BX-24 and Kubota

[FishAlaska]

I have a BX 24 and had taken the seat off and took it to the dealer 80 miles away. The material was separating from the foam in the seat. While I was there I told the dealer the fender had cracked. They told me ift would be tough to get it replaced under warranty.

I emailed Kubota and meanwhile my tractor 2 year warranty expired. It was under warranty when I inquired with dealer. Kubota ia giving me a hard time. They know I contacted the dealer within warranty because I emailed them first and they told me to take it to the dealer and they have that date.

I told them this is a known issue with the fender cracking and they acted as if it isnt. Well they made a fix for it didnt they? It is a hazard....when it broke I fell and cracked open my leg. I told them someone will get seriously hurt bad with this issue. Kubota will not replace the fender or seat.

Anyone have a notice or message identifing this issue?

 

[scarlo101]

Fish, I have heard of this issue. It sounds to me that Kubota should honor their warrantee. I have a 2007 BX1850, and was wondering if you had pics, so that I can see if my tractor has this weak spot. What happened to cause it to crack.
Thanx

 

[santacruzer]

Fish,

Some guy on this board had a plastic fender crack when he put his tractor in the garage after being outside. He was also out of warranty ...you might want to "search" that, he might be of help. If I can find it I'll let you know.

On another note I've been having a problem with a leaking "control valve" on a brand new 2350 BX. After being in the dealers shop for the third time the service mgr called me and said that after contacting Kubota, they admitted that a "batch" (what's a batch....5 or 5000 ?) of 2350s went on the market with an incorrectly machined part of that "controll valve".

That sounds like a recall item but I've not be contacted by Kubota.

Your fender, your torn seat and my leaking control valve as well as other things I've heard about Kubota are starting to sound like the American car companies.

Good luck. Paul

 

[santacruzer]

Hey Fish,

Search "fender crack". There are a number of them there. Especially read the one by Matt_Jr.

Good luck...don't let them off the hook...be their worst nightmare!!!!

Paul

 

[ultrarunner]

Your covered... as long as you can prove the defect surfaced within the Warranty Period and is not the result of misuse AND Kubota was properly notified under the terms of their written warranty.

Evidence proving the problem is a known defect just makes your case stronger.

Federal (And State Law in my state of California) is quite specific...

An alternative would be to pay for the repair out of pocket at any authorized Kubota Dealer and then sue Kubota in small claims for repair cost based on breach of warranty.

I doubt this will be necessary, once Kubota realizes your intention and that you can document your claim. Often, it is only a matter of making your case to a person with the authority to take action.

I recommend writing directly to the manufacturer, addressed by name to the CEO or the division VP. Your letter should state your overall satisfaction with their product and explain your on going disappointment due to the unresolved warranty issue

I've heard many warranty disputes, often with the consumer, dealer and manufacturer each presenting their side. It's not uncommon for the manufacturer to testify that it was not aware there was a problem or that they didn't have the opportunity to act.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has the power to investigate hazardous consumer products... although they can't represent individuals as I understand it.

 

[Matt_Jr]

Hey FishAlaska, sorry to hear about your dealer being that way. My bx24 was six months out of warranty when my fender cracked. Stopped by the dealer and told them about TBN and how I read about all the problems Kubota was having with the fenders cracking. They said drop it off on monday and we'll take care of it. They even washed it for me. Lots of reinforcements under there too. Kubota is reimbursing the dealers to fix tractors out of warranty too. At least that's what I think my dealer told me. Can't remember. I've slept since then.

 

[stupakmike]

I also have a 2006 bx 24. My floor and fender cracked. I took it to the dealer and they replaced the entire fender including the floor. While it was there they also replaced the hour/rpm meter and all the handles on the controls. I believe these were a defect and recalled. Putting to much weight on the outside of the flooring while getting on or off the tractor was a weak point causing it to break. The new one is all reinforced. Another problem I had with a bx2200 was front axle seals leaking. The problem in my opinion is when you pull off the fluid check plug there would be a good amount of pressure in the axle. There is no need for that to be pressurized that it should be vented to relieve the pressure on the seals. What I understood from my dealer.. that Kubota has a vented check plug for this...I have not seen it yet.

 

[Tractor Factor]

I also have a 2006 bx 24. My floor and fender cracked. Putting to much weight on the outside of the flooring while getting on or off the tractor was a weak point causing it to break.

Well, guess what, I have a month old BX25, and there's movement in the flooring when I step on that same spot. Wouldn't exactly call it a problem at this point, but it gets my attention every time. Hope it doesn't get worse. You'd think since they knew it's a design shortcoming they might have corrected it by now and beefed it up a bit at the factory. It must cost more for them to do so after the sale.

I weigh about 180 with a few layers of winter clothing...maybe they designed the machine with smaller, Japanese people in mind??

 

[stupakmike]

I'm not real familiar with the 25. But look underneth. My new floor has medal framing to reinforce it. I'm pretty happy with the repair of my tractor.

 

[C6rider]

Well, guess what, I have a month old BX25, and there's movement in the flooring when I step on that same spot. Wouldn't exactly call it a problem at this point, but it gets my attention every time. Hope it doesn't get worse. You'd think since they knew it's a design shortcoming they might have corrected it by now and beefed it up a bit at the factory. It must cost more for them to do so after the sale.

I weigh about 180 with a few layers of winter clothing...maybe they designed the machine with smaller, Japanese people in mind??

I thought the 25's were all metal? I have 100# on you and no problems with my late BX24 (3/08).

 

[bx24]

I'm not real familiar with the 25. But look underneth. My new floor has medal framing to reinforce it. I'm pretty happy with the repair of my tractor.

I am assuming the camera person and your BH is on a slight incline .... otherwise the house in the background is sinking into the earth!

 

[CHDinCT]

I thought the 25's were all metal? I have 100# on you and no problems with my late BX24 (3/08).

That's a good question. On my 1860 I can tell the hood and seat pan/fender deck pieces are metal but I'm not sure on the floor pan. Sometimes I knock on it and it sounds like metal, other times plastic. I can tell you I don't see the same reinforcements as they added to the 50 series so I'm guessing it's metal.

 

[Tom_H]

Hmmm, seems that everyone in this discussion must be relatively new members. When the BX24 came out, these things were cracking left and right. There was thread after thread on this forum about this. First, Kubota balked, then they made a retrofit reinforcement piece, then they made a new fender that was beefier and had structural reinforcement ribs in the mold for the fender. The later BX24s had this beefier fender put on them when manufactured and anyone with a broken older one got it replaced for free. In doing this, they have already established that they had a flawed product and they have established extensive precedent in remedying the problem.

When the BX25 came out, the plastic had been done away with and the BX came full circle back to metal fenders. Several of the engineering section heads who had pushed so hard for plastic were even fired during a small reorganization.

Perhaps they wanted this replacement to have a closure of time period. Quite a few folks got hurt when they stepped on the floorboard, the fender cracked, the floorboard fell, and there was an injury. This was a very big problem for them. Maybe they think you don't know about all this history. Go back, search the archives, and read how bad it was. Then let them know that you are aware of it and that you have plenty of ammo to play legal hardball if needed. I would not go in guns blazing, however let them know you know the full story now, then start to slowly tighten the screws until there is enough pressure for them to cave.

 

[stupakmike]

Here's a picture of the break in my bx24

 

[Mustangous]

Could some one post pictures of the updated stuff? If it was reinforcement bars, or whatever the case was. This way everyone can tell if theirs has the update, including me. Also the seat to if possible. Whats the difference in the old and replacement seat..
Thanks

 

[Tractor Factor]

Here's a picture of the break in my bx24

Yikes!

 

[Deano]

Could some one post pictures of the updated stuff? If it was reinforcement bars, or whatever the case was. This way everyone can tell if theirs has the update, including me. Also the seat to if possible. Whats the difference in the old and replacement seat..
Thanks

I have a pdf file of the "Warranty Kit" for the BX24 that a dealer sent me when I asked about the "repairs" that are needed on the BX24.
Page 6 has the information you aske about Mustagous.
It is too big to post so I can send it to your email. Let me know what it is and I will send it.

Deano

 

[Mustangous]

I have a pdf file of the "Warranty Kit" for the BX24 that a dealer sent me when I asked about the "repairs" that are needed on the BX24.
Page 6 has the information you aske about Mustagous.
It is too big to post so I can send it to your email. Let me know what it is and I will send it.

Deano

pm sent
Thank you....

 

[Deano]

You will have it shortly!!
Deano

 

[Hedgy]

Whats the difference in the old and replacement seat..
Thanks

Here's a comparison picture.