New BX1870 - Some observations and questions

[General Lee]

Just obtained a new BX1870. Put 1.5 hours on it today tinkering around. This will primarily be my mower, but got the loader w/ it as well. While operating the machine I noticed at RPM's below 2500, when the steering is at full turn I get a shuddering/vibration that is basically felt throughout the tractor. This is not evident at higher rpms. Since the machine has hydrostatic steering I'm wondering if the shuddering I'm feeling at full turn is lack of hydro fluid entering the steering system? Hydro fluid checked ok.

I also noticed this machine really can't do any decent loader work or anything for that matter unless its at least 2800 rpm's or more? Any other 1860/1870 owners agree with this. I'm thinking the loaded tires, approx. 200 pound MMM and the loader is quite a lot for this little 18hp motor to move let alone trying to scratch some dirt around. I'm thinking compost piles or piles of loose material is about all you can do with this loader. Not a big deal for me as this is mainly my mower.

One other thing I noticed....a couple of times while on slight inclines trying to level out some high spots with the bucket, the machine got to shuddering or vibrating fairly rough and I thought it was about to shut down on me. I stopped what I was doing, regrouped, and started heading back in to check things out when it seemed to clear itself. Not sure what is/was wrong with it.

Can any other owners relate to any of this? Just trying to figure this new machine out, whats normal and whats not. You guys know how news sounds and smells can be with new equipment. This is a big difference operating this from my L. I got back on my L later in the evening and thought ..."now this is how you get things done".

 

[George the Beagle]

My loader works well just above idle speed. I get an occasional kick through the steering wheel when using the FEL but I guess I don't get the shuddering you're experiencing. The FEL is really quite strong for such a small machine, IMHO. My "little" 18hp powers the snowblower, mower, and chipper very nicely--I haven't wanted for a larger machine. Don't forget to use low range, though, when using the loader. It sounds to me you may have a problem with yours...good thing is, it's under warranty.

 

[Code54]

We just bought a BX25D and while it is a different motor/machine there is a lot in common. The loader seems to work MUCH better with some RPM's, smoother, stronger and faster. I am also guessing the "shutting down" thing you are feeling is the safety system kicking in. If you lift up, even a wee little bit in the seat, the operator presence detection system kicks in and tries to shut the machine off. Thinks you left the seat. I noticed our BX was VERY sensitive and ended up by passing the system. not saying you should but every time I tried backing up any of our hills I would lean forward a bit and it would try and shut down. Got old real fast and don't have it on my other eqpt so I used a jumper wire and defeated the safety switch.
Good luck!

 

[David_Kb7uns]

The BX series of tractors have 1 hydraulic pump section, larger tractors will have one section for loader and one for steering and hydro charge. Since there is just one pump at low rpm the steering priority valve diverts almost all the flow to the steering circuit as rpm goes up and flow increases more fluid is left over to go to the loader and then the 3 point downstream from that. So when you are on the edge of priority valve opening and diverting and then you start steering and using more flow for steering circuit you will have the drops in flow to the loader and 3 point.

David Kb7uns

 

[sandyc]

Are you in 4 wheel drive? On dry pavement the front tires are pretty aggressive when you turn the wheel hard in any direction?

 

[General Lee]

Are you in 4 wheel drive? On dry pavement the front tires are pretty aggressive when you turn the wheel hard in any direction?

No dry pavement around my place LOL. I'm gonna tinker some more on it today and see if it acts up and pay a little more attention to the conditions and situations I'm in if it duplicates the problem. The real concerning thing was when it started shuddering and vibrating where I thought it was going to shut down. I immediately idled down to idle speed and still had noticeable vibration. When I started headed back to the house it wasn't doing it anymore. Don't know what happened.

 

[General Lee]

After some more operation today, Performance seemed better. I made sure I stayed at 2700 rpms or above. I still got some vibration/shuddering in the steering from time to time. It seemed more evident when I let off the hydrostatic drive pedal while the wheels were turned. Also occurred while turning up a slight incline. Seems if the unit is calling for multiple hydraulic functions something suffers..........like David_Kb explained.

Is it at least normal to have to be in higher RPM's for decent operation? If I'm below 2500 the unit is fairly sluggish IMO.

 

[bp fick]

Is it at least normal to have to be in higher RPM's for decent operation? If I'm below 2500 the unit is fairly sluggish IMO.

I had the BX1860 and now a BX2360. Same deal, really. The pumps, I believe, are the same on the BX's regardless of engine horsepower so I don't think you experiencing anything related to your tractor being an 18. It's just the nature of these BX's as far as I can tell. Bucketing snow, tons of snow, makes you keep the rev's up to work efficiently. Nature of the beast.

 

[AceDeuce]

These units are meant to be run at or near WOT. I'll bump mine down for certain tasks like post hole digging but usually I'm at 75-100%. Different than larger machines where during normal operation you keep the rpms as low as possible. Counterintuitive but normal for a BX.

 

[General Lee]

Good to know about operating at or near WOT. Anyone have any comments on the steering issues I talked about?