BX2200 lift problems

[brinet]

The lift on my BX2200 will not completely raise without returning the lift lever to the center and back up several times. Each time it stops, it "thinks" (or sounds like) it is at the top. This seems to only happens after the tractor is hot, like after mowing for an hour or so. Although, it could be related to running the PTO.

Also noticed that the rear of the tractor gets VERY hot, even the lift arms are so hot I can't hold my hands on them. Is this normal? Is it related to the problem above?

When the tractor is not "hot", it seems to operate fine. This is just the opposite of what I would expect from hydraulics...

Any ideas?

 

[jrlichina]

Your hydraulic fluid in general will run about 100 degrees above ambient temperature, unless you have an additional cooler. Sounds like you just need to make a slight adjustment to your 3-point lever return linkage. Your manual shows you how to do this. Your hydraulics will operate more efficiently when cooler. When the fluid heats up it loses some viscosity and when the valve bodies heat up they expand which increases some of the internal tolerances which aids in leakage past the spools. This is where you may notice excessive leakdown after you turn off the tractor when it's real hot, opposed to when you just run it for a short period.

 

[brinet]

2 days ago I changed the hydraulic fluid, cleaned the screen, and changed the filter. (This was in addition to replacing the front hydraulic steering cylinder, more on this later).

I had hoped that the fluid/filter change would have helped, but no difference. I understand that some overseas models had a trans temp sensor (the blue and black wire under the seat). Where would the probe go? I was thinking of installing one just to see what the fluid temp is. Any resources on this?

 

[Junkman]

The wire that is attributed to being a temperature sensor, is in fact part of another tractors transmission selector system. I don't remember the tractor number, but when you put that tractor into gear, the HST light will come on the dash board. I have just inquired about this with a Kubota technical representative and that is how I learned the "true facts". Don't know where the temperature sensor idea came from, but to the best of my knowledge from the "authority" at Kubota, it is just a myth. There is no location provided for a temperature sensor on the BX HST.

 

[brinet]

Bummer! So if I did want to install one.... I guess it would need to be in the bottom pan? Oh the dangers of it getting broken off! I'll check for possible locations...

So what would be considered excessive temps? I assume from the previous post, ambient plus 100 deg. So about 200 is acceptable?

BTW, I have "tinkered" with the lever return linkage 'till I'm blue in the face. What I have discovered is that when mowing, the lever doesn't return to neutral unless I set the lock collar to push the lever up before the deck gets all the way down. I have found that with no weight on the 3pth, it will not fall down enough to return the lever. This is not a problem when using 3pt attachments, just when mowing. Unless I'm missing something obvious, the lever return linkage seems to be working correctly.

I noticed that even when I hold the lever up, the lift will stop, making the horrible screeching noise it makes when it is all the way up and the lever is held in the up position. But the lift is not all the way up. When the lever is returned to the neutral position and back up to the up position, the lift will move up a few more inches before screeching again. Repeating this process eventually gets the lift all the way up...

Again, this only happens when the trans is hot.

 

[Junkman]

If the binding only happens when it is hot, then that indicated that the expanding of the metal is the problem. Some adjustment that is correct when cold, is too tight when hot. I suggest lubrication of the mechanism first and see if that helps. Try WD40 for this. It is a hygroscopic lubricant and will not cause problems of caking of dirt in my past experiences. Easy to wash off and re apply. Go over the adjustment procedures from the beginning and don't miss a step or assume that any step is correct. Usually this resolves the problem, because when you skip a step, it effects all the other settings....

 

[DSM]

In case it is related, I had a very hard time pulling the left rear mower link pin on my BX-22. I found the lever which connects just in from of the pin, and extends forward to the frame, was binding tight at the frame. The thickness of the end of the link was the problem. It didn't fit properly into the "U" shaped welded bracket. A warranty issue, and the lever end really needed machining. But I filed away at it, removing only a few thousandths of an inch, until it not moves pretty free. This is my second season with the setup, and I just recently realized there was a problem.

 

[brinet]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The wire that is attributed to being a temperature sensor, is in fact part of another tractors transmission selector system. )</font>


OK. So I give up! What is the red/blackstripe wire for then?

I found that the blue is the HST. Strange that the wire/light for the HST would be included with the BX unless the harness is also the same as another tractor.

 

[Junkman]

The harness is used on many other tractors. Don't give up... it can't be that hard to find a red wire. Where do you live? I will come to your house and dig it out for you if I have to!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif You supply the Pepsi and hot dogs... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Ricco]

You need to check the lift freeplay on your lift arms. It sounds like they are reaching the top and the hydraulic system is going into relief. When that happens, if everything is adjusted correctly, the lift lever will kick back to neutral, its a feature that prevents you from cooking your tractor. By forcing the lever up time and time again you are driving it into relief. I have seen guys get their tractors so hot by doing this that they had their boots melted to the floorplate. You may have a tiny bit of freeplay when your system is cold, but as it warms up, things expand and expanding oil could take up that freeplay. I recommend that you have your Kubota dealer take a look before things get worse.