Newbie BX24 Questions

[Cherokee180]

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

 

[Redgoatea]

All the Kubota guys must have gone to bed.
1. Your fluid is fine it's supposed to be clear.
2. They usually unscrew not pull out.
3. Yep that's okay.
4. Diesel turns oil black VERY fast it's normal and it's supposed to.
5. I like lithium for my all my zercs. The red stuff is usually high temp stuff.

Have fun makin those noises. 7

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I agree except for #2. Most BX's pull out but they are stiff to remove. If it was me I'd get a pair of wide opening pliers and twist it a bit as I pull up on it.
Looks like someone, former owner or repo person changed your fluids and filters but may have missed the fuel filter so change or check it as well as air filter.

 

[Stradbash]

1) Along with the date on the HST filter, does it look like there is only 2 hours worth of dirt on it?
2) JT is right about the dipstick. Twisting helps but if the O-ring is sticking to the axle housing it might not help much. I had to pull fairly hard on mine to get it out and have put some silicone grease on it, which seems to help.
3) You might find this post on antifreeze useful;
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/oil-fuel-lubricants/121377-antifreeze-any-type-ok-10.html
5) Moly grease is what a lot of folks prefer for the various pins and bushings on the FEL and BH. The moly will help lube things even when the base of the grease has left the pin, such as when you might get wrapped up in work and forget about it.
Replacing the fuel and air filters won't hurt and will not cost too much. I'd do it unless they look new.
You may want to check old threads on the issue and see if your tractor has had the reinforcement done to prevent fender cracking.

I hope you'll enjoy the real tractor noises more than your own

 

[fdmars]

"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.:laughing:


Thanks that cracked me up!! and I can relate.
Post some pics, if you are stuck indoors...and welcome

 

[Cherokee180]

Thanks guys....the repo outfit, Barlow Tractor, seemed very concerned about the tractor being right (not typical being a repossession) but the date would have me believe that the prior owner may have done the service. Not sure, but it all seems to look very clean (likely pressure washed) and everything at spec.

I think I will order a filter kit, change out anything that doesn't look new, grease it up and use it. I will get some pics posted when I get back into town.

Thanks again.

 

[dodge man]

If the HST fluid looks good, which it sounds like it does and it has a dated filter, I'd leave it alone. The HST fluid is pretty pricey to replace, the other stuff isn't to bad in terms of price.

Diesel engines make the oil look bad in a hurry. Its kind of shocking how bad it gets, but is still under the hours required for a change.

 

[LBrown59]

Thanks guys....the repo outfit, Barlow Tractor, seemed very concerned about the tractor being right (not typical being a repossession) but the date would have me believe that the prior owner may have done the service. Not sure, but it all seems to look very clean (likely pressure washed) and everything at spec.

I think I will order a filter kit, change out anything that doesn't look new, grease it up and use it. I will get some pics posted when I get back into town.

Thanks again.

You couldn't have delt with a better more respected dealer .
They are held with high regard here on TBN.

 

[CHDinCT]

Congrat's on your new baby. Make sure you tuck it in snugly at night and it will treat you right. Don't go overboard with the baby talk though. :Laughing

On the axle dipstick, try removing one of the vent screws as there may have been a vacuum created over time making it difficult to remove.

 

[tommu56]

I don't know about the 24 but my 23 front Axel dip stick is screwed in.

Undo the bolt on the other side in the same place the threads look the same
I take out the plug put the oil in that side and check it with the dip stick side.

tom

 

[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: