New member-investigating a BX24 to buy

[DAT]

Hello,
New to this forum and I am looking for some advice and input on a few questions/concerns I have after recently review a 2006 BX24 to purchase.

1. After crawling up under the tractor I noticed the HST fan is basically chewed to it's hub and the rubber boot is damaged. I have read a few discussions concerning replacing this fan and it does not sound fun.
-My big worry is should I be concerned about the HST being damaged from operating without the fan cooling properly (or at all). The oil looked good, however I'm not sure what it should look like.
-Any idea on the cost to replace the fan and boot?

2. I'm being told the hours are 117, but it is very difficult to see the LCD screen. In fact the screen seems to indicate different numbers each time I look at at and they are very faint, I could never really confirm 117. Accurate hours are important to me.
-Is there any other way to confirm hours?
-Has Kubota had problems with this LCD screen lasting?
-Is this possibly due to a low battery? (the tractor cranked and started without any problems)

3. Both boots at the ends of the steer cylinder are bad. How easy is it to replace these?

Apologize for the long initial thread, but greatly appreciate any help that is our there!!

 

[radioman]

I have a BX24.
If you are concerned about running without the fan, you are right. Its the ONLY thing keeping the oil cool enough for for transmission, front loader, backhoe, midmount mower pto, rear pto. using the backhoe really will heeeat up the oil and heat is oil worst enemy. If you buy it, I would change out thee oil and filter and clean the filter screen too all at once.

The fan is cheap- however there is a but coming. Its labor intensive to replace the fan the right way. You will need to pull the floorboard, rear fender, rops to access working on the fan. Also you will need to slide the engine forward to pull shaft out so the fan can be placed as whole .

Some people has already bought fan and cut it in half and splice it together but I am not a fan of that process although it seems to work good that way and saves alot of time and labor.

as for the steering knuckles boot, I seen some people try to use a bicycle inner tube and to wraps to cover the torn boots. crude, but effective.

\Yes there is a LCD issue, mine does same but when its warm out, I can read it ok, but when its cold, its difficult to read.

 

[DAT]

Thank you Radioman. Do you know what the oil should look like - both if normal? and if its' been overheated? Is there anyway to verify the HST is not damaged due to overheating? (The bucket on the backhow looks very lightly used)

 

[radioman]

Honestly, There is no real test to see if HST is damaged or not for the average joe. I'd would have a dealer mechanic look it over.

IF I were to look at it, I would check the relief pressures of FEL, HST. Also I would see if the oil smells burnt, pull the screen from bottom of tranny and inspect for metal filings. oil should be very light in color, Just go to a dealer and ask to look at the UDT oil. Also i would drive the tractor around in low and high and try to play with the FEL and BH to see if there is any loss of power.

Problem is - you know the tractor has been abused already due to fan fins gone and you have NO idea how long within those 117 hours it been ran like that.
The BX is a very tough machine, IF you really want THAT machine- I would take it at least HALF or less of the normal used price . Just keep in mind of possible issues down the road and dont be quick to blame the issues on the fan, but can be related. parts and labor can add up in costs quickly, but once its running- its a great tractor to have other then the abrupt reverse on those 50 series.

Question - have you checked out the BX's at your local dealers yet? You might be better off there as you know its new or been checked over.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

I looked at probably 25 used tractors last year before buying my new BX 25. I could not believe the prices on used stuff and it is hard to finance a used one, probably have to take out a personal loan at high interest. If you have cash, best way to buy used even at a dealer. I bought the new one $16,995 base price w/BH and FEL and the dealer threw in the 3PT hitch, 0 down 0 interest and 5 years. I have not regretted it as I tied up no cash. The dealer said same price for cash, no discount, go figure.

Ron

 

[timswi]

Hello,
New to this forum and I am looking for some advice and input on a few questions/concerns I have after recently review a 2006 BX24 to purchase.

1. After crawling up under the tractor I noticed the HST fan is basically chewed to it's hub and the rubber boot is damaged. I have read a few discussions concerning replacing this fan and it does not sound fun.
-My big worry is should I be concerned about the HST being damaged from operating without the fan cooling properly (or at all). The oil looked good, however I'm not sure what it should look like.
-Any idea on the cost to replace the fan and boot?

2. I'm being told the hours are 117, but it is very difficult to see the LCD screen. In fact the screen seems to indicate different numbers each time I look at at and they are very faint, I could never really confirm 117. Accurate hours are important to me.
-Is there any other way to confirm hours?
-Has Kubota had problems with this LCD screen lasting?
-Is this possibly due to a low battery? (the tractor cranked and started without any problems)

3. Both boots at the ends of the steer cylinder are bad. How easy is it to replace these?

Apologize for the long initial thread, but greatly appreciate any help that is our there!!

I'd move on..This thing sounds like it's been hammered...How long has the HST fan been inoperatiove?...No way to know. As a point of reference, my 2004 BX23 still looks and operates like new with no broken stuff..Ever.

 

[AStanton]

Regarding hours, sometimes the condition on the paint on the loader is a good indication of use. If you see a lot of bare metal--run.

 

[GolfAddict]

You haven't given us an idea of the price they are asking. If the price is quite low relative to other used BX24s in the same hour range then I think personally I may take the risk - these are pretty tough little beasts.

I would have to be looking at a really competitive price and would be factoring in these repair costs (at dealer estimate) as well.

 

[PeterK]

ISTR that stripped fan blades are common due to the lack of a proper fan guard (and running through brush without the aid of the MMM to deflect sticks,) not abuse or neglect so I wouldn't automatically think that the BX is damaged in any way. BUT, I would check and replace all fluids and filters, and clean the debris screen. Steering boots are also common wear item due to the low ground clearance os the BX.
Sounds like this one was in the woods where both of these would happen.

As for hours, the hour display ONLY shows up when you first turn the key and then for only a second of so. And it is dim and hard to see.

 

[rlsmith]

I own from new a 05 BX23 and now have over 1300 hours on it. I don't say that I abuse my unit but I must say that I work it and have worked it hard. knock on wood I do a lot of work out in the woods and have not yet broken the HST fan. I have driven a limb into a rear tire, and have replaced both front tires due to constant bead leak die to thorns, have had both front knuckles replaced because of fluid leaks from cracks, also not much paint left on the BH or FEL buckets, have kept up with all fluid changes, got dings in the hood, decals coming off, have replaced the battery, the supply line to BH, and had to have the tranny replaced. Oh and decided it was time to replace the mmm blades that are original. I have done all but the 1st fluid change and was amazed how much metal I found in the screen after my replaced tranny.
So I agree that I would have it checked by a dealer and depending on price that just because it is not pretty doesn't mean it has been abused in my eyes.