Almost New BX1870 Owner

Sightseer 30B · Mar 6, 2014

Hi. I am joining as a new member and unfortunately my Kubota experience has started out a bit rocky.

Almost the owner of a new BX1870, but not quite.

I ordered the tractor with 48" mower deck, loader and ballast box.

Dealer delivered the tractor today, but there were a couple of issues.
1) Cruise Control (extra that I requested to be thrown in to complete sale) was not installed.
2) The mower height setting mechanism doesn't appear to be attached to anything. It just floats around.
3) There is a hydraulic leak with a rapid drip from underneath centered near the center of the tractor just forward of the right rear tire.

AND there's more.....

4) I wanted to learn hands-on how to remove and re-install the loader. Both the delivery guy and I had a very difficult time removing the pin on the left side. The right side floated right out, but the left only came out with much pushing and pulling on the loader. Getting the hole lined up and the pin back in took a large screwdriver to attempt to align the holes and then a hammer to drive the pin in. This was performed on a level piece of ground.
After finally getting the loader re-attached, I moved inside my garage to ensure a flat surface. Again, great difficulty getting the pin out and back in.

Obviously, the tractor went back on the flatbed to be taken away. I did notice something key to the problem, I think. With the tractor on a flat surface and the bucket lowered on the ground, the right side of the bucket was about 3/4 inch off the ground while the other corner was flat on the ground. It would appear that the loader was twisted or the tractor was leaning to the left.

Items 1 - 3 should not have happened, but should be easily fixed. But what about the apparent twist in the loader alignment? Is there adjustment the dealer didn't perform correctly?

Tractor was purchased in another state 3 1/2 hours away, so I can't just go make sure it is being fixed correctly. (did save over $2K over local dealer, but perhaps not worth the headache?)

Wayne

rbarker · Mar 6, 2014

Sightseer 30B said:
Hi. I am joining as a new member and unfortunately my Kubota experience has started out a bit rocky. Almost the owner of a new BX1870, but not quite. I ordered the tractor with 48" mower deck, loader and ballast box. Dealer delivered the tractor today, but there were a couple of issues. 1) Cruise Control (extra that I requested to be thrown in to complete sale) was not installed. 2) The mower height setting mechanism doesn't appear to be attached to anything. It just floats around. 3) There is a hydraulic leak with a rapid drip from underneath centered near the center of the tractor just forward of the right rear tire. AND there's more..... 4) I wanted to learn hands-on how to remove and re-install the loader. Both the delivery guy and I had a very difficult time removing the pin on the left side. The right side floated right out, but the left only came out with much pushing and pulling on the loader. Getting the hole lined up and the pin back in took a large screwdriver to attempt to align the holes and then a hammer to drive the pin in. This was performed on a level piece of ground. After finally getting the loader re-attached, I moved inside my garage to ensure a flat surface. Again, great difficulty getting the pin out and back in. Obviously, the tractor went back on the flatbed to be taken away. I did notice something key to the problem, I think. With the tractor on a flat surface and the bucket lowered on the ground, the right side of the bucket was about 3/4 inch off the ground while the other corner was flat on the ground. It would appear that the loader was twisted or the tractor was leaning to the left. Items 1 - 3 should not have happened, but should be easily fixed. But what about the apparent twist in the loader alignment? Is there adjustment the dealer didn't perform correctly? Tractor was purchased in another state 3 1/2 hours away, so I can't just go make sure it is being fixed correctly. (did save over $2K over local dealer, but perhaps not worth the headache?) Wayne

It is my opinion that all of your issues are based on preparation errors and not actual tractor defects. The loader sounds like it is improperly adjusted. Just be thankful that you found all these issues while the delivery truck was still there. Everyone wants to save $2k if possible, can't fault you for that but perhaps the dealer cuts corners to be able to afford to charge that much less?

Here's hoping it returns soon and fixed to your satisfaction. Hopefully the cost of transportation and the lost time will be incentive enough for the dealer to make sure it's done right next time. In the mean time just know that when you do get it squared away you're going to really enjoy it.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

George the Beagle · Mar 7, 2014

I agree with rbarker about the prep issues, which is why after research I decided to purchase from my local dealer. If I'm having problems I want to be able to go back to the dealer and look him right in the eye. Did I pay more than buying it from, say, Barlow's? Of course. Only problem is, I haven't had to look the dealer in the eye because my tractor has been absolutely problem free, so there goes that theory.

radioman · Mar 7, 2014

The problems you stated sounds like it was prepped by a newbie, but I could be wrong. maybe the guy was having a bad day and skipped a few things. The leak sounds like a loose hose or loose transmission filter. CC missing .. if your invoice showed CC option then yes they shouldve installed it. no biggie. The mower height adjustment .. not sure of the issue, but it could be a number of things. Did you do a full lift first then turn knob from top top low numbers and increase settings to one you want and THEN drop the 3 pt? All the knob does is act as a stop. It can go 360 around and around in one direction, but never the other way. As for the loader - it does sounds like it just needs an adjustment, but with the right know how you can do it right there, but its brand new with "0" hours onwership it should be done properly in prep. I'd would give the dealer to try to make good on his sale to you before complaining. The kubota BX are really good machines and it been great to me.

mccash40 · Mar 7, 2014

I agree, George. I was ready to return my tractor immediately if anything went wrong, as I'm not the most mechanical wizard on the block. I even lined up a buddy to trailer it over for me. Knock on wood, I've had no problems other than a coolant leak which required tightening a clamp and, thanks to Mesick's picture tutorial of the 50 hour service, I was able to do all the service work myself. Approaching 100 hours and enjoying it. Welcome to the forum, Sightseer. :welcome:

BXpanded · Mar 7, 2014

If the rear tires are inflated to different pressures, the loader will sit unevenly on the ground. The BX has wide tires and just a few PSI difference will change the tire height significantly tilting the machine to one side. More air in the right, lean to the left. If the loader isn't sitting flat, it is difficult to R&R. BTW, the front axle pivots in the center, so uneven tire inflation there makes no difference in the "lean"
With the 3 point raised completely, the mower height control will rotate freely in both directions on most machines. It also wiggles a bit. Lower the 3 point and it should not turn.

Sightseer 30B · Mar 7, 2014

Thanks guys.

I am not ready to bash the dealer at this point. Just got off to a bad start.

Went to the local dealer today to look at the loader set-up on one of the tractors on the lot. Didn't see any way to adjust the loader in tilt. Didn't get an opportunity to talk to anyone in service, but two salesmen thought the loader was probably the issue and would have to be replaced. They said that a regional Kubota representative would have to be involved.

Called my dealer later in the day for an update and they have already contacted the representative and he was supposed to see it Friday afternoon. So it looks like we are on the road to a solution.

I'll keep you posted as this works itself out. Then, hopefully it will be play time.

Wayne

dwk121 · Mar 7, 2014

I had the same problem when I picked mine up and got it home. I found the right rear tire was at 20 psi and the left rear was at 16psi, I guess the tire company they had fill the tires just over inflated. Evened the tires out and loader removes and installed with no issue. The only other problem was dash cluster had gotten moisture in it at about 30hrs. The dealer replaced with new no hassle. I have a wonderful dealer so I have no complaints whatsoever. Sorry your having troubles but they will work them out.

JOHNTHOMAS · Mar 8, 2014

George the Beagle said:
I agree with rbarker about the prep issues, which is why after research I decided to purchase from my local dealer. If I'm having problems I want to be able to go back to the dealer and look him right in the eye. Did I pay more than buying it from, say, Barlow's? Of course. Only problem is, I haven't had to look the dealer in the eye because my tractor has been absolutely problem free, so there goes that theory.

Yep. theories are all around the place.

99% of the time with Kubotas there are no problems, maybe 98% of the time but for some the sleep factor is worth the hundreds of dollars more. I have a $200 maybe $300 sleep factor variable. More than that I'll keep the money and sleep better because spending more than that at one dealer over the other would cause me to not sleep.

Being 2 miles from business to Barlows and 7 miles from home to Barlows has me sleeping well.:thumbsup:

abbybx · Mar 8, 2014

I had the loader "out-of-alignment" problem when I bought my BX1860 about a year ago.
The dealer had to replace the entire loader frame. He said mine was not the first such case he had seen.
Maybe your dealer should talk to mine ( Niebur Equipment, Hastings, MN ).