BXTractors.info: The Kubota BX Wiki - Recently Updated Pages

Implement Suppliers

magicheater — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:44:23 CST

Bro-Tek

Tractor Supply

BXpanded

MYTRACTORTOOLS.COM

You can start a thread below to share your experiences with these suppliers.

Forks

magicheater — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:09:05 CST

There are different styles for different jobs:

Pallet Forks. Installed as a pair they are used primarily to lift pallets, but can lift other loads. Pallet forks can be attached to a loader bucket (Bucket Forks) or attached directly to the loader arms. At the front end they are most commonly clamped on to the bucket. There are also some that you can just pick-up using the bucket without having to mess with clamps. At the rear end you can have pallet forks on the three-point hitch.
Brush Forks (also called Trash Forks). Installed as one piece, with tines every 8 inches or thereabouts. Can pick up piles of brush and other large debris.

A heavy load on front forks can leave the rear wheels light unless you have some rear ballast.
For safety, consider a guard against tall loads rolling back onto the operator.

Once you have forks, you can buy or construct a variety of carry-alls to suit different loads such as firewood, bricks etc.

Clamp-On Pallet Forks

One downside to clamp-ons (or other designs where the bucket is retained) is lack of visibility, making it tricky to align the forks with your load as you pick it up. Another potential problem is lack of rigidity of the forks. If they are not firmly attached, one or both may swing sideways, although you can make or purchase a stabilizing bar to keep them parallel and the spacing fixed.

Suppliers:

Paynes Forks

Can be obtained in Kubota orange.

To prevent the forks swinging sideways Paynes offers a stabilizer bar.

A slightly different design with handles is made by Rankin. The same design appears to be sold under the brands Sundown , Cimarron and Gearmore.

3 Point Forks (Rear Forks)

WIth rear forks, the load is closer to the tractor, and a heavier load can be lifted. Picking up a pallet can be tricky on uneven ground, but rear forks with "tip and tilt" will enable you to tilt the forks (side to side) so they are parallel with the ground, and then when you have raised the pallet, you can tip it forward so it won't slide off the forks in transit.

Rankin, Sundown 3-point forks, Cimarron

Brush Forks / Trash Forks

This model is available from Sundown, Cimarron and can also be found on the Rankin site. The 48 inch version would be suitable for a BX, costing around $580.
This is the Paynes Debris Fork. Price around $650 excluding shipping for a 48" version.

This is by Ground Works. Click the picture for more photos and details of a BX24 installation..

Bro-Tek also makes a brush fork, although some welding is required.

Discussions

[TBN] any experience with clamp on bucket forks?
[TBN] Bolt-on forks.
[TBN] Forks for L302 loader
[TBN] Clamp-on bucket forks on a Bx --- Worthwhile?

Customizations

Click the photos for construction details.

By Toolguy.	Put your customization here?

These forks are designed for the BX tractor and mount on the Loader using the Tach-n-Go system as well as on the 3PH. Weighing in at less than 110 lbs.
these forks truly give you maximum lift capacity. They are priced at $549 and are also suitable for B series Kubotas as well as comparable John Deere models.

Box Rake

magicheater — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:31:47 CST

Introducing a New "Box Rake" from Mytractortools.com. Compatible with the Tach-n-Go Quick attach System. Reversible rake components enhance the versatility.

Grapple

magicheater — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:57:05 CST

A grapple is a large jaw, that typically attaches to the front end loader and allows you to pick up and transport large "mouthfuls" of brush instead of having to push them around.

American Solutions Grapple

Link to Manufacturer

Bucket hook position may interfere with grapple installation so watch out for that.

Discussion of installation with plenty of pictures
Another installation on BX23 described.
[TBN] Discussion of grapple availability in 2008

Quick Attach (FEL)

magicheater — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:22:39 CST

Quick Attach systems enable you to change attachments with the minimum of effort. Typically you would undo some pins, return to the seat, drop the first attachment and pick up the second attachment, and then dismount to secure it.

Versa-Daptor For BX Series

Lights, Additional

apmillard — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 07:43:47 CST

The headlights are not ideal for loader work at night because the bucket obsures the lights. The most commonly adopted solution is adding lights to the ROPS. There are many ways to do this, bolting, clamping, welding, magnets. You name it, it's been done.
[TBN] Adding lights to the ROPS
[TBN] Lights on ROPS. Examples
[TBN] BX24 work light (with photos of electrical connection)
[TBN] Worklight installation on BX1850 (This discussion includes links to suppliers of switches, connectors, lights, mounts etc)
[TBN] Simple BX rear Light Installation

Troubleshooting

apmillard — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 22:00:54 CDT

Engine won't start?

Check the PTO lever has not become engaged, perhaps accidentally. This is a common cause of starting problems - it is all to easy to snag the lever with your jacket as you dismount. With the key turned to the start position, jiggle the PTO on/off lever with your other hand. If this is the problem you will hear the engine turn over as the lever hits the correct position.
Check other safety switches have not engaged, for example beneath the seat.
[TBN] Defective neutral switch preventing BX23 from starting.

Engine won't stop

[TBN ]Engine keeps running after switching off
[TBN] BX23 won't shut off..
[TBN] BX24 won't turn off

Engine stalls when facing downhill, going over bumps or if you have a low body weight.

Many people, especially lighter folk, have found that the engine dies when they lean forward in the seat. This is more prone to happen when facing down a hill, or trying to observe FEL activity. One owner at least found that a 5-minute adjustment to the switch beneath the seat solved the problem. On some models the seat switch spring consists of two brass stampings. Removing just one of them will reduce the tendency of the seat to rise up, but do not remove both or you will defeat the safety mechanism completely. Adding some weight to the seat to take account of a light driver might also work - for example the BXpanded toolbag that attaches to the back of the seat. As a last resort, eat more!

[TBN] BX2660 Deluxe Reclining Seat Kill Switch Adjustment (Describes adjustment to reduce sensitivity to light weight.)
[TBN] BX Seat Safety Safety Switch Adjustment

Trouble starting in cold weather?

Set throttle to about one-third (fast idle)
10 seconds of glow plug.
Start.
If doesn't fire immediately, return to glow plug setting for another 10 seconds and retry.

Also take a look at the Block Heater page.

Engine Running Rough

[TBN ]Engine sputtering...What's going on?
[TBN] Rough running BX caused by pieces from corroded fuel tank sender unit

Other Troubleshooting

Engine troubleshooting tips from Tractorsmart

[TBN] Hard to get BX23 into neutral when starting
[TBN] BX2230 Fuel Leak
[TBN] Loose throttle lever
[TBN] BX24 Throttle slips
[TBN] BX22 creeps when idle

Overheating

Read the Cooling System page.

Ripper Tooth

magicheater — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 19:28:00 CDT

The ripper tooth is a hook-shaped tooth that attaches in place of the backhoe bucket and is used most to tear through roots and to tease out buried rocks. The resulting hole require less backfilling than a bucket, though if the roots are buried more than 10 or 12 inches deep you would need a bucket to remove the soil before using the ripper.

The ripper tooth is made and sold by Bro-Tek. It takes 5 minutes or fewer to attach. The process being summarized as:
- Remove 2 bolts; pull the pins; swap the ripper and bucket; replace pins and bolts.

This TBN discussion includes pictures of the ripper in use.

Using the Bro-Tek Ripper with a Woods Backhoe

[TBN] Need Longer Pins for Bro-tek Ripper on BH6000

Ripper Tooth for the Front End Loader

Normally reserved for a backhoe now you can use one on your FEL as well. With the Tach-N-Go Q/A, not only do you have visibility but true plug and play versatility.

Seat

apmillard — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 16:17:51 CDT

The seat may seem a trivial item compared with buckets and backhoes, but the New Warranty Seat thread is the most viewed and most replied Kubota thread on TractorByNet! Complaints about older seat designs persuaded Kubota to issue a new seat under warranty.

[TBN] New warranty seat

Comparison of new (on the left) and old (on the right) seat designs:

Another design not quite as old, but it gave the rider the feeling of sliding off:

Loose Seat Nut / Missing Spacers

Watch out for the central seat nut becoming loose - at least on a BX24 this has hit a few people. When it comes loose, some other pieces (spacers/steel bearing balls) can fall off. Left to go unnoticed, you will lose the nuts and the seat will come off in your hand when you rotate it to use the backhoe. Here's a discussion.
[TBN] Where are my seat spacers (BX24) ?

Other Issues

[TBN] Squeaky BX Seat
[TBN] Reattaching the seat adjustment spring

Seat Safety Switch

For solutions to the seat safety switch cutting the engine on downhill slopes with light operators, see the engine Troubleshooting page.

Seat Modifications

One BX owner improved the ride by applying additional springs to the seat. with a $10. You can read about it in this TBN discussion.

Buying / Pricing

apmillard — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 09:23:16 CDT

As prices change constantly, any posted on the Wiki would become obsolete quickly. So it's probably best to dive straight into the
Kubota Buying / Pricing Thread on TractorByNet and ask a question there.

Frequently discussed topics include:

Dealers
Importing across state borders or to/from Canada
Comparing prices of new tractors
Validating the price of a used tractor.

BX Model Numbers

Models with two numerals after the "BX" come with a Kubota backhoe. E.g. BX22, BX23, BX24, and most recently BX25. Compared with the BX24, the BX25 has metal hood, fenders etc not plastic, the hydraulic priority flow valve allows hydraulic functions at a lower engine speed, and transmission changes to address a fault of abrupt stopping when driving in reverse.

Models with four numerals after the "BX" means no Kubota backhoe is available for the model. The first two of those numerals represent the hp (or very close to the hp). This group includes BX1500, BX1800, BX1830, BX1850, BX1860 (expected later in 2008), BX2200, BX2230, BX2350, BX2360 (expected later in 2008) and new BX2660.

Tractor Reviews

BX2350 on CompactTractorReview.com
BX24 on CompactTractorReview.com

Differences of Kubota BX and B Models

[TBN] Kubota dilemma - B or BX?

Modifications to get Done Before Delivery

If you are not up to welding yourself, consider having chain hooks welded to the loader bucket before your tractor is delivered. This will save you the consdirable cost/effort of shipping the tractor back to the dealer to have it done later.
InsuranceInsuring a tractor

For Sale

BX Tractors for sale at TractorHouse.com

Test page

apmillard — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 21:24:11 CST

Sample text.

BXTractors.info: The Kubota BX Wiki

apmillard — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 10:49:34 CST

A web site for owners and prospective owners of Kubota BX Sub-Compact Utility Tractors.

Lots of the best tips and advice from owners and dealers.

<< Use the menu on the left-hand side to explore the site.

For specific topics, e.g. thumb or snow, just type in the "Search this site" box.

Join the Wiki - Why?

You don't have to register as a member to browse the site. But if you do sign up, you can choose pages to "watch", and you'll receive a message when someone changes those pages, or you can get a weekly digest of the new material.

(It's free, by the way.)

Write for the Wiki - Why?

There's a lot to learn about BX tractors, too much for just one or two people to write it up. So if you'd like to help by contributing to this site, apply to become a "writer".

(It's also free!)

Front Blade

apmillard — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 09:01:32 CST

Front blade question
Snowplow for a bx ideas
New way to add a snow blade to a BX FEL
[TBN] BX2763 Blade setup
[TBN] Discussion of snowplow by BXpanded that attaches to FEL

Customizations

Here are some examples of custom-built blades.

This one (on a BX2350) was converted from a 54" J Deere blade by BX Wiki member SkunkWerx.
[TBN] Description of conversion project
[TBN] Description of first test

Fuel

apmillard — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:15:09 CST

[TBN] Diesel Winter Operation

Filters

[TBN] Fuel filter service on BX24
[TBN] BX Fuel Filters: cut open look see
[TBN] BX2200 How to get at central fuel filter
[TBN] Installing your own fuel/water filter on BX24

How to Bleed Your Kubota BX-Series Fuel System
[TBN] Discussion of fuel cans and caddies

Tooth Bar

apmillard — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 21:35:37 CST

What's a Tooth Bar?

A bar fitted with teeth that bolts to the cutting edge of the loader bucket. Benefits include:

The teeth help to break up compacted soil when digging.
They also help rip out vegetation when clearing brush.
The tooth bar facilitates moving rocks and trunks.
Some bolt-on toothbars can be folded up into the bucket when a flat edge is required.

Many owners rate a tooth bar as the best "bang for the buck" add-on for their tractor. A number of companies make custom tooth bars to fit your FEL bucket.

Installation

Be prepared to drill bolt holes in your bucket to attach the bar. Measure you loader accurately when ordering - if the bar is too long it will take a lot more work to install.

Choices

Markham
EZ Landscaper Attachment
Gearmore
Berlon Industries
W.R. Long

See below for more information on these.

Some owners make their own.
[TBN] Made my own Tooth Bar for the BX25

Discussions

Which tooth bar - and where to buy?
Additional teeth. Hole-drilling.
Grading with a tooth bar

E-Z Landscaper Tooth Bar

EZ Landscaper Attachment This is a more expensive option in the $500 range, available only from dealers. It has more teeth than the Markham tooth bar, and so is better for raking a surface. One is pictured below. (The device at the top is the American Solutions grapple)

Markham Welding Tooth Bar

Order from Markham Welding.
It's possible to request additional teeth when ordering from Markham. An Oregon customer was recently (2007) quoted $173 for a 5 tooth bar, $26 for each added tooth and about $58 for shipping

[TBN] Precautions when measuring for the Markham tooth bar.

Markham Tooth Bar (on BX24)

Markham Tooth Bar

Gearmore Tooth Bar

No drilling required for installation - it uses 4 set screws instead. One customer purchased a 6-tooth bar for $185.

W.R. Long

W R Long Toothbars

They make a standard and a "Flat" toothbar. Unlike most bars, the FTB has a flat underside, so when back-dragging the teeth do not leave grooves in the dirt. One owner paid $273 for a 48" FTB with 6 teeth.

Here's the Flat Tooth Bar. Click here for more info and photos of the installation.

Berlon Industries

Berlon

One owner paid $277 (237 + 40 shipping est) for a 48" toothbar with 9 teeth

Brakes

apmillard — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 19:09:15 CST

Brakse repairs can be expensive on a BX. Make sure you have released the parking brake before driving.

[TBN] BX Braking woes

Adjusting the Brake Pedal

Electrics

apmillard — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 08:44:30 CDT

Maintenance

[TBN] Replacing BX24 Wire Harness

Troubleshooting

If a fuse keeps blowing, the cause may be a bad voltage regulator as mentioned in this discussion...
[TBN] BX2200 Fuse Keeps Blowing; Where is Short?

[TBN] BX24 Under-seat wiring (for lights?)
[TBN] BX23 won't shut down (bad timer relay)
[TBN] ...and then my BX24 died...

Hour Meter

apmillard — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 06:28:37 CDT

True Hours or Revs ?

Does the "hour meter" record true clock hours, or does it depend on the engine revs? The answer seems to depend on the age of the tractor. Kubota has used both types of clock, but the consensus view is that when the BX24 and LCD displays arrived, Kubota went with "clock hours". So once the key is turned, the clock starts running at a constant true rate regardless of engine speed.

Troubleshooting

[TBN] BX24 hour meter problem (The LED hour meter can become unreadable in cold weather.)

If the meter stops (i.e. shows the correct value but stops increasing) trace the wires from it. One owner had this problem and found a cut wire at the alternator.

Cooling System

apmillard — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 21:05:57 CDT

Adjusting Fan Belt Tension
[TBN] Replacing BX fan with electric fan
[TBN] BX Radiator Drain Plug Removal

Temperature Gauge

[TPT] Temp gauge always at minimum

Overheating

[TBN] BX2350 temp gauge indicating overheating why
[TBN] Is your BX overheating ?
[TBN] BX2350 Overheating while mowing?
[TBN] BX2200 temp hitting the red

Parts and Manuals

apmillard — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:59:34 CDT

Part Numbers

To find a part number you can try this site..
Kubota Part Number Lookup
It can be slightly confusing, as you have to select a mower model even if you don't have one. You can also look for a parts manual online. See further down this page.

Kubota Parts Diagrams (from Messicks site)

Part Suppliers

These have online searchable catalogs. Golden Eagle and Coleman were cheaper in a recent search for seat parts.
Golden Eagle Direct
Coleman Equipment
BX Parts from Messicks

Tractorsmart

This supplier did not have a full search capability when I last looked.
Jennings Equipment (including Kubota Moly grease)

Tire Chains from TireChain.com
Anti-scalp wheels. Link to supplier

Manuals

Some manuals (mostly parts manuals) are online here and here's the link on that same site for the list by tractor model number.

Discussions

BX24 parts ordering online .

This model is available from Sundown, Cimarron and can also be found on the Rankin site. The 48 inch version would be suitable for a BX, costing around $580.	This is the Paynes Debris Fork. Price around $650 excluding shipping for a 48" version.
This is by Ground Works. Click the picture for more photos and details of a BX24 installation..	Bro-Tek also makes a brush fork, although some welding is required.