BX1500 Tranny Issue??

[jerkyboy]

pedal resistance decreased when it shuddered. Almost like it falls to the floor with only the return spring resisting. I had to let up and push down again to get hydraulic "connection".

I did not notice that but I will see if my tractor does that same thing. I do have to let off the pedal and depress it again to reconnect. I'll post back this weekend.

 

[jerkyboy]

If I do have a tranny issue, would an '03 with 480 hours still be under factory warranty?

 

[SPYDERLK]

I dont think so. But if its the same problem as mine had it looks as tho Kubota under designed the part [cradle bearing]. I havnt heard anything about it, but it may be a lurker happening spottily. The identification of a "common failure" is difficult when they usually dont happen under warranty and changeout/repair is almost cost equivalent. Im very interested in what you find.
larry

 

[jerkyboy]

I've still been mowing with my shuddering problem but it seems like it's much worse in reverse; I did notice that it seems like I'm loosing the hydraulic "connection" and then I have to move the pedal back to neutral to get it to reconnect. I priced a new tranny through big orange parts and the tranny is $515 shipped to my door.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I've still been mowing with my shuddering problem but it seems like it's much worse in reverse; I did notice that it seems like I'm loosing the hydraulic "connection" and then I have to move the pedal back to neutral to get it to reconnect. I priced a new tranny through big orange parts and the tranny is $515 shipped to my door.

Thanks for getting back. It is sounding more and more like the symptoms that led to Kubotas professional diagnosis of mine as a broken cradle bearng. They gauged mine up and scratched their heads awhile tho. Are you into replacing based on anecdote or are you going to get a read from a Kubota tech rep? Youve found a good parts price ... I think I was charged in the $800s for the hydro. With my perception of your described symptoms, it is following the pattern of decline I saw and is likely the same failure. It might be something else subtly different tho, that Kubota could see and fix readily under extended warranty in good faith. I suspect you could get them to pay to check it out as a potential latent problem of design at least. If they then end by standing up for it youre good - as was rlsmith in #14 above. If not, at least youre more sure and the failure data point has gotten to Kubota.

Im sorry you are having this problem. Kinda comes as a shock doesnt it?
Larry

 

[jerkyboy]

Thanks for getting back. It is sounding more and more like the symptoms that led to Kubotas professional diagnosis of mine as a broken cradle bearng. They gauged mine up and scratched their heads awhile tho. Are you into replacing based on anecdote or are you going to get a read from a Kubota tech rep? Youve found a good parts price ... I think I was charged in the $800s for the hydro. With my perception of your described symptoms, it is following the pattern of decline I saw and is likely the same failure. It might be something else subtly different tho, that Kubota could see and fix readily under extended warranty in good faith. I suspect you could get them to pay to check it out as a potential latent problem of design at least. If they then end by standing up for it youre good - as was rlsmith in #14 above. If not, at least youre more sure and the failure data point has gotten to Kubota.

Im sorry you are having this problem. Kinda comes as a shock doesnt it?
Larry

I'm thinking that maybe I should bring it to the dealer I bought it from and see if they would do anything for me. There's another poster, Matt J, with a similar problem. Anyhow, I don't think the warranty thing will work out because mine is an '02 or '03 but I only have 460 hours on the machine.

 

[SPYDERLK]

That, and a developing group of those having the same problem with pretty low hours is why it might work. These transmissions have pressure limiting/relief valves in them for the specific purpose of limiting forces safely within the design margin. If this is going to turn into a common problem on tractors used prudently but firmly it deserves factory attention. If it is not prudent to use them firmly it deserves everybodys attention.
larry

 

[MattJ]

spyderlk, do you still have your old tranny. You should crack it open and take a look at it. It just takes a metric hex set to get it open, five minutes or less. Open it with the fins side up or it will spill the pistons out. My cradle bearing looked fine. I have a feeling Kubota might have a design flaw on their hands they aren't too eager to dive into. For them to say it was the cradle bearing, but then never crack it open and see if it was true is somewhat bizarre.

 

[SPYDERLK]

They diagnosed it in the tractor and sold me on new vs fix due similar cost. No reason for the mechanic to look in the old one when he was just making an exchange. You cant rely on a mechanic to be curious - there are other paying jobs to do. Time is $. Im curious of course, but with many time conflicts. Iv been keeping it in one piece because it stores better that way. Ill look around for a good tight box and plan on opening it soon.
What was wrong with your trans?? - From what I gather it had a worn variable volume pump and exhibited low pressure output and drive power. ... They said my pressures were all ok and I tend to believe it since mine always had good power until the pedal would suddenly go soft and it seemed there was a hydraulic disconnect and no drive at all. It got so bad there were times it wouldnt move. If the disconnect happened on a hill it was freewheelin time. Scary when there was never before a reason to use the brakes.
larry