BX23S Front End Loader

[Fred Mg]

We bought our BX23S in May 2023 and in the first week of owning it I noticed the front end loader bucket was about 25mm (1inch) higher on the left side than the right when siting on the ground. It took and long time to get anything done about it but now in the last six months have lost count of the number of times it's been back to the dealers to fix.

The latest time they said they found the loader frame was twisted and so replaced it with a new one (also twisted apparently) and did something with the rear axle and wheels which indeed makes the bucket level. Previously though under Kubota's instruction they elongated the holes in the right hand mount frame where it bolts to the tractors frame to move it around and the entire loader is now crooked and offset significantly to the right.

I've had some interesting conversations with both the dealer and Kubota with them saying this was a common issue with this tractors front end loader as it was not a precision peace of equipment and only made for agricultural use . I was wondering if anyone else has had the same issues?

 

[GreensvilleJay]

1st thing to check is tire air pressure ! both fronts need to be the same, and both rears need to be the same. Even 1/2 a PSI can make a huge difference.

I found that out when I added my NottopROPS which only has 3/4" gap to get in/out of garage. Since I KNEW door was level, tractor had to be tilted. A quick 'spiss' out the left rear solved it.

Also when checking for 'loader level' , be sure the concrete slab or paved driveway IS level. Based on how the water drains in my garage, I KNOW the floor slopes 'weirdly' to the north-east. The outside pad though is level though.

Once you've got a GREAT level surface for the tractor, take a LOT of height measurements( a LASER can help ! ) and see if it's the tractor ,loader frame or bucket that's the problem.

FWIW, I have NOT 'babied' my machine in the past 6 years/1400 hours. have move 100s of tandem dumptruck loads of dirt,gravel,compost etc.

 

[Bearcatrp]

Is that statement kubota gave you for all BX tractors or just the 23S? That statement sends a chill down my back as now I wonder if buying Kubota was the right choice to go with. Or do all tractors have this issue when not loading center? I try my best to load anything center and even before lifting. There are a few threads on this forum that have talked about this issue.

 

[RCW]

There has been occasions where the rear tires didn’t match - one was taller even though the same model, size, etc.

The rear tires have a greater effect on how the loader sits on the ground versus the front tires.

 

[John T]

We bought our BX23S in May 2023 and in the first week of owning it I noticed the front end loader bucket was about 25mm (1inch) higher on the left side than the right when siting on the ground. It took and long time to get anything done about it but now in the last six months have lost count of the number of times it's been back to the dealers to fix.

The latest time they said they found the loader frame was twisted and so replaced it with a new one (also twisted apparently) and did something with the rear axle and wheels which indeed makes the bucket level. Previously though under Kubota's instruction they elongated the holes in the right hand mount frame where it bolts to the tractors frame to move it around and the entire loader is now crooked and offset significantly to the right.

I've had some interesting conversations with both the dealer and Kubota with them saying this was a common issue with this tractors front end loader as it was not a precision peace of equipment and only made for agricultural use . I was wondering if anyone else has had the same issues?

BX23s front loader removal has a slight learning curve... you can twist it very easily if you do it wrong.

not saying this is your case.... just sayin.

 

[Fred Mg]

RCW you could be right about the tires as they did mention changing them on it's last visit.

Bearcatrp that was a statement about all the BX series. They said this problem is common and their tolerance on it is 8 to 10 mm difference from side to side but will try to correct it more if the customer has a problem with that . We bought the Kubota because we thought it would be a high quality machine but I honestly wouldn't have another one.

I probably didn't explain the problem well initially. From brand new the entire loader frame and bucket were higher on the left side than the right when compared to the tractor frame. When the tractor frame is level as it should be, the front loader bucket was about 25mm higher on the left end. There was a twist in the main loader frame of about 6mm but the main problem appears to be the mount brackets that bolt to the tractors frame were different heights to start with and now when trying to get them level they have elongated the bolt holes and moved the left one forwards as well as down.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

hmm, curious to know if the tractor's frame was shot with LASER to confirm IT isn't twisted, somehow.
when my loader frame broke( bad factory well, so I was compensated..) neighbour repaired it for me(saved me $2500 CDN ! ). His welding table is a 5by10 FOOT slab of solid steel, 4 inches thick, precision ground ! That explains why the SSQA frame fit silky smooth and ZERO issues.

re: shoot LASER through the uprights holes. That way you can SEE what's wrong.ideally you can file down left side, file UP right side or vice versa..... but BOTH side should be done.

Also check OTHER holes in the frame rails ! see if THEY are correct. The frame is a welded unit and I know that if you remove that out of the welding jig before it's cool(room temp) it WILL warp.

 

[Bearcatrp]

RCW you could be right about the tires as they did mention changing them on it's last visit.

Bearcatrp that was a statement about all the BX series. They said this problem is common and their tolerance on it is 8 to 10 mm difference from side to side but will try to correct it more if the customer has a problem with that . We bought the Kubota because we thought it would be a high quality machine but I honestly wouldn't have another one.

I probably didn't explain the problem well initially. From brand new the entire loader frame and bucket were higher on the left side than the right when compared to the tractor frame. When the tractor frame is level as it should be, the front loader bucket was about 25mm higher on the left end. There was a twist in the main loader frame of about 6mm but the main problem appears to be the mount brackets that bolt to the tractors frame were different heights to start with and now when trying to get them level they have elongated the bolt holes and moved the left one forwards as well as down.

Have you removed your loader shortly after buying the tractor? I have yet to remove mine due to issues folks have that I have read about. I just take the bucket off when mowing. Did you take it to the dealer for warranty repair?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Have you removed your loader shortly after buying the tractor? I have yet to remove mine due to issues folks have that I have read about. I just take the bucket off when mowing. Did you take it to the dealer for warranty repair?

You can remove the loader without issue.
Or that removing it would mess up.
I don't know where you heard you couldn't????

 

[Bearcatrp]

Just curious if he did remove it if he had issues putting it back on.

 

[John T]

Just curious if he did remove it if he had issues putting it back on.

I would think mowing with the loader on.... Even with the bucket off would be cumbersome...

it's meant to be taken off.
don't let these "stories" scare ya.

The kid from Messicks has a good video on the yew-tube.

just take your time and learn it.

before long you will have it off in less than 2 minutes.

I do it every week to mow. (along with the hoe)


you got this.

 

[Bearcatrp]

Maybe some day I’ll take it off. I live out in the country so not much of an issue until I get close to the house. Have read of leaking where the hydraulic lines connect from allot of folks With a BX tractor. Some had to change that connector to get it to stop leaking. If I remember correctly, kabota changed it a little. Others have stated getting it off wasn’t an issue, it was getting it back on that was a PITA. Am in no hurry to remove it for now.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Like any (every ?) loader, it's EASY when you have a large,flat level chunk of concrete under the tractor.
Mine's been off once in 6 years, when the loader frame needed to be repaired. getting it on was a 'learning curve' but if you have a MMM, then you'll get lots of practice as you shouldn't mow lawns with loader on.

 

[Bearcatrp]

The only flat level cement pad I have is in my garage. So if/when I do take it off, it will have to stay were it comes off at. Have yet to have any issues with loader on, bucket off. Just take my time around tight areas.

 

[John T]

Maybe some day I’ll take it off. I live out in the country so not much of an issue until I get close to the house. Have read of leaking where the hydraulic lines connect from allot of folks With a BX tractor. Some had to change that connector to get it to stop leaking. If I remember correctly, kabota changed it a little. Others have stated getting it off wasn’t an issue, it was getting it back on that was a PITA. Am in no hurry to remove it for now.

yes that quick coupler has been problems for more than a few. it's a poor design (IMO)
I eliminated the top half and ran pioneer couplers to the stationary bottoms.

works great. no leaks.

 

[John T]

yes that quick coupler has been problems for more than a few. it's a poor design (IMO)
I eliminated the top half and ran pioneer couplers to the stationary bottoms.

works great. no leaks.

Im not pickin on ya.... but it's kinda like buying a convertible car and never putting the top down.....

 

[Trailrated]

I've had 5 Kubota tractors and not ONE had a level loader.