BX25 won't reach top speed

[Dougsshed]

Hi everybody....
I thought I would share a problem I had with my BX25 not reaching full (rabbit) speed. It was only reaching turtle speed. The engine was running fine and maintaining revs. So, first thing I did was check the HST level. It was definitely low. There's the problem, so I thought.
This made me realise that the 500hr major service was overdue by nearly 100hrs (hanging my head in shame - I'n usually pretty careful with maintenance schedules on all my equipment).
So, off to the dealer to pick up all the filters and fluids needed for the service. Service done and no improvement with speed. A quick google turned up a possible solution on YouTube.......

I won't describe it here because it's a short video (<4mins) but worth a watch just in case.
What the problem ended up being was an accumulation of packed mud and grass clippings on top of the plate that holds the fwd/rev pedal limit bolts. A pic of that assembly is shown here with yellow arrows pointing at the ledge where the muck had accumulated and a green arrow pointing at the tab that hits the stop bolt. I could see that the tab was stopping about 1/2" to 3/4" above the stop bolt but the reason for this was hidden above the steel plate. Some compressed air cleared the muck quickly and full travel is now available.
As an aside, whilst doing this I noticed a bit of build up of muck on the cooling fins behind the transmission box fan. Compressed air dealt with that as well and quite a lot of muck blew off. Much relieved as a google search told me that removing the fan is a shitty job.

A quick and easy solution but a while in finding the solution because the low HST fluid level pointed me in the wrong direction. Still, it made me do the service which needed doing anyway.

Hope this helps.

 

[NCL4701]

I haven’t had that problem yet, but thanks for posting. I probably wouldn’t have thought of something as simple as debris limiting pedal travel in a similar scenario.

I’ve heard there are a lot of vulnerable fiddly bits under the B’s and BX’s but don’t recall seeing a picture or video of the underside before. I assume there are skid plates in place when it’s being used and they were removed for service.

I’ve considered adding a small B/BX with a mid-mount mower and some sort of serious leaf vac to my equipment stable whenever my old zero turn craps out. If there aren’t skid plates to protect the belly that might be concerning.

 

[Dougsshed]

I haven’t had that problem yet, but thanks for posting. I probably wouldn’t have thought of something as simple as debris limiting pedal travel in a similar scenario.

I’ve heard there are a lot of vulnerable fiddly bits under the B’s and BX’s but don’t recall seeing a picture or video of the underside before. I assume there are skid plates in place when it’s being used and they were removed for service.

I’ve considered adding a small B/BX with a mid-mount mower and some sort of serious leaf vac to my equipment stable whenever my old zero turn craps out. If there aren’t skid plates to protect the belly that might be concerning.

There's a small skid plate that you can see in the photo but not much else. And yes, that leaves a lot of stuff vulnerable.
BXpanded have this..... https://www.bxpanded.com/BX-under-armor but I'm in Australia and the freight would kill it price wise.
One consideration, if you're thinking of a Kubota, is back-up service. Kubota and their dealers over here aren't very good in my experience. I don't regret buying the tractor....it's a perfect fit for my 10 acres. But I've not been able to get good service from Kubota head office or the local dealers. I don't want that to sound like I'm a whinger. I've had quite legit complaints. Other people on YouTube have had the same issues and they're not happy either.

 

[NCL4701]

There's a small skid plate that you can see in the photo but not much else. And yes, that leaves a lot of stuff vulnerable.
BXpanded have this..... https://www.bxpanded.com/BX-under-armor but I'm in Australia and the freight would kill it price wise.
One consideration, if you're thinking of a Kubota, is back-up service. Kubota and their dealers over here aren't very good in my experience. I don't regret buying the tractor....it's a perfect fit for my 10 acres. But I've not been able to get good service from Kubota head office or the local dealers. I don't want that to sound like I'm a whinger. I've had quite legit complaints. Other people on YouTube have had the same issues and they're not happy either.

Thanks. I would definitely look into the skid plate if I get one (and check out the same issue on other brands for comparison). I can see the stock setup working fine in a lot of situations but it would limit it to the more domestic portions of our property in my case, which might be OK since I have the L for heavier chores. Would have to think about that.

Definitely agree on the importance of support. When in bought my L4701 I was seriously looking at Deere and New Holland/LS as well. A huge factor in that decision was the dealerships I would be dealing with long term. Since purchasing the L, I’d have to say my local dealer is a plus for Kubota. I know that’s not the same everywhere. Sorry you’re not getting good support in your area.

 

[Nick-BX25]

I haven’t had that problem yet, but thanks for posting. I probably wouldn’t have thought of something as simple as debris limiting pedal travel in a similar scenario.

I’ve heard there are a lot of vulnerable fiddly bits under the B’s and BX’s but don’t recall seeing a picture or video of the underside before. I assume there are skid plates in place when it’s being used and they were removed for service.

I’ve considered adding a small B/BX with a mid-mount mower and some sort of serious leaf vac to my equipment stable whenever my old zero turn craps out. If there aren’t skid plates to protect the belly that might be concerning.

Skid Plate? LOL I broke the HST fan in the first 5 minutes. Flipped up a stick in the woods. Not a BRANCH, a stick. A lot of broken fans on the forum. Bad design (or lack there of) Dealer helped fix it AFTER a long letter to Kubota. Years ago. I made my own out of a piece of 1/4 PVC sheet. Cut a few slots, drilled a couple of holes for bracket. I also installed a 12V fan that blows up when ever the headlight is on. Easier to wire.