I actually replaced my broken fan. However, I only discovered the broken blades on the fan AFTER experiencing issues with the HST. Even after the new fan, I ended up having the dealer install a new HST to the tune of just over $2,000 a few years ago. It runs like a scalded dog now, but I keep watch over those delicate fan blades. Plus I keep my MMM on as well.
Has anyone actually replaced the HST fan on a BX series tractor?
- Thread starter cal1
- Start date
My fan blades got chewed off several years ago. After I investigated the repair...they are still chewed off and will stay that way. If the tranny overheats and dies - well, it will simply be one more reason to let this thing bury itself in a ditch. Sorry - zero 'pride' left in orange ownership.
I agree- I just finished putting $2300 into fixing the rear end after a "catastrophic" failure. The dealer said he saw nothing like it with a tractor with just 500 hours on it. Said the transmission looked perfect otherwise (it should have, I maintained it very well). Hell, the original 12v battery outlasted the transmission! Zero help from Kubota stating tractor was too old but the rep said "that's a bummer". I'm looking at LS tractors for my next bigger purchase now.
I have replaced the fan on my BX24. I broke mine the first time I used the tractor before I started doing research and realized it was a potential problem. As I understand it the BX24 and newer models are actually more difficult to replace the fan than the earlier models. On BX23's and older there is some way to compress the drive shaft and remove the fan without moving the engine. But on BX24's and newer the engine must be moved to get the fan off. You do need to remove the fenders and floor pan to get at the fan, you can't do it from below. The knobs do just pull off but it is not easy. I don't remember exactly how I did it, but I used a board and some leverage to pull it off. It is a big job but I just takes time and is fairly straight forward. The only real problem that I had, was when I was removing the fenders one of the threaded insets of one of the handles stripped out. I had to free it from the bolt and glue it back in. Look at as an opportunity to become very familiar with your tractor. Oh, and don't forget to install one of the aftermarket skid plates available so it won't ever happen again.
So here's the dumb idea of the century, why hasn't someone with a 3D printer just made a 2 piece replacement fan yet? You could sell those for $50 a shot and get it all day long...
While everyone has been on Kubota's case to make a factory skid plate to protect the fan, it's not a secret that it's an issue and the fans don't just chew themselves up.
No tractor out there is without its issues. It's just the way modern tractors are made. You cannot get a compact tractor in this price range that isn't made the same way. Go to any other tractor forum and there will be guys just like you saying exactly the same thing as you are. It has nothing to do with brand loyalty or pride.
Folks buy a brand because it has the right features and price point for them. Part of that consideration is resale vale. That is the only remaining measure of reliability that's left, what's it worth when you go to sell it.
So, I suggest that guys with the problem units, sell them, get your money back out of them and go get something else that meets your features and price point. Just realize, you are rolling the dice again.
If you want bullet proof, buy something pre-1975 that has been treated well, put $4-8,000 into restoring it and use it for another 20 years, but don't expect it to have HST, electronic notifications and all the other modern bells and whistles.
When it comes to tractors, the phrase they don't build them like they used to fits perfectly. I do not expect my L3200 to live 70 years like my D-17 has. If I get 20 out of it, it will be awesome, especially since I paid more for my car than I did for this tractor and cars are only expected to last 10-15 years.
Wildfire shows how to do it, just fast forward to about the 16.00 mark and he takes you through the whole thing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX5EncUkSQo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX5EncUkSQo
Something is not right with this thread, I am shown as the author of 2 posts early on, but I never made the second comment ???
It's probably a database glitch. The software is actually looking at a large database and if the 'author' field has a numeric error that actually lines up with another author it will happily claim that wrong person as the author. On the plus side, you might be able to edit the comment and say that you didn't say this and for the person that did to let you know so you can credit the real author...
Aren't computers fun!?
So am I. I ran a board using this software many years ago. I can't say where it's at now, but it had its glitches back then too.
I can confirm that Kubota has done nothing to address this issue on the new 2017 BX series tractors either, as I shredded my fan in the 2nd week of operation. Being somewhat mechanically inclined, and knowing this issue as existed for years, I thought for sure that by 2017, Kubota would have addressed this $10 part replacement....right? Nope...alas, these fans are still a) vulnerable to sticks and b) attached with 2 completely hidden bolts that are impossible (literally) to access without tearing half the tractor apart. By half the tractor, I mean the ROPS, seat, battery cover, floor, all knobs (one of which required a torch to yank off), fender and light connectors, as well as the front and rear connectors on the main drive axle (or alternative: remove the hood, unbolt the motor, and slide that assembly forward....but then you need a lift, or strong buddies).
Anyways...I went the a) remove the back of the tractor b) cut a slot in the fan using snips which allows it to slip over the shaft without removing the shaft (this is where I deviated from the service manual) and c) bolt back on using what little play you get at the front of the axle to get a 90 degree universal socket onto the back of the inaccessible bolts and torque them down (a little).
Not cool Kubota, not cool.
Anyways...I went the a) remove the back of the tractor b) cut a slot in the fan using snips which allows it to slip over the shaft without removing the shaft (this is where I deviated from the service manual) and c) bolt back on using what little play you get at the front of the axle to get a 90 degree universal socket onto the back of the inaccessible bolts and torque them down (a little).
Not cool Kubota, not cool.
I have done it without all this disassembly or loosening the engine on my BX-23. It was not as easy as I had hoped but after some looking...it determined that the drive shaft is compressible. This finally gave enough clearance to get the job done from underneath.
Done mine twice. Posted about it on these forums. Skid plates from Brotek work ok...but with spacers the sides are super exposed.
jmf78
Member
Equipment
BX23S W/ Factory Deluxe Cab, 60" MMM, 60" BX-2612 Snow Blade & BX-2816 Blower
This guy took an interesting approach by drilling a hole to access the hidden bolts.
https://youtu.be/mWnecX3a9-Q
https://youtu.be/mWnecX3a9-Q
Imho any time you affect the balance of a spinning object you're just asking for trouble. You can put an intact HST fan on a BX in less than 3 hours of work.
RCW
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
BX2360, FEL, MMM, BX2750D snowblower. 1953 Minneapolis Moline ZAU
Seems we've had a couple/few guys had fan damage with the MMM on.... ..Stick got in there just right.
The MMM helps, but isn't bulletproof.