Mowing Kubota BX2200 Turf Tires Tearing up lawn when mowing

[94BULLITT]

Hopefully it is a external problem if the diff lock is stuck.


Another that could mess up the grass is the front end may be out of alignment.

Also when you move the 4wd lever does it feel like it does anything? Something could be broke there.

 

[Code54]

Also when you move the 4wd lever does it feel like it does anything? Something could be broke there.

GOOD point and something to check!

 

[Kubota Jeff]

I think Code54 is on the money. Here are some more things I tried, then I'll tell you what the Kubota mechanic said:

After tinkering a bit and talking a lot, my best and most logical guess is that the rear diff lock is sticking. The pedal itself does not stick, and it actually appears to function normally -- ie I have to depress and hold the pedal while moving slowly to fully engage it.

Here's the really confusing part. I jacked it up today, disconnected the pedal linkage and manually worked the lever. With the tranny lever in neutral, I worked each tire forward and back. As I spun one tire forward, the other tire spun in the reverse direction, and vice versa. I then manually engaged the diff lock lever and both tires spun in the same direction together, as if the rear diff lock was engaged.

I then started the tractor - while jacked up - and worked the HST pedal forward and reverse. I was able to hold the HST pedal side tire for several seconds while the other side axle kept spinning. The limited slip action of the diff seemed to then kick in and the tire I was holding spun out of my hands. I then tried it in reverse, and I was able to hold the same tire indefinitely while the other side kept spinning. I then manually engaged the diff lock lever and both wheels spun together in the same direction and I was not able to hold the tire at all -- seemed like the diff lock was working.

Thinking everything was okay, I tried cutting the grass again and same old thing. Inside tire tearing up grass, even going extremely slowly. I drove up to a log pile in low range and both tires spun together, like the rear diff was locked...but i didn't step on the pedal.

--So I stopped by the dealer and explained what I did above. He said, like Code54 theorized, something to do with the fork is likely bent internally. That defect is probably causing the rear diff lock to remain partially engaged. He said it is 8 hours of labor just to pull the rear end out, which is what they have to do. I'm thinking about tinkering some more with the lever and then just pulling it out myself. What a nightmare. The worst part is that the only symptom (right now) is the power to both tires. They basically cautioned me I could tear the rear end up. Ugh.

 

[Code54]

Glad to hear you are making some progress but hate to hear it is going to be a bigger job. I do agree that it could cause you some more problems - never know what is going on for sure to you can get in there and look around. I personally would take it apart and see if i could replace it myself. Maybe worth buying the shop manual for this one however. The other option is ask around maybe someone has a done it before and maybe they can walk you through it. Last year a buddy of mine had some issues with his older Massy so we pulled the tranny and were able to fix it with some info from the net and about 12 hrs labor over two evening. Cost him a 6 pack of Coke, 5 bucks in parts and driving a mile to my shop - we figured it was worth it! Kind of was fun in all honesty!

 

[Kubota Jeff]

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm going to take the mower off and pull it in the garage tomorrow. Wish me luck and say a few prayers (maybe like a hundred).

 

[Code54]

Will do - take a TON of photos, one at each step so you have them for later. I always take a ton when I doing a project I have never done before. Don't know how many times I have had to go back and look at the pictures on my laptop to figure out how something went back together. Funny when I am taking things apart I think, "wow, there is nothing to this" and the next day I am thinking "how the heck does this go back together!"

 

[Kubota Jeff]

Couldn't agree with you more. Thanks again. Jeff

 

[Kubota Jeff]

So here I am a few weeks later, tractor all fixed. I tore it down myself and delivered the rear end to the dealer. They found, as suspected, that a part of the rear diff lock broke - specifically a pin. Unfortunately, the broken metal caused damage to other parts as well. The final awful amount was $1400. I put it back together over the last few days - about 8 hours total each time tearing down and putting back together. The upside was that I saved a ton of money in labor and learned a lot about my tractor. It was very doable, for anyone who who is mechanically inclined and more than a novice. If anyone is interested, I have a bunch of pictures and some videos of the process. Thanks for the encouragement Code54!

 

[Code54]

Your welcome and glad to hear you have it all back together. Tearing it down and doing the finish assembly was really smart and saved you a ton! The $1400 bill stings but the good thing is you should be good to go and if it is like most Kubota's you won't have any more problems for a long long time..... Congrats

 

[Coolerman]

Sorry to hear about that, but $1400.00? Ouch... I think that may be a bit excessive?

Last year, on my BX2230, I sheared off the HST filter when I knocked the PTO lever from Rear to mid, then engaged it. I had forgotten to remove the MMM PTO shaft from the HST PTO output stub when I dropped the MMM to put on a rear PTO spreader. Turns out the nipple the filter threads onto is CAST into the front HST housing meaning to fix it I had to have the entire front case replaced. The dealer came and picked the tractor up, tore down the HST, replaced the front case half along with seals, bearings, new hydro filter and SUDT fluid, and delivered it back to me for just under a $1000.00. Are prices in CT that much higher than here in KY?

Anyway, appears like you got it back, and it works, so all is good!