New BX1870 - Some observations and questions

[tjkubota93]

Just obtained a new BX1870. Put 1.5 hours on it today tinkering around. This will primarily be my mower, but got the loader w/ it as well. While operating the machine I noticed at RPM's below 2500, when the steering is at full turn I get a shuddering/vibration that is basically felt throughout the tractor. This is not evident at higher rpms. Since the machine has hydrostatic steering I'm wondering if the shuddering I'm feeling at full turn is lack of hydro fluid entering the steering system? Hydro fluid checked ok.

He said it checked ok, but it was a short blurb buried in a pretty long post.

 

[tjkubota93]

Man, thats quick! You posted while I was quoting your post.
I think it has a range, so you would want to be lower when cold.

 

[bp fick]

I never had a shuddering vibration when turning issues with any of my Kubotas. Can't address that issue. But I will say again that my BX's always required a bit more RPM when doing materials handling or snow bucketing than my B tractor. Just the nature of the hydraulic power generated. For sure, on all these Kubotas, B or BX you've got to check for the 3 pt lever having been moved or other hydraulic system tapping away energy.

That said, the OP mentioned "Above 2500 rpm" and I agree is a sweet spot for power. What I do not believe necessary is WOT nor anything close to WOT which I consider 3000 or above. That certainly has never been necessary for me.

In the end, the machine is under warranty. That's the good thing.

 

[General Lee]

I've had Kubotas for a few years now and the "3 point lever in neutral" is confusing me. For instance, on my L its either all the way up or down or somewhere in between depending on my task. It doesn't have a neutral. Its a position control valve.

The BX has 1/4 inching valve. Are you guys saying it can sometimes get "stuck" in the up position? and not automatically return where its supposed to?

 

[bp fick]

I've had Kubotas for a few years now and the "3 point lever in neutral" is confusing me. For instance, on my L its either all the way up or down or somewhere in between depending on my task. It doesn't have a neutral. Its a position control valve.

The BX has 1/4 inching valve. Are you guys saying it can sometimes get "stuck" in the up position? and not automatically return where its supposed to?

I don't have an MMM but I do know that this is an issue for the BX guys. I don't have a 3 pt problems with the BX either, but with my B2320, I had two operator error issues. No matter how cognizant I was, I constantly hit the 3 pt lever and stuck it in the up or down position, causing the FEL to not be powered. When you're running a rear blade and using the FEL together in a snow fighting situation, I had this a couple times an hour. Got used to it and half expected it.

The second thing I did constantly on the B was hit the joystick with my knee when I was turning around looking at the rear blade. I'd hear this metallic dragging noise and dang! I'd done it again. I'd levered the FEL down with my knee. Easy to do when you wearing your big, thick Carhart bibs and such. PITA.

So, yes, stuff happens when you're running these machines. We're the weakest link, I suppose.

 

[rbarker]

Are you guys saying it can sometimes get "stuck" in the up position? and not automatically return where its supposed to?

Yep, that's what I was saying.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[DIXIEDOG]

On the BX1860 I tend to have to keep the rpms up as well....under 2700 and I can't do much with the loader at all. The biggest concern I have with the BX1860 is how tippy it is...there have been multiple 2 wheel moments when moving a bucket of snow or gravel. I have wheel weights and a weight box on the rear hitch but it's still way too tippy for my liking.


Initially the metal hydraulic line that hooks into the rear distribution block cracked several times....luckily although it sat at the dealer more than at home during the first year by the time the warranty ran out it was finally fixed. Bumpy steering doesn't sound normal and I would get that checked out quickly, sometimes the dealer needs more than one shot at repairing the problem and the warranty on these isn't very long.

 

[General Lee]

Re: New BX1870 - Some observations and questions: UPDATE

UPDATE Got something I can check reference the vibration. I was skimming through the manual and found "Adjusting the front axle pivot". Manual states if adjustment is not correct, front wheel vibration can occur and causing vibration in the steering wheel. This sounds like my symptoms. Couldn't get the cotter pin out of the adjustment nut with the mower deck on (tight quarters) so tomorrow I'm gonna try adjusting it. Says to adjust to 15 ft lbs.

Says to check adjustment at 400 hours, but I'm hoping it wasn't set right from the factory.

Anyone know why the "Front axle pivot" is important?

 

[shadowshack]

My FEL works well at lower RPMs. but I do have to kick it up to 2800 or more for serious work. I've had the shudder in the front steering and always felt it was due to using the loader at the same time (raising as I backed away from my work area). It's never done it otherwise. Suprisingly, my Kubota dealer insited the problem I was haviing with my BX25 faltering, then shutting down, wasn't a fuel delivery problem, as I suspected. Rther, it was the parking brake that never fully disengaged. I argued with them about it a bit, not seeing how a parking brake would prevent me from starting it back up, but they fixed it and my BX25 hs never felt so powerful as it has since.

 

[General Lee]

My FEL works well at lower RPMs. but I do have to kick it up to 2800 or more for serious work. I've had the shudder in the front steering and always felt it was due to using the loader at the same time (raising as I backed away from my work area). It's never done it otherwise. Suprisingly, my Kubota dealer insited the problem I was haviing with my BX25 faltering, then shutting down, wasn't a fuel delivery problem, as I suspected. Rther, it was the parking brake that never fully disengaged. I argued with them about it a bit, not seeing how a parking brake would prevent me from starting it back up, but they fixed it and my BX25 hs never felt so powerful as it has since.

I wondered if my brake may not be fully disengaging. Any idea how to check it?

Also while using it yesterday, My problem seemed to be more evident when the machine was well warmed up.