BX 1860 Coolant Service

[tpeachey]

Does anyone have a link to a DIY coolant change on a BX 1860? Pics would be great. Also, any advice for specific brands. I'm running hot after 160 hours and want to flush the system before the winter comes. Thanks in advance...

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[KennyV]

Your running hot is more apt to be the radiator partially plugged up on the Outside rather than the inside...
But you should change the coolant every 2 years or so anyway.

 

[RaydaKub]

Agree with KennyV. I just hosed down my 2230 radiator on Saturday. Needle had been just below the red line and after splashing it off, it hardly climbs into the normal range. I assume the 1860 has a similar screen around the battery and another screen between the battery and the radiator that can be removed. Pull both screens off and remove the battery to get at the radiator much better.

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[radioman]

how many hours do you have on your 1860 ? I think its too early to even think about changing the coolant. You need to pull the screen out from the top and the battery from seat platform. no need to disconnect battery - the cables should be long enough to slide out and put down on feet platform. from there you can clear the radiator. After 6 years I havent had to shutdown in middle of working except for this summer. I was in middle of mowing in heatwave 90's and I saw I was about to redline after 15 mins or so of mowing. I shutdown immediately and cleaned the rad with compressed air and started mowing after that. The needle mark went down back to normal and I mowed rest of day with no more issues. This is most likely the same issue you are having.

 

[PeterK]

I'd also like the diy for radiator coolant change. Mine is 500 hours and "it's time" just for peace of mind.

 

[AStanton]

I change the anti-freeze every 4 years on my Kubotas. I found the best way to drain the anti-freeze on my BX-25 was to remove the lower hose from the radiator. I also asked the dealer what anti-freeze to use. He said if you have green anti-freeze, replace it with green anti-feeze. I use the one pre-mixed and compatible with aluminum.

 

[mguitas]

AStanton and radioman, do you guys happen to use prestone anti-freeze flush to clean your radiator out first? And then put new anti-freeze in. Just like you do to your car or truck.

 

[amigauser]

I used the Deere premixed coolant which got rave reviews when I did mine last year. I also went 4 years. You should do a flush first after draining and before refilling.

http://m.deere.com/wps/dcom/en_US/industry/agriculture/our_offerings/feature/2012/cool_gard_ii.page


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[tpeachey]

Thanks for all the advice, pulled the radiator screen out and it was caked in dried grass and gunk. Cleaned out the battery compartment and sucked out everything else with a shop vac attachment. I cleaned that thing at the 200 hour service and I only have 250 hours now...guess I should clean it a little more often. Thanks again...

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[radioman]

:thumbsup: at least you know the "mechanical aspect" of BX is not at fault. it just happened to have plugged screen. Given that you are in NYS, I'd keep a close eye on it every summer like I do.