BX trans "chattering".

pipefitter · Oct 31, 2017

All, I was using my BX 23 this morning. I took it from high range to low range, and the trans chattered. It would move forward and reverse, but didn't sound very happy about it. The other hydraulics work fine. I'm going to drop the belly mower and look for something obvious. I have about 500 hours on it. Any ideas are much appreciated.

pipefitter · Nov 1, 2017

I took it to the dealer. The chatter is internal as it's shaking the wheel/ tire assembly whenever I tried to move it in forward or reverse. The service manager told me there were friction plates inside that can cause that problem once they wear out, but that he had never seen one wear out at 535 hours. I should know in a day or so what the problem is, and the cost.

KWentling · Nov 1, 2017

Maybe a broken differential lock?

pipefitter · Nov 2, 2017

I don't know. It wasn't locked when the problem started. I wish I had tried locking it and seeing what it did.

milkman · Nov 2, 2017

Scary when that happens, always think expensive. One winter, I was helping my neighbor clear his driveway I have the rear tires loaded and pushing some snow, it started the chattering and wouldn't move against the load. I found out that one tire was low on air and the wheel was spinning in the tire. Added some air and all is fine, RELIEVED.

JimWalch · Nov 2, 2017

Does it chatter only in 4 wheel drive? My BX23 same hours as yours had a worn out u-joint. The one on the front of the shaft. It "chattered" only when in 4 wheel drive.

pipefitter · Nov 4, 2017

It did it in both 2 and 4 wheel drive. Still waiting on the diagnosis from the dealer. Bad time of year for it to quit on me.

Milkman, I wish it was low pressure. I have a sinking feeling this is taking aim at my wallet.

J H Musser · Nov 4, 2017

I have a bx2230 that did that when it got hot. I changed the hydrostat transmission fluid/filter and used universal brand hydrostat fluid from a local farm supply store. Problem still existed. I researched and found that the problem was probably the lower quality fluid. I changed the filter/fluid again and used the more expensive Kubota UDT fluid and the problem disappeared. Learned a lesson about using non-kubota fluids. I also have a B1700 hydrostat unit and it has always done fine with the universal brand, but on the next change I will go back to the Kubota brand. I don't know what fluid you are using, but it might be a remedy. Hope you solve your problem.

pipefitter · Nov 5, 2017

I think the problem may have stemmed from being run low on hydro-fluid. I loaned it to a friend. (I know, I know). He called, and told me a line had split, he replaced it, and filled it with Kubota fluid. I don't know how long it was run low of fluid. I was using it this past Summer, and lost another hose. I didn't run it once I noticed it, but it may have been 15 minutes before I did. Anyway, the chattering is pretty nasty, and I'm hoping to get a call from the dealer this week.

BX23S-1 · Nov 6, 2017

pipefitter said:
I think the problem may have stemmed from being run low on hydro-fluid. I loaned it to a friend. (I know, I know). He called, and told me a line had split, he replaced it, and filled it with Kubota fluid. I don't know how long it was run low of fluid. I was using it this past Summer, and lost another hose. I didn't run it once I noticed it, but it may have been 15 minutes before I did. Anyway, the chattering is pretty nasty, and I'm hoping to get a call from the dealer this week.

I`m going to bet when your friend ran it low or out of hyd-oil, likely tore up the friction plates & discs in the transmission. I had a friend like that once, yup he broke my tractor for me. So i fixed it (which was very costly), now i wont & dont even loan a screwdriver to anyone. When my so-called friend came back a year later, wanting to borrow some stuff from me again, i said sure why not, but not until i can borrow your pretty little wife for the night, first. I havent been bothered by him since, and that was around 20+yrs ago. Dont loan your equipment out, or it will cost you. When someone asks to borrow your orange tractor, tell them they have lots of them for sale down the street, go buy your own.

pipefitter · Nov 6, 2017

I hear you. I know this guy well enough to know he stopped the minute he saw the leak. It simply may have too late. In the future, I'll be the operator. When the service guy pulled the dipstick, you could feel that there was some sort of material in the fluid. Very fine, but something that shouldn't have been there. I hate to think what this will cost.

BX23S-1 · Nov 6, 2017

pipefitter said:
I hear you. I know this guy well enough to know he stopped the minute he saw the leak. It simply may have too late. In the future, I'll be the operator. When the service guy pulled the dipstick, you could feel that there was some sort of material in the fluid. Very fine, but something that shouldn't have been there. I hate to think what this will cost.

You might get lucky and a fluid & filter change may solve the issue. But most of the time, it dosen`t usually fix the problem.

pipefitter · Nov 16, 2017

The parts to repair it will cost more than a new hydro unit. I told them I wanted the old one. $1700 in parts alone. One of the caps on the pump broke off flush with the pump leaving the spring bumping against the swash plate. It caused the plate on the bottom of the pump to become "dished" which caused the trans to shatter. They can't tell me what caused it, and I'm at a loss.

Tractor Seabee · Nov 17, 2017

Never know when mechanical stuff will break. Probably not the fault of the broken hydro line. Knock on wood, 1500 hours on my BX and no major mechanical problems. Several irritating little ones though.

Ron

dfkrug · Nov 17, 2017

pipefitter said:
The parts to repair it will cost more than a new hydro unit. I told them I wanted the old one. $1700 in parts alone. One of the caps on the pump broke off flush with the pump leaving the spring bumping against the swash plate. It caused the plate on the bottom of the pump to become "dished" which caused the trans to shatter. They can't tell me what caused it, and I'm at a loss.

A new HST is only $1700? Labor will more than double that, I imagine.

Sounds like one of the slippers broke off its pump piston. Can you post photos?

Low fluid can sure cause that, and a leak can empty your sump in just seconds.

pipefitter · Nov 17, 2017

When I get it back home, I'll post pics of the broken stuff. And yep, labor will about double it. By the time they add fluids, shop fees, taxes, etc. I'll be lucky if it's under $3800.00. That's a shame. I need a pressure gauge on the hydro lines. Something I may look into.

BX23S-1 · Nov 18, 2017

pipefitter said:
When I get it back home, I'll post pics of the broken stuff. And yep, labor will about double it. By the time they add fluids, shop fees, taxes, etc. I'll be lucky if it's under $3800.00. That's a shame. I need a pressure gauge on the hydro lines. Something I may look into.

What you need is high db sounding pressure alarm... by the time you remember to look at a gauge, its to late.

pipefitter · Nov 18, 2017

PaPow, that's a better idea. Where would I find one?

BX23S-1 · Nov 19, 2017

pipefitter said:
PaPow, that's a better idea. Where would I find one?

Try a google search for it. Though pricey for this kind of setup, but so isn't the damage to your tractor.
The one i have was home made by me. I fabricated it years ago when i couldn't find what i wanted.
The parts i made mine from are not available anymore... so you`ll have to do some homework.
Wish i could have helped you more

You might be able to contact this place for a pressure switch.
PS61 Subminiature Pressure Switch For OEM Applications
Hydraulic Pressure Switch & Sensor - PS71 Series - Gems™