BX25 4WD Shift Lever

[Tractor Seabee]

The BX25 is not in true 4 wheel until you heel down on that little lever below the seat on the left side. This is really cumbersome when you are in an operating mode.

Has anyone out there experminted with a hand operated lever to do this more effectively? This is the worst engineering flub I have found on my BX and the only one I haven't done a fix for.

Ron

 

[Paulemar]

It is awkward. I have to look down to see where it is before I can get my heel in position. Fortunately, when I have needed to use it has been relatively rare and I'm spinning my wheels and have time to think about it for a couple of seconds before I engage. I can't see a solution that would not be in the way more than the present inconvenience.

 

[dmanlyr]

That is not a 4wd shift lever, it is the differential lock. This is not something that is just on the BX, it is universal on Kubota's.

These are not skid steers and that is why they are set up as 4 wheel drive, but with open, but lockable differentials. Even with the differential lock engaged, they are still not true 4wd drives as you also have a open differential on the front axle.

As you get more time on the machine, you will not have to look any longer, your leg will move to the proper spot to apply the lock when you need it. Just like shifting a automatic transmission with a colume shifter, no need to look there either as once you pull it back towards you and out of park and start the lever moving it will stop in drive and will need to be pulled back again towards you to select lower gears.

At least my thoughts ... David

 

[hodge]

That is not a 4wd shift levet, it is the differential lock. This is not something that is kust the BX, it is universal on Kubota's.

These are not skid steers and that is why they are set up as 4 wheel drive, but with open, but lockable differentials. Even with the differential lock engaged, they are still not true 4wd drives as you also have a open differential on the front axle.

As you get more time on the machine, you will not have to look any longer, your leg will move to teh proper spot to apply the lock when you need it. Just like shifying a automatic transmission with a colume shifter, no need to look there either as once you pull it back towards you and out of park and start the lever moving it will stop in drive and will need to be pulled back again towards you to select lower gears.

At least my thoughts ... David

My thoughts too, David. I don't have a problem with it- it's instinctual. And, I prefer it down there- it is out of the way, and my hands are usually busy, so using the left foot works- it isn't doing anything else on a hydro.
Any tractor that has a differential lock has it arranged like that- it is standard, and not exclusive to Kubota. Both 2WD and 4WD tractors come with a differential lock- it isn't directly related to the 4WD system. It's better than jamming on the brake for the tire that's spinning...

 

[dmanlyr]

WOW I just reread what I posted this morning in a rush to head off for work. I will go back and correct the typos...

David

 

[rednecklimo85]

You should have a separate four wheel drive lever. If your front axle is not engaging you have another issue.

The lever on the floor is manly there for pulling out of sticky situation's or for pulling ground engaging attachments. It's not designed to be used ummm willy nilly. You probably notice the tractor doesn't want to turn with the rear axle locker engaged, that's because your rear tires are locked together and fight each other in a turn.

I can say that if I need the locker on my 4 wheel drive, it's usually too late and makes only a small difference. At that point I need to use the backhoe or bucket to get my self out. However, on the 2 wheel drive it makes a world of difference.