Picked up new BX23. Question on low hyd oil level

Speedy7 · Oct 29, 2005

Former lurker, but am now a proud owner of a new BX23 (arrival pic attached), so have registered. This is a great resource. And here's my first question already. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I got around to checking levels and it seems that the hydraulic oil level is low. The manual says to check levels with implements down, so I dropped the mower deck, and the FEL was down, and the BH removed. There MIGHT be just a touch of oil on the very tip of the dipstick, but certainly not within the acceptable levels. Everything seems to work fine, no strange noises, FEL and BH works smoothly, so I was just wondering if I was taking the level correctly before I consider adding oil. It's a brand new machine, and the dealer had done all the grease prep, so I assume they check the oil too, but you never know. Before I add any oil, I just wanted to check in here to see if I'm missing anything. Thanks

SP

Volfandt · Oct 30, 2005

Congrats on the BX23. They are great machines...
Mount the BH then read it again. You should read in the normal range with both the FEL & BH mounted as both retain some fluid in their lines & cylinders.

Volfandt

Larry_Davis · Oct 30, 2005

Morning Speedy,
I'll be picking up my new BX23 tomorrow or Tuesday. Actually, I could have picked it up Thursday but I wanted bar instead of turf tires and dealer had to order them. Question please: Exactly what length is the trailer in your photo?
Thanks,
Larry

Speedy7 · Oct 30, 2005

( You should read in the normal range with both the FEL & BH mounted as both retain some fluid in their lines & cylinders. )

I didn't think I could reach the dipstick with the BH on, but I'll try it. Although, aren't the cylinders 2 way, so the same amount of fluid should be in the cylinder no matter what their position? Also, since a BX23 includes BH and FEL, you'd think the fluid level should be topped up to include the extra fluid in the FEL and BH. Anyway, thanks for the response.

SP

Speedy7 · Oct 30, 2005

( Question please: Exactly what length is the trailer in your photo? )

Larry, it was a 14' trailer, which appears to be just right. I did have to curl the FEL bucket to get it a bit more forward for the tongue weight. I pulled it 20 mostly highway miles with a 1/2 ton pickup and it rode fine. Even with just surge brakes and the not-the-greatest Dodge brakes, it felt safe, as long as you made the usual towing allowances. The BX23 with 60" MMM weighed in at about 2900 lbs, and the trailer was probably 2000 lbs, so it came in just under the 5000 lbs rating of my hitch.

Bet you are chomping at the bit waiting for it, just like I was!

SP

Volfandt · Oct 30, 2005

You can reach it.
It's not the easiest to get at with the BH dismounted either....

Yes the cylinders are double acting which means theres fluid on both sides of the ram, moreso on one side than the other.

When I did the 50hr, I had dismounted both the FEL & BH and filled to the lower line. When I remounted them and cycled the hydraulics the level read just above the upper line. When I did the 100hr I did the same and it's worked fine for me.

Your dealer may be able to explain it better to you.

Volfandt

TroyR57 · Oct 30, 2005

Just checking, this is the Dip stick that is at the rear, of the tractor? I have trouble checking this, as Hyd hoses make it tuff to get it out of the hole, also, this fluid is very cear, and makes it hard to read on the dip stick.

Any way have fun with your new toy, er tool.

Also if the dealer is close have him check it out or give you the Hyd fluid, if you found it low before you used the tractor much.

Speedy7 · Oct 30, 2005

( Just checking, this is the Dip stick that is at the rear, of the tractor? )

Yes, it is. I did read the manual /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I'll check it today with the BH in, and cylinders retracted, and if it's still low, I'll get some fluid from the dealer.

Mike_C · Oct 30, 2005

Mine was low when I picked it up from the dealer too. Just add some. No big deal.

escavader · Oct 30, 2005

ILL PIPE IN HERE[RANTING] KUBOTA specs are wrong with the capacitys of hydro oil,or their dipsticks are wrong.When i did my 50 hour change i put in exactly what it said and it was a quart low.Engin oil is the same,i dont care what it says it uses the whole 3 quarts and is still not at the high mark.
What a place to have a dipstick,a darn hose right on top of it.IM going to look into rerouting it or something,
Its really hard to see the oil on it anyway,can it be painted white or something?
I believe you should check the hydro with all the cylinders in right guys?