JEW
New member
My BX24 did not have the HST noise when she was new and not at least for the first 20 hours. I am now approaching the 50 hr mark and the noise only occurs after 10-15 minutes of running or when the oil gets to its operating temperature. The noise sounds like a "spun" bearing resonating in and out, just in the idle position (no movement and no FEL or BH operation). It appears to come from under the steering colume which is just above the hydraulic pump. The noise level increases at higher RPM's, but masked more by engine noise. It is clearly evident at 1500 RPM and less.
I returned my BX24 to my dealer for a leak on the hydraulic pump and they just tightened a return line fitting on the pump. I also informed my dealer of the squeeling I was experiencing. When I returned to pick up my BX24 they said there was nothing wrong with the HST pump, steering motor, 4-way valve; and could not explain why the noise was evident.
In my profession as a Design Engineer I have had similar experiences. I believe there is a problem in the hydraulic pump that Kubota has not realized as of yet. A blow-by condition on a proportional sensing valve or other load sensing piston will show these typical symtoms in gear and axial piston hydraulic pump circuits. My BX24 also appears to run hotter that I would expect and with "thinning" HST oil at these temperatures, valving does not respond the same and can resonate at certain flow rate conditions. This explains why the noise does not occur at startup, thicker oil!
I am going to perform my own service at the 50 hour mark and visual exaine the oil, filter, and other drainage to see any evidence on metalic particles or foreign debris. I'll also test the viscosity of my oil at room temperature and operating temperature to see if the oil is stable or not. If the problem continues, or shows increasing noise, I'll be writing a letter to Kubota about a very unhappy 1st time owner of Kubota. If I get no resolution with Kubota, I'm sure a trade will be soon, before loosing more value, for a "green" machine (which I about purchased anyway, price varied by only a few hundred dollars).
If anyone can get a dealer to raise this as a common customer complaint with Kubota it may have more impact to the BX24 reputation in its debut this year. I would like to hear any feedback on specific symtoms, assuming my letter to Kubota is forthcoming. I'll keep you posted.
Other than this issue, I'm very happy with the BX24. FEL lift capacity could be a little better, but I can work with this on the roll back power, forward push, and lift combo. A little experience and technique helps, too.
I returned my BX24 to my dealer for a leak on the hydraulic pump and they just tightened a return line fitting on the pump. I also informed my dealer of the squeeling I was experiencing. When I returned to pick up my BX24 they said there was nothing wrong with the HST pump, steering motor, 4-way valve; and could not explain why the noise was evident.
In my profession as a Design Engineer I have had similar experiences. I believe there is a problem in the hydraulic pump that Kubota has not realized as of yet. A blow-by condition on a proportional sensing valve or other load sensing piston will show these typical symtoms in gear and axial piston hydraulic pump circuits. My BX24 also appears to run hotter that I would expect and with "thinning" HST oil at these temperatures, valving does not respond the same and can resonate at certain flow rate conditions. This explains why the noise does not occur at startup, thicker oil!
I am going to perform my own service at the 50 hour mark and visual exaine the oil, filter, and other drainage to see any evidence on metalic particles or foreign debris. I'll also test the viscosity of my oil at room temperature and operating temperature to see if the oil is stable or not. If the problem continues, or shows increasing noise, I'll be writing a letter to Kubota about a very unhappy 1st time owner of Kubota. If I get no resolution with Kubota, I'm sure a trade will be soon, before loosing more value, for a "green" machine (which I about purchased anyway, price varied by only a few hundred dollars).
If anyone can get a dealer to raise this as a common customer complaint with Kubota it may have more impact to the BX24 reputation in its debut this year. I would like to hear any feedback on specific symtoms, assuming my letter to Kubota is forthcoming. I'll keep you posted.
Other than this issue, I'm very happy with the BX24. FEL lift capacity could be a little better, but I can work with this on the roll back power, forward push, and lift combo. A little experience and technique helps, too.
