Tipped over Kubota BX24

[96superjet]

The back end of my BX24 got away from me and ended up tipping the tractor over onto it's side. First the ROP did what it was supposed to do and no one was injured. It took approximated an hour before I was able to use my garage floor jack, tow strap and my truck to get the old girl back upright.

I have not yet attempted to start the tractor because I don't know what type of pre-maintenance I should be doing to the engine first. Could have oil entered the engine, air filter or other areas that it shouldn't have? Other than basic structural inspection, what type of engine maintance should I perform before attempting to start the engine?

 

[arrow]

I did the same thing with my JD about 16 yeas ago. Right tire fell into a hole while the left went over a leaf covered stump. It was like slow motion all the while my mind saying "this can't be happening" I was more concerned about the tractor than myself. Well, I jumped off, over she went, almost making a complete roll over and came to rest at about a 45 degree angle and not a good 45* but wheels up 45*. I looked at her and said " that can't be my beloved 750 lying on the ground like that" But it was and she stayed that way until I got a come along the next day and righted her. I just started her up and off we went to the barn and fixed her fender. She's been purring ever since.

 

[lp333]

... ended up tipping the tractor over onto it's side... I have not yet attempted to start the tractor ...

96superjet, glad to hear that you are OK.

Begin by checking all the fluid levels (oils, coolant, battery...). If these are OK, then start the engine and check for unusal signals that something is wrong (lights flickering, noises, etc...). If that's OK, then proceed to activate and test various funtions (transmision, hydraulics, etc...). If they are OK, then I would assume that the tractor is fine.

More importantly, these mishaps can cause fatalities; you were fortunate not to be among them. It would be helpful if you were to explain how this mishap happened, so that others may learn to avoid similar situations in the future.

96superjet, thanks for your important post. LP.

 

[Egon]

That gave you a good chance to check the bottom for any leaks or such non normal things.

Wash off the battery/ the box and all areas near it and maybe also use some baking soda to neutralize anything that spilt if it did.

 

[96superjet]

More importantly, these mishaps can cause fatalities; you were fortunate not to be among them. It would be helpful if you were to explain how this mishap happened, so that others may learn to avoid similar situations in the future.

96superjet, thanks for your important post. LP.

As I suspect is typical in most of these type situations, lack of good judgement was the main cause of the tip. I had been removing a tree stump, it was late (dark) and I was in a hurry to get done. I was finishing up by moving some of the excavated dirt and the back tire got too close to the stump hole that I had just excavated. The rest is kinda history.

If nothing else I guess this helps to place a stronger emphasis on safety (good judgement) in the future.

 

[lp333]

... I guess this helps to place a stronger emphasis on safety (good judgement) in the future...

Thanks mate!

 

[soxfan]

Glad to see you were not injured. I tipped over my b3030hsdc last summer as I mentioned with pics in a previous thread. I got my 2005 Dodge diesel and pulled it back up. Aside from a nice size bruise on my back side, and my pride, there was no damage. Not even a scratch. I started it up immediately and used it the rest of the day with no ill effects. I do have a resolution to have the tires loaded this year....

 

[slan]

Glad to see you were not hurt in the flip. As the hours rack up on a piece of equipment you get a false sense of security in what it and you can do safe. Sometimes either because its late, your in a hurry, or just plain stupidity it will quickly bite you.
I have over 2,000 hours on my TLB and an early morning slip (coffee didn't kick in) coupled with a tad bit of attitude taught me a lesson last fall I will not forget soon.
I went from having one wheel over the edge to the resulting pictures because I thought I was good enough to get out.
NOT!

 

[Mike058]

Glad to see you were not hurt in the flip. As the hours rack up on a piece of equipment you get a false sense of security in what it and you can do safe. Sometimes either because its late, your in a hurry, or just plain stupidity it will quickly bite you.
I have over 2,000 hours on my TLB and an early morning slip (coffee didn't kick in) coupled with a tad bit of attitude taught me a lesson last fall I will not forget soon.
I went from having one wheel over the edge to the resulting pictures because I thought I was good enough to get out.
NOT!

That looks like a real heart breaker. How did you get it back out?

 

[john_bud]

The back end of my BX24 got away from me and ended up tipping the tractor over onto it's side. First the ROP did what it was supposed to do and no one was injured. It took approximated an hour before I was able to use my garage floor jack, tow strap and my truck to get the old girl back upright.

I have not yet attempted to start the tractor because I don't know what type of pre-maintenance I should be doing to the engine first. Could have oil entered the engine, air filter or other areas that it shouldn't have? Other than basic structural inspection, what type of engine maintance should I perform before attempting to start the engine?

Super,
aside from structural ...
The worry with the engine is that oil will fill the cylinder (s) and when you crank it can hydrolock. That will break expensive stuff.

Thankfully, the oil will drain back. An hour is plenty, over night is 99% sure to be good. The only way to be 100% sure, is to pull the glow plugs out and crank that way. If a gyser shoots out, you saved yourself $3-6000. If nothing shoots out but air, you cost your self a few minutes of time.

 

[offcamber]

Glad to see you were not hurt in the flip. As the hours rack up on a piece of equipment you get a false sense of security in what it and you can do safe. Sometimes either because its late, your in a hurry, or just plain stupidity it will quickly bite you.
I have over 2,000 hours on my TLB and an early morning slip (coffee didn't kick in) coupled with a tad bit of attitude taught me a lesson last fall I will not forget soon.
I went from having one wheel over the edge to the resulting pictures because I thought I was good enough to get out.
NOT!

Love to see the recovery photos of that one....

 

[slan]

Sorry 96superjet, didn't mean to but into your post. Just pointing out that being carefull on any piece of equipment can be the difference between sipping a cold one and being planted.

As for the aftermath for me it involved a 200ex excavator to dig a hole beside her and tipping it back on its wheels and the taking my old d6 and pulling it onto the bank.

Excavator $400, Front and back window, $600, changing all the fluids (all 35 gallons) $500, being alive to laugh and learn, priceless!

 

[Tom_H]

Glad you are o.k. That's the main thing. In addition to all the other good advice, look for greasy spots along all exposed hydro lines and hoses.

Good luck.

 

[RobJ]

Super,
aside from structural ...
The worry with the engine is that oil will fill the cylinder (s) and when you crank it can hydrolock. That will break expensive stuff.

Thankfully, the oil will drain back. An hour is plenty, over night is 99% sure to be good. The only way to be 100% sure, is to pull the glow plugs out and crank that way. If a gyser shoots out, you saved yourself $3-6000. If nothing shoots out but air, you cost your self a few minutes of time.

Minimum thing I would do is let it sit, then turn it over by hand several turns before cranking. Then crank it a few seconds with the fuel shut off. Then start it.

 

[Dataway]

Boy it's hard to stress how careful new tractor owners should be. I remember a few years ago when I got my first decent size tractor (NH 1715 with FEL and BH). The first day I had it up on one front wheel twice carrying probably 2000 lb rocks in the bucket down hill.
Had a few people give me the "Low and Slow" speech and I've been pretty good since. I have some very hilly terrain, and often have to traverse it sideways. I've learned to be very careful, even carry ballast down low in the bucket if need be.
I work here all alone most days in very rural area...I'd be in a world of hurt if something happened.
Now if I could just convince one of my dogs that UNDER the tractor while I'm working is not the best place to be I'd be all set.
JohnnyB

 

[96superjet]

In an effort to keep everyone up to date on the tipped Kubota BX24 incident. She was returned to upright position and sat that way for approximately 12 hours (over night). After initial structural check and inspection of all fluids, I cranked her over and she fired right up. Used her the rest of the day with no mechanical incident.

 

[Singlecoil]

Wow! Congrats.

I had to pull the glowplugs on mine as it was hydrolocked.