Newbie BX24 Questions

[sw03]

Ok...took delivery of my used BX24 last night and since I won't really be able to use if for a few days, I have spent some time getting familiar with this unusual and beautiful creature while it sits in the garage and I sit on it with owners manual making tractor noises. Essentially, I don't want to assume anything about the maintenance, so am using the manual and info from this site to check every nook and cranny on this 394 hour tractor. So I have some newbie questions.

1) The HST filter is marked 6/2010 and 392 hours (2 hours ago). There are no records with the tractor. I placed some of the fluid from the dipstick on a clean white paper towel. It is completely clear, no coloration at all. Is this an indication of fresh fluid or am I dreaming and should change it out since I don't know?

2) I tried to remove the dipstick from the front axle. It appears to be an o-ring sealed, pull to remove sort of thing, but for the life of me I can't get it to budge. Even with a screw driver applying some pressure. The manual is silent on the removal technique. Before I break something, what is the trick?

3) The anti-freeze is due to be replaced. Is any good quality 50/50 mix ok?

4) Engine oil is full, but starting to get dark (still transparent and looks ok, just getting color). Interestingly, the filter looks new....like it may have been replaced with the HST filter. Does this oil turn dark quick in a diesel? I likely am just going to change it out, but thought I would ask.

5) Grease zerks look dry and slightly crusted around them, yet with only a pump on the grease gun (I tried one zerk), I get good clean grease venting so I think it is probably ok, but still plan on putting a pump or two in each zerk, then leaving some grease on them (old habit my dad taught me). Somewhere (in the various threads) several different greases were advocated...Lithiam, something Red, I need to refill my gun as I have not had anything requiring grease for a long time, so want to get the right stuff. Thoughts????

I will pull the screen and air filter and most likely replace the fuel filters in the coming month or so. It is a used tractor and has one cracked fender, but I am pleased with the purchase. The selling dealer (despite it being a Kubota repo) supplied a new owners manual, a brand new three point kit (to go with the rototiller). I can't use the dealer for anything since they are in Tennessee or something and I am in Washington State (was a repo here in Washington). I want to do good PM on the rig, then just enjoy landscaping for a change.

Appreciate any and all advice. Thanks

1) Seems fine to me
2) The dipstick on the BX24 SUCK and the o-ring design is poor. The older BX had a nice unscrew. These are a royal PITA to remove.
3) There is not special anti-freeze here. They have no wetliners and as long as it is EG coolant, have fun.
4) Engine oil color, blank is meaningless; unless you are superman.
5) grease it as much as you can and move onward.

 

[radioman]

1) The HST filter is marked 6/2010 and 392 hours (2 hours ago). There are no records with the tractor. I placed some of the fluid from the dipstick on a clean white paper towel. It is completely clear, no coloration at all. Is this an indication of fresh fluid or am I dreaming and should change it out since I don't know?

even if it never been replaced, it would still be clear. I'd check the HST strainer first.

2) I tried to remove the dipstick from the front axle. It appears to be an o-ring sealed, pull to remove sort of thing, but for the life of me I can't get it to budge. Even with a screw driver applying some pressure. The manual is silent on the removal technique. Before I break something, what is the trick?

Mine pulls right out, its a bear but I noticed if I use it for an hour like after mowing, its easier to twist it and pop right out. FYI- there been some issues with low fluid in front axel.
3) The anti-freeze is due to be replaced. Is any good quality 50/50 mix ok?

How do u know it hasnt been replaced yet ? does it look dirty ?4) Engine oil is full, but starting to get dark (still transparent and looks ok, just getting color). Interestingly, the filter looks new....like it may have been replaced with the HST filter. Does this oil turn dark quick in a diesel? I likely am just going to change it out, but thought I would ask.

I would change it out for sure. when mine is close to time to change oil, it doesnt turn black like most diesels.

5) Grease zerks look dry and slightly crusted around them, yet with only a pump on the grease gun (I tried one zerk), I get good clean grease venting so I think it is probably ok, but still plan on putting a pump or two in each zerk, then leaving some grease on them (old habit my dad taught me). Somewhere (in the various threads) several different greases were advocated...Lithiam, something Red, I need to refill my gun as I have not had anything requiring grease for a long time, so want to get the right stuff. Thoughts????

Nothing wrong with adding grease often. I use green grease on everything except for the HST pedal. I use the lightest grease I can find since it reduces the stickyness.

Other then that, enjoy your tractor.

 

[tshep]

Something I wish I had known... (200 hour used BX23)

On mine, for all intents and purposes, there are NO brakes unless the engine is on and IN GEAR. I don't know why, but I've learned the hard way not to stop on hills and expect to get off and then get back on and go to neutral to start. Stop only on a flat spot!

 

[638]

Something I wish I had known... (200 hour used BX23)

On mine, for all intents and purposes, there are NO brakes unless the engine is on and IN GEAR. I don't know why, but I've learned the hard way not to stop on hills and expect to get off and then get back on and go to neutral to start. Stop only on a flat spot!

You really need to disconnect the neutral safety switch on your tractor. It will get you into trouble some day. Just pull the plug off of the switch and put a short bit of wire in it and tape it up real good.

 

[hawkeye08]

Ok...

I will pull the screen and air filter and most likely replace the fuel filters in the coming month or so. It is a used tractor and has one cracked fender, but I am pleased with the purchase. The selling dealer (despite it being a Kubota repo) supplied a new owners manual, a brand new three point kit (to go with the rototiller). I can't use the dealer for anything since they are in Tennessee or something and I am in Washington State (was a repo here in Washington). I want to do good PM on the rig, then just enjoy landscaping for a change.

Appreciate any and all advice. Thanks

What part of Washington? If your filter has the date/hours and the name "Dale", I can tell you where it was probably serviced.

Welcome.

 

[Cherokee180]

Sorry I didn't catch the last question earlier....it came out of the Puyallup area.

I do have another question. The HST peddle sticks a bit in the forward position, to where I have to tap the back peddle. I just used some spray lube on all the moving parts and it seems to have loosened up, but someone mentioned "greasing" it above and I didn't see any zerks. Is it best to tear the linkage apart and grease it all, or is spay lubing them ok. I used stuff that I use on motorcycle chains thinking similar dynamics are at play.

Thanks.

 

[zoltanthegypsy]

The zerk is under a little flap in the rubber mat. Access from above ~ where your right foot would rest, IIRC.

The front axle dipstick pulls out. Hard.

I'm a n00b with my BX24 too - only around 80hrs. So far I love it, except for the very exposed works under the belly. I've had tall grass wipe out a wiring harness and the front axle pinion seal.

If you don't have MMM in place protecting things, you might want to consider a set of Bro-tek crunch plates, and maybe something like my home-made U-joint/pinion protector. Lame, but effective - I hope.

Enjoy,
Z.

 

[Cherokee180]

Sweet......

 

[Cherokee180]

The tip on finding the grease zert of the pedals was truly golden. I went out there tonight and it has not seen grease in a LONG time. Fully caked up with grease and dirt. I couldn't see or find the zert until I dug it out with a screw driver and my shop vac. I put a couple of good pumps of grease in it and can't wait to try it tomorrow. I don't have any guns loaded with light grease, so just went with general purpose.

 

[Skyco]

My pedal gets sluggish fairly often, so I grease the pedal zerk often.
BTW Kubota recommends moly grease on all the fittings.
I don't like the stuff since my clothes always seem to suck grease off the tractor if I even get within 10 ft of it, if I'm wearing nice clothes it is 25 ft, and moly stains more. Regular grease leaves an oil stain, moly grease leaves an oil and black stain:laughing: