key falls out

moeh1 · Mar 7, 2004

I keep forgetting to ask this question. I was mowing last summer with the flail which vibrates a bit - yeah I know I need to fix a couple knives /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif Anyway, I happened to see my key laying down by my feet. It had fallen out. Further checking, it is no problem to remove the key in either the off or run position. I now have a string on it, looped over the throttle lever so I don't lose it, but is this normal. or is the key switch worn/defective /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Bob_Skurka · Mar 7, 2004

Have you tried giving it some Viagra? That might keep it in there/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Junkman · Mar 7, 2004

No, it is not normal and Viagra isn't going to help it either. However it is normal to have the lock wear out after 1000 hours. The tumblers are worn out on the ignition lock and the lock cylinder needs to be replaced. The way it is presently, you don't even need a key to start it, a screw driver will work just as well. Even though tractors all have the same key for similar models, I would get a new one installed for safety sake. You never know when some kid is going to come along and take the tractor for a ride because his Chevy key worked in the ignition lock. Not knowing the configuration of the wires, I can't make a specific recommendation, however, you might be able to replace the lock with a Cole Hersee ignition switch and lock that has keyed tumbler locks that are all different. That will give you an additional measure of security. You will need to have a schematic of the present ignition switch to know what the proper replacement will be. They are available at NAPA by special order usually.

BXMMCC · Mar 8, 2004

Which brings to mind my BX2200 about a year old - just happened to notice the other day that the chrome ring or bezel that holds the ignition switch was very loose. I needed to do some work, so I just hand tightened it without looking at it close up. Got to remember to look at it again. You might want to check yours.

Kelvin · Mar 10, 2004

For what it's worth, my B2150 does the same thing, and I have the same "string" fix. I bought the tractor with around 800 hours and the previous owner passed along this "string" technique. I assume that when the key fell out that you had some sort of device on your key ring that would provide some down pressure on the key while the tractor was in use. With my B2150, the key never falls out using the key that has the string running through it (no down pressure on the key), but my spare key on the key ring (no strings attached...) falls out frequently. In fact, the one time I was in a position where I HAD to use the spare key I just pulled the key out and stuck it in my pocket while using the tractor (so I wouldn't lose the key).

I don't think that other non-B2150 keys will start my tractor, but I'll check again to be sure.

Kelvin

Junkman · Mar 10, 2004

Ignition lock key failures are caused by the weight of the additional keys dangling from the key that is inserted into the lock causing the down pressure. This additional weigh wears on the tumblers and the key "mountains & valleys" to round them off. You should keep the amount of keys on the ring to all of your vehicles to a minimum to preserve the locks.

moeh1 · Mar 10, 2004

Been thinking about the Viagra /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Might want to do something for the keyswitch too though /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif sounds like I got about my monies worth out of that switch, I'll compare the cost of a Kubota switch that I already own 4 keys for with a CH switch. I was wondering if the tumblers might be dirty or sticking, I may take a look at that in warmer weather first. The tractor is always pretty well secured with no kids around, so it is not as big a priority for me as for some, but it pays to have safety and security in mind. I always use just the single key, but I bought this used from a nursery with most of the hours on it, so it may have had a few keys hanging from it before. Thanks for the help.

chrisjbell · Mar 10, 2004

<font color="blue"> I don't think that other non-B2150 keys will start my tractor, but I'll check again to be sure.
</font>

My dealer told me that Kubota only uses something like four different keys and I think he was referring to the entire line of tractors. Might have just been per model, but the keys in those things aren't much more than safety switches... If you want security, you'll need to replace it with an aftermarket switch like Junkman suggested.

Kelvin · Mar 12, 2004

I totally agree with you.

The message conveyed by my words were not what I meant to say. I realize that the B2150 key is the same as the B1550/B1750/B2150 series as well as some other Kubota tractors.

The message that I meant to convey was that I feel that a key that is not supposed to work in a brand new B2150 ignition switch would probably not work in my slightly worn B2150 ignition switch either (at least I have 3 different kind of Kubota tractor keys and the other 2 keys won't work in my B2150 ignition switch)

I try to be careful to word phrases so as to minimize multiple interpretations, but I slipped up on that one.

Thanks,
Kelvin

nharrold · Jul 20, 2004

I had an ignition problem last week with my B2150HST. While working with the ignition switch, I had the parts guy look up the cost of a replacement switch. If I remember correctly, it was approximately $175!!!!