Steering bx 1860

frustratedbxuser · Nov 4, 2023

I have a bx 1860. Poor or no steering. If I top up fluid the steering improves substantially but eventually all steering suffers badly. Top it up again, steering not so bad. Etc. No leaks from I can see. Is it more likely the hand pump or steering piston. Please HELP!

Eagle1 · Nov 4, 2023

If you are adding hydraulic fluid constantly you have a leak.... it don't evaporate.
You can download a service manual at
https://www.kubotabooks.com/AutoInd...Owners Manuals/&file=BX1860 BX2360 BX2660.pdf

frustratedbxuser · Nov 4, 2023

Right. That also means it's not likely a cylinder or hand pump, right? I'm being told that it is.

Eagle1 · Nov 4, 2023

Could be a leak anywhere, or maybe the priority valve is not prioritizing steering first. Never worked on 1860 with that setup, when steering been wonky on my 2200 it been hoses, tie rod and cylinder mounts. Only cylinder I replaced was MY stupid with a welder.

Eagle1 · Nov 4, 2023

If you think a BX 2200 factory service manual would let drop me a PM.

dodge man · Nov 4, 2023

I had a seal go bad in my steering cylinder when I had a BX2350. Mine wasn’t loosing fluid though. What do you mean by hand pump?

frustratedbxuser · Nov 4, 2023

dodge man said:
I had a seal go bad in my steering cylinder when I had a BX2350. Mine wasn’t loosing fluid though. What do you mean by hand pump?

Steering pump. Below the steering wheel.

oldnslo · Nov 4, 2023

Does the 3 point or loader work when steering stops working?
Does the steering wheel turn hard when steering is not working?

frustratedbxuser · Nov 4, 2023

oldnslo said:
Does the 3 point or loader work when steering stops working?
Does the steering wheel turn hard when steering is not working?

All other functions work. PTO and 3 point. The mower deck does seem to lower itself over time though. Any ideas?

oldnslo · Nov 5, 2023

The BX has a single pump with a priority flow control for feeding the steering circuit. If this priority valve malfunctions it may not supply oil to the steering circuit. I do not remember what the test procedure was for this failure though.

I also do not recall if the steering flow was also used as charge pump flow for the hydrostatic tranny.

I believe another possible failure point is the steering cylinder seals. If these get bad they can allow the oil to bypass the cylinder piston.