Winterizing a BX2360

[farfromhome@rogers.com]

This year we purchased a BX2360 tractor for doing ground maintenance on our large country property. (136 acres) The tractor is great, absolutely no complaints. Winter is coming fast and I need recommendations on the steps to store the tractor over the winter. The tractor will not be stored in a garage or at the farm dealership indoors. We have no other option but to store it under a large tarp. I have checked the Kubot manual and they only reference the addition of Stabil to the fuel tank and removing the battery? The tractor will not be used from Nov. 15 to March 1. Can anybody provide recommendations and answers to questions below:

1. I can't figure out how to remove the battery. Is it behind the black screen in front of the operators position? I need step by step instructions for a complete low mechanical skills idiot. (me) I have a battery charger at home.

2. From what I have read so far, I put Stabil into the fuel tank and run it for 15 minutes to ensure the Stabil is in the fuel lines. The tank should be topped up to the top, as well.

3. Somebody recommended that the tractor should be placed on blocks to ensure that the tires don't go flat over the winter, but I have not seen any tire pressure differences in six months. Sometimes the tractor is not used for 3 to 4 weeks in a row, I haven't seen any issues with tire pressure yet.

 

[jb62901]

I would leave the Batt in it and start it up once a month for 15 mi. I don't have the option to let My BX sit for more than a few days during the winter.

 

[traildust]

I don't know where the battery is on a BX

But, I can tell you I had two batteries go bad during the winter on a camper/trailer. It was a cold snowy winter and when spring came I noticed that both batteries had swelled at the sides and would not take a charge from my charger

If removal is your option make sure to disconnect the negative post first! If you were to pull the positive first and accidentally allowed the positive post to go to ground via a tool then that would be bad because you still have the negative connected. Very, very scary when it happens.

Elevating the tractor would be good practice. After one season it may not be as noticeable but with only one spot of the tire in contact with the ground you could have issues with that spot , especially if you do have a leaker. The location in contact will be exposed to constant moisture and freezing and with the price of these tires I would get them up in the air.

Don't forget the clutch. Press the clutch pedal and wedge a chunk of 2x4 below the deck in between the arm. If not done you risk the chance of having the clutch rust and sticking making disengagement almost impossible.

Even though it's going to be winter and you will not be there, consider that rodents are not leaving. Do what you can to keep them out of the tractor. If they get in they will chew wiring, anything plastic and crap all over the place. They will bring your tractor to it's knees.