Need Help ASAP starting tractor

lrunge · Dec 23, 2004

Well, we got hit with anywhere from 8" to 24" of snow and Ice depending on where you live in the area. I got about 12" of snow crusted with ice. Unfortunately my son lost the key to my Kubota BX23 (Somewhere under the snow). The dealership is closed today. Nobody is getting around very well. Is there any way to start the BX23 without a key? It's cold so it will need the glow plugs to operate. I need to dig out my driveway.
Any help is appreciated.

Bob_Skurka · Dec 23, 2004

I don't know about the specifics of the BX series tractors, but I know many tractors have very simple keys that are interchangable. My New Holland tractor key fits perfectly in the my Kubota and visa versa. Both are simple blades with one indent on either side. IF you key is similar, you could probably make a spare key out of some scrap plastic, wood or metal by just cutting it to rough shape and fiddling around with it. I know I've started some old tractors with the tip of a screwdriver by rattling it around a bit.

lrunge · Dec 23, 2004

Thanks. I tried a bunch of different keys, Cub, Toro, DR but nothing would fit. I mistakenly said it was a BX23 but it is a BX22. It does not have all the safety engine kill switch when you are off the seat. I think I will try a series of small screwdrivers. It's supposed to go to -13 tomorrow night so I need to do what I can today.

Gatorboy · Dec 23, 2004

Sounds like you'll have to get out the shovel. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

lrunge · Dec 23, 2004

I did that this morning to get my daughter out to go to work. Even with 4WD it was a struggle. Plus the plows have built a wall across the drive. My back can't take to much of that.

rameye · Dec 23, 2004

whip out your sets of keys!

one of your keys is bound to turn the ignition...done it before in a pinch.

cj7 · Dec 23, 2004

Do you have a neighbor or friend that has a Kubota? Try the key from them.

rambler · Dec 23, 2004

( Sounds like you'll have to get out the shovel. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif )

I would hand the son the shovel.... Good lesson. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

--->Paul

AndyMA · Dec 23, 2004

When I ws with out the keys for my Ford 2120, I just undid a few screws and dropped the panel that the lock was mounted in. One jumper to turn the fuel selonoid on and another to start it. Took all of 5 minutes. Good luck

Andy

GerardC · Dec 23, 2004

Where is your spare?? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif. I have three keys to everything that needs one. G

MossRoad · Dec 23, 2004

Does anyone else here on TBN have a BX222 key? If so, can they post a picture of it here so that we all can see it and make some recomendations as to what other type of keys will work in his lock?

Bob_Skurka · Dec 23, 2004

Does anyone else here on TBN have a BX222 key? 

Maybe someone with a BX222 could just email a spare key to the original poster and he could use that one? /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

MossRoad · Dec 23, 2004

Have you contacted a local locksmith? Just a thought. They might have spares.

Glenn9643 · Dec 23, 2004

It's no help now, but I keep a key in the tractor tool box, one in my shop, and one in the house so I won't have to go too far to get one. Might be something to think about when it thaws.

JimR · Dec 23, 2004

Remove the ignition switch. Find the hot wire, ignition wire, glow plug wire and starter wire. Jump the hot wire and glow plug wire till hot. Disconnect the glow plug wire. Then jump the hot to the ignition and make a connection with the starter wire. Disconnect the starter wire once the tractor is running. have fun with all that snow. The temperature here today is 58 degrees. Tuesday it was -4 below zero.

lrunge · Dec 23, 2004

Thanks for all that responded. My brother sent me a drawing of the key with specs and I was filing one down. Couldn't get it to work. And then my other son came over with a key he got from someone else and it worked. I've been out pushing snow with the FEL. Not the best way but it sure beats the shovel.
The son who lost the key doesn't live here or he would have been shoveling. Even if he is 30, I'm still his father.
Now when the dealership opens, I'll get some spares.

RalphVa · Dec 23, 2004

I went by the dealer I bought my JD from and asked for a 2nd key. He gave me one.

I replaced the ignition on my Gravely with another one because I only had one key to it. Now, I've a spare key to it, too. However, it would be no sweat to jumper it.

On your Kubota, you need to be able to jumper the line to the fuel solenoid, the line to the glow plugs and a line to the starter. The line to the fuel solenoid will have to stay energized after you've started it.

Good luck.

Ralph

ByronBob · Dec 23, 2004

You should have gotten 2 keys when you got the tractor. Where's the other one. Go look in the paperwork you got on the tractor and see if it's there

riptides · Dec 23, 2004

Mental note to self:

Find other key....

Stay out of Kentucky in the winter time. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

You all are getting pounded. Good luck!

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Theowegian · Dec 23, 2004

I also got a 2nd spare key with my kubota when I bought it. Did you double check your paperwork?

It might be in there.

ALso, call the dealer at home and explain your situation. He might tell you who has a tractor just like yours that you could call and get HIS spare key to try out.

Or maybe the dealer would be sympathetic and go down to the shop for you....

dwight