2006 BX 23 HST Issues

nordic95 · Mar 17, 2013

So I have a 2006 Bx 23 and I love this machine to death. I purchased it new and I now have 560 hours on it. I use it around my house mostly to plow snow and mow lawns. But lately I noticed the trans is making noise when I push against a load, worst then the usual noise ive heard over the years. Also now I can barely start in high gear. It sound like it is just lugging as if it was under a major load but once it gets rolling it fine till I hit a hill. Most of the time I have to stop and put in low gear. And im not talking about a big hill, just a slope in the yard so to say. I did change HST fluids, installed new filter and the same issue persists. I did try to adjust the parking brake at one point and I noticed the HST made more noise, so I adjusted it really loose so as not to have any drag at all. Now the parking brake does absolutly nothing. I really need some help to diagnose what the cause is and the repair....Please help.

Thanks Anthony

David_Kb7uns · Mar 18, 2013

What filter and fluid did you use for the hydro? Also do make sure the brake is not dragging.

David Kb7uns

Leejohn · Mar 18, 2013

Check the input shaft bearing.

David Devuono · Mar 19, 2013

You mention transmission noise and lack of power. Check and clean the fuel Filter as well. Maybe crack the bleed screw to see if any air bubbles come out. Low range could mask a power output issue. Any engine smoking with the loss of power?

Coyote machine · Mar 19, 2013

Welcome to TBN!
Sorry you're having problems with your tractor. You came to the right place to get it fixed.
How many hours on the HST fluid / filter you changed, and what did the fluid look like, smell like, when you changed it?
How long before you changed the fluid/filter did this issue arise?

kcender · Mar 19, 2013

Did you clean the strainer screen in the back of the trans?

nordic95 · Mar 20, 2013

Leejohn said:
Check the input shaft bearing.

How do I check this?

nordic95 · Mar 20, 2013

kcender said:
Did you clean the strainer screen in the back of the trans?

Yes I pulled the screen and cleaned it off. It had no metal shavings at all on it and fluid looked good with no burning smell or anything.

nordic95 · Mar 20, 2013

Coyote machine said:
Welcome to TBN!
Sorry you're having problems with your tractor. You came to the right place to get it fixed.
How many hours on the HST fluid / filter you changed, and what did the fluid look like, smell like, when you changed it?
How long before you changed the fluid/filter did this issue arise?

It started making the noises shortly after I changed the fluid and filter. I also changed all the fuel filters about 50 hours ago.

nordic95 · Mar 20, 2013

David_Kb7uns said:
What filter and fluid did you use for the hydro? Also do make sure the brake is not dragging.

David Kb7uns

Brake is completly adjusted loose just to make sure it wasnt dragging. Filter was Napa Gold and fluid from Napa and they said it was for my tractor, USD I think.

timswi · Mar 20, 2013

nordic95 said:
Brake is completly adjusted loose just to make sure it wasnt dragging. Filter was Napa Gold and fluid from Napa and they said it was for my tractor, USD I think.

I'd start by getting a Kubota HST filter and swapping out that NAPA one before I started it again....I only run Kubota filters and fluids in my 2004 BX23..not saying that's the issue, but -----

I just bought Super UDT2, all filters, oil and fan belt for the BX and all the oil change stuff for my RTV1100 from Kubota..Just under 200 for everything. Not too oppressive for specialty stuff.

dodge man · Mar 21, 2013

I agree, check your fuel filters. I've had mine plug up more than once, and at first it often seems like a problem with the HST.

BX Dan · Mar 21, 2013

I too say change the fuel filter. My BX 2200 did the same thing around the 600hr mark and I thought I was looking at a big fix. TBN pointed me to the filter and presto fast easy fix, 60+ hours later running like a champ still. I also know, thanks TBN members my sending unit in the tank has gone bad and lost its seal, I just have been putting that fix off, not sure if its helping contribute to fuel contamination.
Dan.

Rfisher7381 · Mar 21, 2013

Filter was Napa Gold and fluid from Napa and they said it was for my tractor, USD I think.

I would drain and refill with Kubota UDT or SUDT2 and Kubota filters.

Once I tried Amsoil Universal ATF in my cars automatic transmission and had to switch back due to shifting problems within a few days. Amsoil literature would have you believe it would work well in my car but real world experience proved different.

Hope it's an easy fix.

radioman · Mar 21, 2013

I don't think its the oil. he changed it out and even with with third party oil, it shouldnt making it stop like this. I am thinking that maybe either the HST relief is kicing in way too early now like broken spring behind shims or maybe a very expensive issue is the hydro pump needs replacing. I would look into getting a WSM if you dont have one and get the pressure tested according to WSM. Either that or have dealer look at it.

David_Kb7uns · Mar 21, 2013

There is only one hydraulic filter and it serves as the charge pump filter. Non Super UDT oil has been know to increase noise and decrease performance in Kubota HST transmissions. If the filter is not the correct and starving the charge pump for oil then it would be a problem. Most simple thing to rule this out before sending it to dealer or tearing it apart is to put Kubota oil and filter on it.

David Kb7uns

CHDinCT · Mar 21, 2013

David_Kb7uns said:
There is only one hydraulic filter and it serves as the charge pump filter. Non Super UDT oil has been know to increase noise and decrease performance in Kubota HST transmissions. If the filter is not the correct and starving the charge pump for oil then it would be a problem. Most simple thing to rule this out before sending it to dealer or tearing it apart is to put Kubota oil and filter on it.

David Kb7uns

100% agree. If the problems started after going with the NAPA filter and oil, then going back to a Kubota spec'd filter and oil would be the first thing I'd do before assuming it's anything internal.

nordic95 · Mar 22, 2013

BX Dan said:
I too say change the fuel filter. My BX 2200 did the same thing around the 600hr mark and I thought I was looking at a big fix. TBN pointed me to the filter and presto fast easy fix, 60+ hours later running like a champ still. I also know, thanks TBN members my sending unit in the tank has gone bad and lost its seal, I just have been putting that fix off, not sure if its helping contribute to fuel contamination.
Dan.

Im going to start with the fuel filters. Anyone know the part numbers for the three filters? Can I use Napa for these?

Thanks for all the input,i really appreciate it.

uglyboywith11fingers · Mar 22, 2013

nordic95 said:
It started making the noises shortly after I changed the fluid and filter. I also changed all the fuel filters about 50 hours ago.

to the OP... in your original post, you mention the noise and sluggish performance, and that you then changed the fluid and filter and the problem persisted.
You have not mentioned anything about engine sputtering or any hint of a problem with engine performance, only transmission noise and sluggishness. If indeed your problems began with the hydraulic fluid and filter change, that is the change to undo... IMHO. (although a fuel filter is a lot less costly.)

Pete

David_Kb7uns · Mar 22, 2013

nordic95 said:
Im going to start with the fuel filters. Anyone know the part numbers for the three filters? Can I use Napa for these?

Thanks for all the input,i really appreciate it.

The WIX cross looks like a screen from the pictures I have seen so I would stay with the Kubota fuel as they have water blocking paper in them.

David Kb7uns