Pre-Purchase Inspection

[RobLC]

Just looked at several TLB's. I liked one BX24 (contractor owned) and one BX23 (homeowner owned) best. Choosing between them is not east.

The 2005 BX23 with ~200 hours had the common broken air cleaner mount but what was disturbing is that the air cleaner pulled away from the tube that goes into the engine so it could have been getting dirty air. Owner said it could not have been like that for long since he does regular maintenance which seemed obvious (well greased joints, maintenance kit on shelf for next interval and it is garage kept).

The 2008 BX24 had the common broken hours meter. Owner said it had less than 100 hours and it seemed like that could be true just looking it over but I am much less comfortable with this seller and it has been kept outside since new.

Which issue is least desireable and should I steer clear of either or both? (I am not going to buy new.)

 

[TroyR57]

More info needed, where are you at, what kinda prices on units, and have you seen my add in the add section, for a 600 hour bx23? Just saying, you can't go to wrong, but be sure to test drive both units, for at least 30 minutes to an hour if possible. Then you will have a better ideal on units ability to do the task you need.

 

[Volfandt]

Did the engine on the BX23 smoke after starting it? It's normal for a diesel to spit smoke at startup, black or white is normal but it should go away within 5 secs after startup.

@ 200 hrs the BX23 is barely broke in. There are several issues w/the BX24 that many owners found so problematic that they traded up for the newer 60 series BX's when they became available.
The BX23 doesn't have any of these issues.
Others can elaborate more on the BX24 issues....

If the BX23 runs well, doesn't smoke after startup and everything works properly, I'd recommend going with it.
Good luck
Dave

 

[Jay4200]

Just looked at several TLB's. I liked one BX24 (contractor owned) and one BX23 (homeowner owned) best. Choosing between them is not east.

The 2005 BX23 with ~200 hours had the common broken air cleaner mount but what was disturbing is that the air cleaner pulled away from the tube that goes into the engine so it could have been getting dirty air. Owner said it could not have been like that for long since he does regular maintenance which seemed obvious (well greased joints, maintenance kit on shelf for next interval and it is garage kept).

The 2008 BX24 had the common broken hours meter. Owner said it had less than 100 hours and it seemed like that could be true just looking it over but I am much less comfortable with this seller and it has been kept outside since new.

Which issue is least desireable and should I steer clear of either or both? (I am not going to buy new.)

I would worry far less about a broken hour meter than an open air cleaner. Dirty air is the death of an engine, and considering the environment a tractor is usually in, a half hour of unfiltered operation is enough to take 2000 hours off of the life of an engine. Of the two I'd definitely pick the BX24 if it is clean.

JayC

 

[RobLC]

Jay, I second your opinion on the dirty air...between the two, I much prefer the 23 but this issue gives me pause.

It is apparent that the owner is active in maintenance and says it could not have been off very long, I may have to hang my hat on that.

Thanks all.

 

[shownuff]

roblc where are you located?