Just Bought 2013 BX25

[swampcreek]

First post here. After years of wishing for a tractor to manage and clear the yard and woods (only 2 acres) I found and bought a 2013 BX25 TLB with the 3 point linkage and an aeriator thrown in, it has 320 hours. The PO didn't seem to mechanicly inclined and said he had it serviced at the dealer. If he did they ripped him off, it needs some TLC , I've ordered new filters, and a new plastic front midshroud to replace the cracked up one (Messicks had the shroud it here in 1 day). The only concerning problem I see is the implement lowering speed valve knob is seized, I've been spraying it with PB Blaster and trying to get it free but she's frozen, not a big concern now but eventually I'll tear into it if it doesn't free up. Anyway It runs nice and the purchase price was just over 10K, looking at other tractors like it I believe this to have been a pretty good deal. Of course I just had a back procedure done and have to wait a bit before I start working with it but it finally happened, I'm a tractor owner!

 

[dragoneggs]

Yahoo! :welcome: to the forum.

Your purchase sounds good. Also welcome to the BX25 club. I have 1.5 acres with major slope. She is a workhorse and gets into tight spots. Good luck and keep us posted. Pics are always appreciated.

 

[check]

Welcome, Swampy, and congrats on the BX25. A great tractor!

 

[swampcreek]

Thanks guys! I'll get on my computer and see if I can post pics (I'm on my phone now). I got that lowering speed valve freed up! A few days of PB Blaster being squirted in the direction of the valve to knob rod and some moderate coaxing back and forth it finally broke free! I applied more PB Blaster until it rotated full range and then followed it up with WD-40 to lubricate it. Whew! Now I feel better knowing the tractor is fully functional!

 

[jeff9366]

At $10,000 an excellent value. Typical NEW price, without aerator, $18,000 plus tax.

WD-40 is not primarily a lubricant. Based on fish oil, WD-40 is primarily a water displacing agent.

You may have had rust, dust, or, most likely, a combination inhibiting the control. I would lubricate shaft with aerosol wax DRY LUBE, rather than WD-40. Numerous brands at Home Depot and Lowes. My local Ace hardware stocks none. Wax is a pretty good, enduring lube, which minimally accumulates dust unlike petroleum based lubes.

Wax lube is also excellent for "Bull's Eyes" on Top Link and Lower Links and better than many other lubes on PTO splines, male and female. However, on splines, I slightly prefer Eureka Fluid Film.

Keep the rubber cap on the tractor PTO splines when PTO is not in use. If rubber cap did not come with tractor use PB Blaster on the splines over a week or so, wipe until rag shows clean, then lube. Buy a cap.

ENJOY.

 

[rScotty]

First post here.
SNIP
it finally happened, I'm a tractor owner!

Congratulations, Swampy? Swamper?. And welcome to the TLB club. Post a few pictures when you have time.
BTW, it sounds like you got a great buy!
Our favorite tractor is - and always will be - our very first one. 16 rampaging HP and we still love it.
rScotty

 

[swampcreek]

Thanks all! I'm going through the tractor now because I'm kinda nuts about having mechanical equipment in tip top shape, having had all kinds of power boats and currently a large sailboat I'm no stranger to maintenance. Thanks for the tip on dry aerosol wax...And I thought I had every type of lubricant made!

 

[jeff9366]

Liquid wax lubes have been the high end lubricant for competition bicycle chains for decades.

Packaging in aerosol format, mass market pricing and wider marketing effort are relatively recent.


When I lived in Laurel, Maryland, I used to row my shallow draft 'Reelfoot Lake' wooden boat way up the Patuxent River until the water was just 6" deep.

 

[rScotty]

Until recently I also had a large sailboat and can attest that there is no maintenance hog like a big boat. No matter how you try to keep up, the water works against you with a boat. Even if you don't go aboard, boat maintenace continues to build. You can't ignore a boat. And the maintenance is not only difficult; it's repetitive.

Tractors are very different. They are deliberately designed to work indefinitely with minimal maintenance. At the extreme, a tractor can sit for years (and some implements for decades) without needing anything more than the most basic attention and will be little worse for the neglect. On the plus side, anything you choose to do by way of maintenance is not only designed to be easy to do, but the good effect tends to last a long time. You already saw that with the stuck valve knob.

Of course having said all that, I'm not sure how it squares with the many, many specialized lubes, greases, sealers, additives, and oils that I have specifically for our tractors - except to say that when something isn't very demanding it becomes even more of a pleasure to keep it in good condition.
Enjoy,
rScotty

 

[robertm]

So, what is a good recommended dry wax aerosol lubricant?