BX Throttle

[r0GuE]

I have a few questions on the BX throttle. First, it seems as though the first 1 or 2 inch of throttle lever motion does nothing to the engine RPM. Problem? My dealer said it is normal. Second, I have seen some posts refer to engine RPM settings. Since the BX has no tach (which I find lame, I like them even on cars with automatic trannys) how do I judge where to set the throttle (during breakin mowings, post break in mowings). AND
What is the breakin period? I see nothing in the manual on it, it isn't the whole first 50 hours is it???
Thanks all!

Rogue

 

[RPM]

Rogue,

I hear the sound of a can of worms being opened up.

As long as you treat the tractor sensibly, you will have no problems in the 'break-in' period - provided there are no manufacturing defects. In my book 'sensibly' means at least allowing the tractor to warm up (engine + hydr) before working it, engaging the PTO in a reasonable manner - and allowing a cool-down. Even these steps will generate some debate.

With regard to throttle setting - just use the minimal setting that will get the job done to your satisfaction. For mowing, it doesn't necessarily have to be wide-open. I usually open up the throttle all the way and then back it off some - I've found the approx spot where the grass gets mulched nicely without me trying to turn the mower into a hovercraft /w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif.

It is definitely not a good idea to run the tractor at full throttle constantly - and not necessarily for the usual reasons. The engine is governed, so you're not going to see it self-destruct. However, the maximum throttle setting is the only 'fixed' spot on the control. If you always run at this setting you are creating close to identical vibration conditions every time you run the engine. This will create accentuated wear conditions within the engine - reducing engine life appreciably.

Just my 2c - TresCrows will confirm that this is a contentious issue based on some discussions on other, less reputable, boards out there.

 

[TresCrows]

Yes, RPM, that other board recommends some rather strange operating practices--engaging the PTO at wide open ---no warm up--run wide open all the time!--no cool down! oh well. They know best.
Roque, page 21 of your manual has the breakin info--it bascically says to be nice to your toy for the first 50 hours and not to operate at full throttle. Your throttle action, by the way, is normal and I listen to the engine in setting speeds, mowing is, like RPM said, full throttle then back off some--no need to be a hover craft, FEL operation by the manual is 1800 to 2200 RPM--how do I set that--when the FEL becomes responsive and power is sufficient to move the tractor smartely into the work or about half throttle or a bit more. J

 

[r0GuE]

Got my new BX today. The throttle kicks as soon as you move it. There is no dead zone likethe last one. Probably just misadjusted on the old one.
Hydro fluid just 1/16th too high. Should I worry about it (with deck down to ground.)
When deck is lowered all the way down, the handle kicks itself back to the middle. The old one only did this when being raised. Problem??
I dunno, awfully complex these Kubotas.

Rogue

 

[TresCrows]

No, not complex at all, the lever you mention will return from the "down" position only when maximum travel is reached. I think the "up" poistion behaves the same way becuz today I mashed my Herd spreader bending the lower frame and the lever never returned, it had not reached it's limit--my fault I failed to fully adjust the unit. I can fix the spreader and there is nothing to fix on your tractor--it is perfect and is behaving normaly. Just joking really but if you would quit finding things wrong with your BX or assuming everything is a problem and just enjoy the thing you will be happier. You are worse than me about things like this--and ask my wife---I am terrible. J