BX Hood Shake

[kcender]

This has probably been discussed before but I will ask about it anyway.I used to have a BX25 and now have a BX2360 that both shake the hood quite violently when they are turned off.Do all BX tractors do this and if so,is there a way to make it better?It doesn't seem to matter if the engine is cold or hot,it still shakes.I always turn the tractor to idle for a short while before turning it off,is there a better way?Do any owners of the new 70 series have the same problem?I like the little tractor but I find this to be very annoying and somewhat embarrassing if someone is around,most people find it odd that a Kubota tractor would do this.

 

[AStanton]

My BX25 does the same thing. I would say that it is simply the nature of the beast. You are smart to idle-down the engine before shutting it off. You can blow a motor if you leave the idle up--so I've been told by real big-time mechanics.

 

[3v0]

It does not change what the engine does but these little bumper can be used to keep the hood from shaking.



4shorts may have first mentioned it in is mod thread.

 

[kcender]

I tried the bumper thing.It helped somewhat but the whole front of the tractor shakes,not just the hood.I am not a mechanic but I wonder if it has something to do with the timing or maybe the way the internals of the engine are balanced.Maybe Kubota had to make it this way because of the high revs the engine is capable of.Do all BX engines do it or just the BX23 engine?

 

[unbidden]

All (BX's) do the hood shake. When I first purchased my BX I thought maybe it was idling too high but a check of the manual confirmed that (if I remember correctly) around 1400 rpm is normal and recommended.

 

[rbarker]

I tried the bumper thing.It helped somewhat but the whole front of the tractor shakes,not just the hood.I am not a mechanic but I wonder if it has something to do with the timing or maybe the way the internals of the engine are balanced.Maybe Kubota had to make it this way because of the high revs the engine is capable of.Do all BX engines do it or just the BX23 engine?

Both my BX 2200 and now my BX 25 do it. I never gave it much thought and I assume its normal.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[Grandad4]

All the BX series has the same little 3 cyl diesel, and it's the nature of the beast to shake at low rpm, such as when the engine winds down upon shut-off. It will also vibrate when idling at low rpm, again inherent to the design. Those engines are widely used in many applications besides BX tractors because they are extremely reliable. The "shut-down shake" does nothing to the longevity or performance of the engine, but you should keep the rpm's up when actually operating the BX... where the engine is much smoother and gives better hydraulic flow.

 

[TripleR]

Yep, normal and nothing about which to worry.

 

[mccash40]

Being a first time tractor owner, I tend to worry about every little ping or grind I hear when operating my BX. Part of it could stem from those 3 years of 0 interest payments ahead, but for the most part, I guess it's due to the fact that I'm not that handy with repairs. I did put on my Piranha bar the other day and performed my 50 hour service myself, but reading about all the technical repairs by owners on here has me wondering if I should have stuck with the "rent as needed" approach.

 

[TripleR]

I have owned a BX since 2003 and if you don't loan it to a drunk uncle or someone who knows or cares nothing about equipment, the only work that needs to be done will be regular service such as oil changes etc.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I have owned a BX since 2003 and if you don't loan it to a drunk uncle or someone who knows or cares nothing about equipment, the only work that needs to be done will be regular service such as oil changes etc.

I've owned 15 different models of Kubotas in almost 10 years with most of them being BXs and Bs and I agree with TripleR. Very rare to hear of any problems with the Kubota subcompact and compact tractors from the original purchasers no matter the total hours. I agree 100% with TripleR. My brother can tear up a steel ball and I even loan them to him with no worse for wear.

 

[gwdixon]

The shake thing is alarming and somewhat annoying until you get used to it.

The biggest problem is what the vibration does to engine components and mounts. The air cleaner bracket has broken at least 4 times on my BX. Each time it is welded back together with a little more support and bracing. Might have it right now - it has gone 100 hours without snapping.

Most people rev the engine a bit until the shakes smooth out. It sounds a little high but at least the hood and whatever is loose is not clanging. I used 1/2" weatherstripping around the hood closure area and that seemed to help.

There are several threads about the shake and the air cleaner bracket with some unique solution. Here is one example:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/7585-bx-1800-hood-shake.html

 

[4shorts]

It does not change what the engine does but these little bumper can be used to keep the hood from shaking.


4shorts may have first mentioned it in is mod thread.

Nope. Can't take credit for that one BUT I think there's a fix for the dreaded shake. IF I were to take two small double acting shocks and go from the motor to the frame on each side of the block I'm thinking it would solve that issue. That being said there's nothing going to happen with the way it is now BUT I just got to try that mod

 

[timswi]

As a BX owner since 2004...Normal and no damage will be done.

 

[4shorts]

The biggest problem is what the vibration does to engine components and mounts. The air cleaner bracket has broken at least 4 times on my BX. Each time it is welded back together with a little more support and bracing. Might have it right now - it has gone 100 hours without snapping.

I've personally have seen and dealt with that issue. Cracks off the bracket like a match stick. :shocked:

 

[V1Rotate]

It's not only the 3 cylinder engines that shake when idling slowly or when you shut them down, the 2 cylinder BX 1500 does the same thing.

 

[kcender]

So it seems like everyone with a BX has the hood shake on shut off.I was hoping there was a solution,like maybe adjusting the timing,but apparently not.It is probably the only thing about the tractor that I find annoying.

 

[Wacky]

It is not just limited to the Kubota's, my Massey GC 2610 does it too. I think it has to do with such a small framed tractor, not much weight to counter power ratio of the engine that lends to the shake.

 

[radioman]

Just like what everyone says,bx does shake at shutoff.nothing we can do to make engine smoother, as far I know.

 

[3v0]

Just like what everyone says,bx does shake at shutoff.nothing we can do to make engine smoother, as far I know.

Maybe the nature of 3 cylinder engines.