Newbie BX24 Questions

[Cherokee180]

Ok...took delivery of my used BX24 last night and since I won't really be able to use if for a few days, I have spent some time getting familiar with this unusual and beautiful creature while it sits in the garage and I sit on it with owners manual making tractor noises. Essentially, I don't want to assume anything about the maintenance, so am using the manual and info from this site to check every nook and cranny on this 394 hour tractor. So I have some newbie questions.

1) The HST filter is marked 6/2010 and 392 hours (2 hours ago). There are no records with the tractor. I placed some of the fluid from the dipstick on a clean white paper towel. It is completely clear, no coloration at all. Is this an indication of fresh fluid or am I dreaming and should change it out since I don't know?

2) I tried to remove the dipstick from the front axle. It appears to be an o-ring sealed, pull to remove sort of thing, but for the life of me I can't get it to budge. Even with a screw driver applying some pressure. The manual is silent on the removal technique. Before I break something, what is the trick?

3) The anti-freeze is due to be replaced. Is any good quality 50/50 mix ok?

4) Engine oil is full, but starting to get dark (still transparent and looks ok, just getting color). Interestingly, the filter looks new....like it may have been replaced with the HST filter. Does this oil turn dark quick in a diesel? I likely am just going to change it out, but thought I would ask.

5) Grease zerks look dry and slightly crusted around them, yet with only a pump on the grease gun (I tried one zerk), I get good clean grease venting so I think it is probably ok, but still plan on putting a pump or two in each zerk, then leaving some grease on them (old habit my dad taught me). Somewhere (in the various threads) several different greases were advocated...Lithiam, something Red, I need to refill my gun as I have not had anything requiring grease for a long time, so want to get the right stuff. Thoughts????

I will pull the screen and air filter and most likely replace the fuel filters in the coming month or so. It is a used tractor and has one cracked fender, but I am pleased with the purchase. The selling dealer (despite it being a Kubota repo) supplied a new owners manual, a brand new three point kit (to go with the rototiller). I can't use the dealer for anything since they are in Tennessee or something and I am in Washington State (was a repo here in Washington). I want to do good PM on the rig, then just enjoy landscaping for a change.

Appreciate any and all advice. Thanks

 

[Redgoatea]

All the Kubota guys must have gone to bed.
1. Your fluid is fine it's supposed to be clear.
2. They usually unscrew not pull out.
3. Yep that's okay.
4. Diesel turns oil black VERY fast it's normal and it's supposed to.
5. I like lithium for my all my zercs. The red stuff is usually high temp stuff.

Have fun makin those noises. 7

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I agree except for #2. Most BX's pull out but they are stiff to remove. If it was me I'd get a pair of wide opening pliers and twist it a bit as I pull up on it.
Looks like someone, former owner or repo person changed your fluids and filters but may have missed the fuel filter so change or check it as well as air filter.

 

[Stradbash]

1) Along with the date on the HST filter, does it look like there is only 2 hours worth of dirt on it?
2) JT is right about the dipstick. Twisting helps but if the O-ring is sticking to the axle housing it might not help much. I had to pull fairly hard on mine to get it out and have put some silicone grease on it, which seems to help.
3) You might find this post on antifreeze useful;
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/oil-fuel-lubricants/121377-antifreeze-any-type-ok-10.html
5) Moly grease is what a lot of folks prefer for the various pins and bushings on the FEL and BH. The moly will help lube things even when the base of the grease has left the pin, such as when you might get wrapped up in work and forget about it.
Replacing the fuel and air filters won't hurt and will not cost too much. I'd do it unless they look new.
You may want to check old threads on the issue and see if your tractor has had the reinforcement done to prevent fender cracking.

I hope you'll enjoy the real tractor noises more than your own

 

[fdmars]

"I have spent some time getting familiar with this unusual and beautiful creature while it sits in the garage and I sit on it with owners manual making tractor noises.:laughing:


Thanks that cracked me up!! and I can relate.
Post some pics, if you are stuck indoors...and welcome

 

[Cherokee180]

Thanks guys....the repo outfit, Barlow Tractor, seemed very concerned about the tractor being right (not typical being a repossession) but the date would have me believe that the prior owner may have done the service. Not sure, but it all seems to look very clean (likely pressure washed) and everything at spec.

I think I will order a filter kit, change out anything that doesn't look new, grease it up and use it. I will get some pics posted when I get back into town.

Thanks again.

 

[dodge man]

If the HST fluid looks good, which it sounds like it does and it has a dated filter, I'd leave it alone. The HST fluid is pretty pricey to replace, the other stuff isn't to bad in terms of price.

Diesel engines make the oil look bad in a hurry. Its kind of shocking how bad it gets, but is still under the hours required for a change.

 

[LBrown59]

Thanks guys....the repo outfit, Barlow Tractor, seemed very concerned about the tractor being right (not typical being a repossession) but the date would have me believe that the prior owner may have done the service. Not sure, but it all seems to look very clean (likely pressure washed) and everything at spec.

I think I will order a filter kit, change out anything that doesn't look new, grease it up and use it. I will get some pics posted when I get back into town.

Thanks again.

You couldn't have delt with a better more respected dealer .
They are held with high regard here on TBN.

 

[CHDinCT]

Congrat's on your new baby. Make sure you tuck it in snugly at night and it will treat you right. Don't go overboard with the baby talk though. :Laughing

On the axle dipstick, try removing one of the vent screws as there may have been a vacuum created over time making it difficult to remove.

 

[tommu56]

I don't know about the 24 but my 23 front Axel dip stick is screwed in.

Undo the bolt on the other side in the same place the threads look the same
I take out the plug put the oil in that side and check it with the dip stick side.

tom