with right now. Would not expect you'll see much improvement until they are replaced. I know that's not what you want to hear, but other's advice is well grounded. While replacing the factory filter setup with something better and easier to maintain is a great idea, simply replacing the OEM filters has been OK for me over 10 years of operation, and would at least help get the engine running smoothly again. Changing the filters can be a bit messy, but it's not that hard to do.

Could you clarify your model of tractor? There's a "B2400", an older model that pre-dates the little BX series, and a "BX24", the BX with a backhoe from about 10 years ago, but I don't think there ever was a "BX2400".

Edit: Just switched over to the desktop computer where, unlike that awful tablet thing, it notes you're in Australia. Maybe you've got a different model than what was offered here in the States. Sorry for any confusion! Would also suspect engine could be down on power due to inadequate fuel flow. A good clean out of the fuel system might be all that's needed, hoping that the fuel injection can be cleared without tearing into it.