Problems with starting a B2400

Illiniwek · Apr 19, 2002

Purchased a used 2400 when I bought a country home, and am still becoming familiar with the Joys of Kubota. The previous owner provided me with some very specific instructions about how to start the tractor:

1. Start with gear lever in Low (not Neutral, and not High)

2. Push in clutch pedal and brake pedal

3. Turn key all the way to the right

4. Slowly move gear level from Low to Neutral -- when it gets to neutral or just past neutral, the engine will start.

Does this seem right? It works for me, but it's not even close to what makes sense and to what the manual says (which aren't always the same thing!).

If I'm on the tractor for a while and turn it off, I sometimes can't get it started again. I can't get the engine to turn over or make any other such noise. After I wait for an hour or so, it will start using the method described above.

Is this right? If so, why do I have so much trouble starting up again after the tractor's been running for a couple of hours?

(I've never worked with a diesel engine before, so all of this "glow plug" stuff is new to me!)

Charliebrn · Apr 19, 2002

IMHO, I think you have something out of whack. Probably nothing major, but a sensor that isn't adjusted right, and maybe the heat from something aggravates the problem. I'd bet a dealer could fix you up pretty easy....

The glow plugs are used mainly when its cold out...I rarely have to let them heat up...

Take it to a decent dealer.

Either that or Kubmech.... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Illiniwek · Apr 19, 2002

Thanks, Charlie. You've been a big help tonight.

Is this the same way you start your 'Bota?

kubmech · Apr 20, 2002

To start the tractor, normally, range shifter in neutral, pto disengaged. Turn the key to the right and hold for about 15 seconds to operate the glow plugs. Then depress the clutch and it should start. The problem you are having sounds like the range shifter neutral saftey switch is out of adjustment, out of position or is going bad. If you look around your shifter area you should see the switch. Try to determine the problem while moving the shifter and see if the switch is being depressed properly. It may be easier to see if you remove the plastic panel just below the seat.

Dale Binkley · Apr 20, 2002

Make sure your PTO levers are not engaged. Occasionally my B2100 will not turn over even with everything set "correctly". If I go back and slightly jiggle the PTO levers, it will then start.

Charliebrn · Apr 21, 2002

Well, I don't have a clutch to worry about on the BX, but here is what I do:
Check the tractor over, check fluid levels
Put the PTO engagement lever Off and Range selector in Neutral.
Stomp on the brake (Not necessary, but safe)
Warm up the glow plugs for 5 seconds or so (longer in Winter)
Start the engine.

Follow Kubmech's advice. The guy RULES!

hayden · Apr 22, 2002

I was a bad boy and hot wired the switch on my B2400. It was working propertly, unlike what's being described here, but I found the switch overkill on the safety side since you still need to clutch to start. I noticed the B2910 has eliminated this very switch.

Illiniwek · May 6, 2002

I took a real close look yesterday and the safety switches (including the one under the seat) seem to be working just fine. The only time I have problems starting up is when the engine is warm. What can I do about that? Why would a warm engine have more trouble starting than a cold one?

Pks · May 6, 2002

Illiniwek,

Were you able to start yours following the procedure that comes from your manual (which matches what Kubmech stated?) That's important! The procedure given by the person who sold the machine to you is dead wrong. That might be due to a failing switch. But it is still wrong.

If you have an Ohm meter around, test each of the interlock switches for continuity during the operation of the switch. There are 4 interlock switches: one for the mid-PTO, one for the rear-PTO, one for the Clutch, one for the Transmission. They all do the same thing (interupt the starting). Check ALL 4.

Do the hazard lights work when the key switch is in the OFF position?

Do the headlights work when the key switch is in the ON position?

Check the battery terminals for dirt and good contact.

Check the fuses infront of the brake pedals.

Check the slow blow fuse on the left side near the starter.