New Tractor, Tractor Newbie, Lots of Questions...

HoggyB · Nov 30, 2003

Hi, all-

I just purchased a BX23, to be delivered on Monday, and my brain is whirling with questions.

Here is my background:
We have 19 hilly acres we are building on. We'll be using the tractor to clear brush, landscape (more of creating than maintaining, I think) and various chores, the first of which will be a trench for underground utilities.

My tractor experience is limited to 30 hours or so in rented Bobcat skidsteer loaders.

So, here goes:
1. Is there a "Tractors 101" book available anywhere? I'm interested in safety, of course, but also in how to use the various implements, especially the backhoe.

2. We paid 16K US (plus tax) for just the BX23. As far as I can tell this was a good price. Was it?

3. I purchased a 3 point Gearmore 48" rotary mower for $800. Is Gearmore a good brand and is that a good price for that implement?

4. Are the Kubota keys generic (ours appears to be)? If so, can you rekey the ignition? Or install a killswitch? Or????

5. How can you mount a standard ball hitch on the tractor? Is it a 3 point implement?

6. Do you have to remove the backhoe to mount an implement (say a box scraper) to the 3 point hitch?

7. How do you match an implement like this to your tractor? Is it all a matter of how much HP your tractor has?

8. Is it possible to harness the heat from the tractor to keep the operator warm on cold days (Don't know how much it would help the poor guy in Alaska. Minus 8! Jeez!)

9. I saw a reference to someone having "flipped the wheels to the widest position and filled them with fluid" to work better in steep terrain. Can you "flip the wheels" on the BX23 and is it a good idea?

10. How about filling the wheels with liquid? Is this a good idea in general? And do you REALLY use beet juice?

11. How steep a hill can you safely operate on? And how do you know when it's getting iffy? I thought I saw some sort of dash mounted level somewhere during my research.

12. Is jumping off really the best course of action in case of a roll over? Or is sitting tight with your seatbelt on a smarter thing to do?

13. How good is the ROPS on the BX23? Will it protect you if the tractor rolls more than once? How about if it rolls over ONCE?

14. Is there any way to retrofit a "four poster" on a BX23? It seems like this would offer better roll over protection AND would provide some shade.

That's all I can think of. For now!

Thanks in advance to any of you who have the time to respond to my rather overweight (hey, it IS Thanksgiving weekend) post!

Hog

RichT · Nov 30, 2003

Many here with more experience than me, but heres my shot:

1. Is there a "Tractors 101" book available anywhere? I'm interested in safety, of course, but also in how to use the various implements, especially the backhoe.
*Do a google on basic tractor operation. Many good sites will show up. Read the owners/operators manual for your 23. Practice, practice, practice with the bh. Start with small jobs and work up. Be VERY careful when you turn the tractor with the bh attached, its hanging out there a good distance.

2. We paid 16K US (plus tax) for just the BX23. As far as I can tell this was a good price. Was it?
*Seems reasonable. Only thing I can compare it to specifically is 14.6K I paid for my BX22 a year ago.

3. I purchased a 3 point Gearmore 48" rotary mower for $800. Is Gearmore a good brand and is that a good price for that implement?
*Gearmore is a decent implement outfit, factory near me in Chino CA. They carry some nice stuff. Price seems OK.

4. Are the Kubota keys generic (ours appears to be)? If so, can you rekey the ignition? Or install a killswitch? Or????
*Yes you can copy the key. Not sure about rekeying the ignition, but I would assume you could.?

5. How can you mount a standard ball hitch on the tractor? Is it a 3 point implement?
*You need to buy/build a 3ph/box hitch adapter. See attached. Do google if you want to buy one, plenty around.

6. Do you have to remove the backhoe to mount an implement (say a box scraper) to the 3 point hitch?
*absolutely

7. How do you match an implement like this to your tractor? Is it all a matter of how much HP your tractor has?
*Talk to the manufacturer, most std implements can be mapped to specific tractor models/hp/etc. Or ask on this board.

8. Is it possible to harness the heat from the tractor to keep the operator warm on cold days (Don't know how much it would help the poor guy in Alaska. Minus 8! Jeez!)
*You'd need to figure out how to harness the heat and lose the fumes. Not an issue here in SOCAL.

9. I saw a reference to someone having "flipped the wheels to the widest position and filled them with fluid" to work better in steep terrain. Can you "flip the wheels" on the BX23 and is it a good idea?
*Fluid is generally used for added ballast and should help on uneven terrain. Not certain about the wheels, though I vaguely recall a discussion about that in this forum at one time.

10. How about filling the wheels with liquid? Is this a good idea in general? And do you REALLY use beet juice?

11. How steep a hill can you safely operate on? And how do you know when it's getting iffy? I thought I saw some sort of dash mounted level somewhere during my research.
*Lots of opinion on this one. I don't do much on uneven terrain, so you'd want the "hilly" guys to weigh in.

12. Is jumping off really the best course of action in case of a roll over? Or is sitting tight with your seatbelt on a smarter thing to do?
*I've never rolled and hope it stays that way. I watched my neighbor roll a commercial JD backhoe. Not a pretty site. He stayed buckled up, let the ROPs do its job, and left with a couple scratches. The tractor was another story. I say ALWAYS use the seatbelt and do not operate without the ROPs fully extended.

13. How good is the ROPS on the BX23? Will it protect you if the tractor rolls more than once? How about if it rolls over ONCE?
*Tough one to answer. THe ROPs is there to protect against rollover and should hold up. As to multiple rollovers, ????

14. Is there any way to retrofit a "four poster" on a BX23? It seems like this would offer better roll over protection AND would provide some shade.
*Several threads in here (just do a search) about adding a 4 post top for shade, but none as I recall were done to improve rollover protection.

Egon · Nov 30, 2003

Re: New Tractor, Tractor Newbie, Lots of Questions

Just some comments on a few questions.

Ball hitch can be mounted on the draw bar or the three point. The three point will require a tool bar to do this. Lots of versions of tool bars out there. Many build thier own.

Heating the operator: There are fabric type cabs available or an a housing arrangement of canvas can be made to direct the heat back to the operator. " Or a cup holder containing an insulated cup filled with potent hot coffee can be attached"

DO WEAR YOUR SEATBELT AT ALL TIMES.

If you are really serious a cage could be built and attached.

Work into the steap terrain gradually as you get used to the equipment. Remember it will have differerent handling characteristics with different attachments. Keep the bucket low .

And do enjoy.

Egon

Mark_in_NH · Nov 30, 2003

Hogballs,
Congratulations on your pending arrival and welcome to the TBN. I for one am curious as to how you came up with your user name. Hogballs, Huh ??? But then again, I am not sure I want to know the answer. That may be just a little to much information. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Anyway.
#1- About the tractors 101 book. I am not aware of one, but then you most likely won't need it. You have arrived at the Best tractor and implement / attachment owning and using resource site that exhists, and it's interactive /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

#2- My knowledge of Kubota's is only beginning, so I will leave this to be answered by others.

#3- I have heard of gilmore but never owned or operated any of there stuff. I don't believe I have heard anything negative. Implements and attachments are like anything. Once in a while EVERY manufacture turns out a lemon. For the most part, I expect that your tiller will perform beautifully.

#4- I think most keys for most tractors are somewhat brand generic. I understand that the key for my TC35D will also fit the 40's and 45's. I would fully expect that with a little creativity and some electrical knowledge it would be quite easy to install a kill switch somewhere on your tractor. I am sure there are plenty of members here who have done so. There are switchs manufactured for just such a purpose. Fire apperatus have used them for years, just a rotery knob usualy by the drivers seat that shut off all elctrical power.

#5- Most tractor draw bars will accept a trailer ball, bolt it into the hole just like you were putting it on your truck or car bumper hitch. There are many 3 point attachments that can be bought that have a ball on them or can accept a ball and it can make some things easier, but unless your going to be changing trailers frequently this attachment isn't necessary in my opinion.

#6- For this I would have to say a defnate Yes, you will need to remove the backhoe to install and run your tiller etc.

#7- You will need to be sure that the 3 point hitch catagory is the same. Most guys try to buy attachments that are at least the width of the tractor, measure the width from the outside to the outside of your rear tires. in the case of the PHD, the width issue is mute. If you are comfortable with the knowledge of your sales persen or dealership, they will be a good source of "what size" to consider. This may also elp you stay with in the perameters of your warrenty.

#8- Yes, it's called a cab. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif There are some companys that make soft canvas type shields etc for this but I have no clue how well they work.

#9- I think having the tires out in there widest position is a good thing, especially with a backhoe. Again, ask your dealers advice. My dealer does this automaticly in setup. As far as the BX23 goes, I know very little about the tractor.

#10- Filling with a liquid is a heavily discussed topic. Mine have "calcium clhoride" in them (very heavy) many have just used windshiled washer fluid.
#11- I find for me that my own gut instint and the so called "pucker factor" are the best judge for me on slopes.
And yes, there is an excellant tilt meter available right through this site. Just go tothe TBN "Store" link.

#12- I believe the old rule of thumb is or was that if you had no ROPS & seat belt, then it was best to try and jump clear. But if you have a ROPS then you SHOULD be wearing your seat belt and to just stay put in the case of a rollover. Fortunatly I have never had the pleasure or pucker of such an experience.

#13- I can't really answer this.

#14- I think that with a little creative ingenuity a 4 posted type canopy ROPS can be devised for most tractors, but becareful of altering to much ROPS wise for you may just void your warrenty, never mind your life. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Deerlope · Nov 30, 2003

Most FFA( Future Farmers Of America) have some really good info on tractor safety. Try to loacate a group near where you live. Tractor safety should be #1 on your list because if you get serious injured or killed you won't need the answers to the rest of those questions. Good luck and go slow , don't take short cuts.
Fred

art · Nov 30, 2003

kubota does have a book on tractor operating tips that is available to new owners as well as old.

HoggyB · Dec 1, 2003

Re: New Tractor, Tractor Newbie, Lots of Questions

( kubota does have a book on tractor operating tips that is available to new owners as well as old. )

Art- Do you by chance have a title and source for this book?

Hog

HoggyB · Dec 1, 2003

Re: New Tractor, Tractor Newbie, Lots of Questions

( Hogballs,
Congratulations on your pending arrival and welcome to the TBN. I for one am curious as to how you came up with your user name. Hogballs, Huh ???)

Thanks! I'm looking forward to getting it. I don't know why, but owning a tractor, especially one with a backhoe, has always been a dream of mine.

As for the name (which has changed, as you might have noticed), my wife had an uncle whose nickname was Hogballs.

I always hoped my wife would tag me with the same nickname (another longtime dream?), but despite my repeated hints she refused to do so.

When her uncle passed away (he was a great guy, I wish I could've spent more time with him), in a spectactular display of lameness I bestowed the name upon myself. Sad, but true. Oh, well, the name lives on. Not sure if that's good or bad!

Hog

Junkman · Dec 1, 2003

The wheels on the BX series tractors are not reversible for different widths.

If you are happy with the price, that is all that matters. Prices vary between dealers and equipment. Without knowing the specifics of the tractor, price can not be established.

Beet Juice is a term for the fill that is non toxic and non corrosive in nature. The exact formulation of the product I don't know, but I have heard that it got its name from the fact that it is a by product of beets...... I have also heard that it is made from Mollassis....

All BX tractors use the same key and a replacement ignition switch with a different key is not available to the best of my knowledge. Using the same key for all like tractors is an industry standard, although I don't know why the manufacturers don't offer a second series of keyed differently switches at extra cost. There certainly would be a demand for such a option. The closest thing that I can think of that would work would be a ignition switch from a Mercedes Benz diesel car since the switch stops are the same. Wiring it to work would be difficult unless you have electrical knowledge. Doing so would also void your warranty in all probability..... That is why you have theft insurance.... or at least you should have this insurance.

There is no way to harness heat from the engine unless you have a cab installed and a interior heater installed. There are a few cab manufacturers that make cabs for the BX series, but none of them make cabs for the BX-22/23 tractors. This is because the tractor has a backhoe attachment and there is no rear opening in the cab to operate the backhoe. It is impossible for them to make one using the standard cab that they already produce. I have looked into this in the past.

If the tractor rolls over, you should stay put with your seat belt on. The roll over protection should be sufficient to give some protection in a multiple roll over situation. There is no doubt in my mind that you will also get hurt, so avoiding the roll over situation in the first place should be paramount in any decision to transverse an area you are not familiar with. Should you decide not to use the seatbelt, jumping off might be an alternative, but I am sure that the angels will be there also to help you get off. Just hope that they don't also fly away with you....... wear your seat belt whenever doing any thing that will put you into that situation.....

If you feel the need for more protection, then find someone that builds race cars and have them build you a safety cage. The better method would be "NOT TO TAKE CHANCES" and you will not need additional protection.....

My final advice to you is to search the forums, because what ever question that you can think of, probably has been answered at least 2 or 3 times. More to read than you will have time for.... Todays Total..... 342,038 Posts I suggest that you start your reading in the Oil, Fuel & Lubricants Forum. There are as many different opinions there as there are people registered. After reading all that material, you are free to form your own diverging opinion and become an expert also. YES, synthetic oil is good, NO, petroleum based oils are not bad. Anything in between is opinion.... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Some opinions are frowned upon, others are welcomed with open arms. Some take up arms to defend their opinions.... What goes around, comes around. Welcome to TBN

bcarter · Dec 1, 2003

1. Is there a "Tractors 101" book available anywhere? I'm interested in safety, of course, but also in how to use the various implements, especially the backhoe. 

There is indeed such a book... Its called "Operating Techniques for the Tractor-Loader-Backhoe" by Gary Ober. I got mine from www.equiptrain.com. The book is written in a very simple style (some might feel its a little too simple) but it does contain lots on useful safety information and techniques for operating. My guess is that it might be intended as a textbook for a training course (since it has practice questions at the end of each chapter) but I found it to be a good primer on operating and still occasionally refer back to it from time to time.