Looking at 06 BX1850

[oldnslo]

Hi all,
I am looking at an 06 BX1850 with 236 hrs on the clock. It has the FEL and a 54" MMM.

Only items I have seen to check on are:

Plastic deck ( operators floor board) cracks and there is supposedly a newer design. Is this true?

I have read about the jerky reverse concerns. I have driven other hydro units and find that some are touchier than others.

Light switch is prone to corroding.

any other major items I should be looking for?

Note: the day I stopped at the dealer to look at this unit it was 22 degrees and had about a foot of snow on it. Dealer tried to start it but solenoid only clicked. I did notice that there seemed to be excessive play in tilt cylinder. I.e. the bucket rocked. Is this normal?

TIA

Roy

 

[timswi]

Hi all,
I am looking at an 06 BX1850 with 236 hrs on the clock. It has the FEL and a 54" MMM.

Only items I have seen to check on are:

Plastic deck ( operators floor board) cracks and there is supposedly a newer design. Is this true?

I have read about the jerky reverse concerns. I have driven other hydro units and find that some are touchier than others.

Light switch is prone to corroding.

any other major items I should be looking for?

Note: the day I stopped at the dealer to look at this unit it was 22 degrees and had about a foot of snow on it. Dealer tried to start it but solenoid only clicked. I did notice that there seemed to be excessive play in tilt cylinder. I.e. the bucket rocked. Is this normal?

TIA

Roy

The HST jerking is something you can get used to...I wouldn't make that a show stopper.

I'm not familiar with the plastic floors..Mine is steel.

My FEL bucket moves a bit if you step on it, once the hydro pressue leaks down..normal I would say.

I guess lettin it sit under a foot of snow wouldn't hurt anything, but that would give me pause...Sounds like it needs a battery. Hopefully there was anti-freeze in it

How many hours, and how much is he asking?

The BX's are great little machines...love mine.

 

[dodge man]

My bucket also flops a little bit, I'd say its normal.

 

[radioman]

Well the plastic fenders on 50 series are known to crack. take a look under there - the newer fenders has ribs on front part like mine. The older one has a metal bracket that goes with it.

The 50 series DOES have a reverse issue to point where it can make your back, neck hurt but I learned how to work with it so it doesnt snap like thst but I do forget at times.

No light issues on mine, and headlight is not the issue with corrosioin, its the ignition that seems to cause some to have trouble. Never happened to me, might be because I keep it inside.

There is a slight play on my BX, but not excessive. how much is it moving ? If it moves some, take a look at the curl cylinder rod, does it move too ? it might be air getting in, need to tighten up the flare nuts, it happened to me once.

 

[oldnslo]

The HST jerking is something you can get used to...I wouldn't make that a show stopper.

I'm not familiar with the plastic floors..Mine is steel.

My FEL bucket moves a bit if you step on it, once the hydro pressue leaks down..normal I would say.

With loader on the ground and sitting for an unknown amount of time I couldn't see the pivot pin. Will look this over when tractor is operational.

I guess lettin it sit under a foot of snow wouldn't hurt anything, but that would give me pause...Sounds like it needs a battery. Hopefully there was anti-freeze in it

On a dealers lot so snow is on all the equipment. I think If I decide to make the purchase I will try to a battery thrown in or deduct the price.

How many hours, and how much is he asking?

236 hours and $9750

The BX's are great little machines...love mine.

All the research i have seen says they are a well built unit. I try to use my equipment to it's limits with out abusing it.

thanks for all the replys

Roy

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I had a BX2350 and the abrupt reverse stop bothered me enough that I traded it to a BX2660 after 30 some hours. The more I used it the more it bothered me knowing it wasn't right. I've bought 9 Kubotas so I knew it's wasn't right. Was is usable? yes Could it be toned down with a very easy foot? yes Did it stop abruptly every time I backed up in a hurry (which is part of mowing with an HST for me)? yes Now if you try it for 22 minutes on the lot and it doesn't bother you then go for it, they are great machines. If it does bother you then hunt for a not 50 series.

 

[oldnslo]

I had a BX2350 and the abrupt reverse stop bothered me enough that I traded it to a BX2660 after 30 some hours. The more I used it the more it bothered me knowing it wasn't right. I've bought 9 Kubotas so I knew it's wasn't right. Was is usable? yes Could it be toned down with a very easy foot? yes Did it stop abruptly every time I backed up in a hurry (which is part of mowing with an HST for me)? yes Now if you try it for 22 minutes on the lot and it doesn't bother you then go for it, they are great machines. If it does bother you then hunt for a not 50 series.

John,
I intend to test drive it like you would normally be using it for loader work and mowing lawns. Dealer has snow piles to try the loader out on which to me a great benefit. Pushing into a frozen pile of snow should give me some feel for how well this tractor will perform and loader work typically requires direction changes.

I guess it makes me wonder what did Kubota change between the 30 series, 50 series and now 60 series. I have not researched these extensively but what items would cause this. If fixed on 60 series what did they change? Complete trans and final drive assembly?

Control linkage?

Does any body know where I could access, or have access them selves to a good detailed parts break down for these different models? Could some one point me towards one and I will do some research.

I have to believe if this is a simple fix and or a serious safety issue, Kubota would have stepped up the plate.

Again: I have NOT experienced this on a Kubota so I may speaking out of turn.

Roy

 

[dodge man]

OLDNSLO, there has been several threads on the abrut reverse issue. If I recall, they changed some stuff inside the HST to fix it. Some people have tried other fixes, but without much luck.

 

[radioman]

John,
I intend to test drive it like you would normally be using it for loader work and mowing lawns. Dealer has snow piles to try the loader out on which to me a great benefit. Pushing into a frozen pile of snow should give me some feel for how well this tractor will perform and loader work typically requires direction changes.

I guess it makes me wonder what did Kubota change between the 30 series, 50 series and now 60 series. I have not researched these extensively but what items would cause this. If fixed on 60 series what did they change? Complete trans and final drive assembly?

Control linkage?

Its more of a redesigned tranny. Differences is 30 series had dynamo alternators- may need upgrade,has air filter bracket problems, has metal fenders. 60 has all features of 50 but metal fenders and better tranny. There are many other differences but too many to list here.

Does any body know where I could access, or have access them selves to a good detailed parts break down for these different models? Could some one point me towards one and I will do some research.

messicks.com - click on kubota parts
kubotabooks.com enter site and you will find manuals.

I have to believe if this is a simple fix and or a serious safety issue, Kubota would have stepped up the plate.

Again: I have NOT experienced this on a Kubota so I may speaking out of turn.

Roy

You are not speaking out of turn, I feel the same way AND I own a 50 series, so I DO know what I am talking about. I DID send kubota a complaint about the stop. They basically sent me to my dealer, and all it was is a upgrade to a 60 series. There is a small tweak on the pedal spring but it doesnt solve problem, it softened it a little but still snaps. I am feeling violated and cheated because of that. Not my dealers fault- its kubota's. All I want is a modded part for my tranny or a 60 series tranny swap. I am keeping my bota- its nearly paid off and I am NOT going with another payment.

 

[keyman1808]

I have BX24 and dont find it all that bad. The abrupt stop in reverse can be bad until you learn to expect it and compensate for it. IE keep the FEL low when backing up if possible otherwise be very carefull. I have not had any problems with it but I also have not used it without the FEL or BH. I have the front mount snowblower on it now but since I got it NO SNOW. Isnt that the way. I wouldn't let the stopping in reverse issue stop me from buying another 50 series.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I have BX24 and dont find it all that bad. The abrupt stop in reverse can be bad until you learn to expect it and compensate for it. IE keep the FEL low when backing up if possible otherwise be very carefull. I have not had any problems with it but I also have not used it without the FEL or BH. I have the front mount snowblower on it now but since I got it NO SNOW. Isnt that the way. I wouldn't let the stopping in reverse issue stop me from buying another 50 series.

If you had a choice, at the same price, which would you choose a 50 series or a 60 series?

 

[keyman1808]

At the same price with out a doubt the 60 series because it has all of the newest mods. But he is shopping the used market so I doubt that the 50 and 60 series would be the same price unless he lucked out. If something happened to my 50 series and money was an issue I would do it again. I dont find it all that bad myself. But like others have said here it what you feel most comfortable with. If the abrupt stop does both him then I say get it and save yourself some coin if it does then save those pennies and get a new 60 series. Actually if hes buyiing used and going to pay cash I would probably put that down on a new 60 series and finance the balance with the zero interest program thats running. Just my 2 cents and I'm sure its probably not even worth that.

 

[CHDinCT]

When you test drive the 50 series, if you haven't already, you need to make sure it's fully warmed up; the hydro oil that is, not the engine. That can take 30 minutes in the winter depending on the temperature. The abrupt reverse stopping won't show it's full impact until the oil is fully warmed up if not hot. I traded out of a BX1850 to an 1860 mostly for this reason.

 

[Hondapro]

I test drove a 2350 when I was tractor shopping,I had read about the stopping issue here and sure enough it did it.It was distracting.Then I drove a 2360 the stopping issue was not there.

The price on the 2350 was very good,both tractors were new, I bought the 2360.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

At the same price with out a doubt the 60 series because it has all of the newest mods. But he is shopping the used market so I doubt that the 50 and 60 series would be the same price unless he lucked out. If something happened to my 50 series and money was an issue I would do it again. I dont find it all that bad myself. But like others have said here it what you feel most comfortable with. If the abrupt stop does both him then I say get it and save yourself some coin if it does then save those pennies and get a new 60 series. Actually if hes buyiing used and going to pay cash I would probably put that down on a new 60 series and finance the balance with the zero interest program thats running. Just my 2 cents and I'm sure its probably not even worth that.[/quote]
I agree with this and your opinion is worth more than 2 cents in my opinion.

 

[radioman]

If you had a choice, at the same price, which would you choose a 50 series or a 60 series?

knowing what I know now - the 60 series fer sure .

 

[oldnslo]

Since I am the OP I decided to buy the tractor last night. Yes thereverse stop is abrubt and I am about 90% sure why. When I get the tractor from dealer I fully intend to look real hard reducing this problem. About 90 % sure what the cause is. just need to see how to remedy it.

My best educated guess on what the problem is... lack of control linkage dampening on the revese pedal linkage..

Unless Bota spent some money and installed some decel valves in the 60 series hydro that I have not found yet on there parts break down. The only other componensts I can find that are different in the drives are the HST Dampener and how they are mounted.

For all of you that have a tractor, don't care what series, and want to experiment. Drive forward and then press on the reverse to get it to return to neutral quicker. (NOTE If the brake is also connected to the hydro linkage you possibly could also apply it to get the same effect) I bet you will experience the same effect.

For you 50 series owners. Pay attention to how rapidly the foot pedal returns to neutral from reverse Vs forward to neutral.

ANY hydro will stop abrubtly if the control linkage is allowed to travel neutral quickly. It is how they are made.

Any body drive skid loaders or zero turn mowers. Same principal here. If you are abrubt on the controls your *** is sliding on the seat or getting bucked off.

Roy aka the Hem Roy ed

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...kubota-bx-series-ridiculous-transmission.html

You may want to read through this thread and see what has already been tried.

 

[bp fick]

Hate to say it, but I'll risk it. If a guy plunks down his money for 50 series, he better decide he can live with it, as is.

Fact. If there were a solution to the issue, it would be WIDELY known by now, as three years have passed. The fact that there is no known cure tells me there isn't one.

 

[CHDinCT]

Hate to say it, but I'll risk it. If a guy plunks down his money for 50 series, he better decide he can live with it, as is.

Fact. If there were a solution to the issue, it would be WIDELY known by now, as three years have passed. The fact that there is no known cure tells me there isn't one.

I agree. When I owned a 50 series and even now, I've followed this issue with hopes that someone, especially Kubota, would come up with a solution. Kubota's own solution was to offer some 50 series owners assistance with trading their BX in for a 60 series. There's extensive threads on this site as well as other tractor sites covering the issue, including cases where dealers have tried various fixes with no appreciable change. If I recall correctly, the major difference between the 50 and 60 series reverse HST linkage is the damper inside the HST housing thus making it uneconomical for Kubota to fix. Having said that, the OP bought his with full disclosure so he was at least aware of the issue. I wish him good luck with attempts to remedy it.