Steering issue on BX2370--less than 100 hours-2016 model

[NY DON]

I use my 2370 for mowing, light loader yard work and minimal show removal with loader mounted blade. I am very careful and try not to abus the machine. I just noticed today that I can turn the steering wheel with the machine turned off. The wheels do not change position (leftd or right)--they were in the straight ahead postion., when I started but the steering wheel will turn with minimal effort. Feels like there is a little "hitch" at one point but keeps turning.

Also tried with unit on--works fine, but when I reach what should be the stop postion, the steeering wheel will turn, but wheels do no.

 

[85Hokie]

Without going outside to "test" the theory - the machine is hydraulically steered - fluid pumped to make it move freely.

But curiosity got the best of me ....... so I went outside and turned my Bx25D ....wheels moved , rather stiff - but they do move.

You need a rebuild kit on the hydraulic ram on steering arm OR it might be easier just to replace the cylinder - some say it is just a cheap to get the entire cylinder!

 

[NY DON]

Without going outside to "test" the theory - the machine is hydraulically steered - fluid pumped to make it move freely.

But curiosity got the best of me ....... so I went outside and turned my Bx25D ....wheels moved , rather stiff - but they do move.

You need a rebuild kit on the hydraulic ram on steering arm OR it might be easier just to replace the cylinder - some say it is just a cheap to get the entire cylinder!

Thanksfor response! Really appreciate it. Remember--this machine has less than 100 hours of very light duty. I have local dealer look over the unit 2 x per year. Last time was about 2 weeks ago! MY concern is that can turn the steering wheel with minimal resistance while the machine is off. The tires do not move. Kind of scares me.

 

[85Hokie]

Sounds like a seal that is shot..... just for S & G's.... have you checked hydraulic level at rear of machine?

 

[NY DON]

Sounds like a seal that is shot..... just for S & G's.... have you checked hydraulic level at rear of machine?

Well, I assume the Kubota Service tech checked the fluids when he did his spring checkover. However, I was on some pavement today using 2wd and 4 wd while moving some gravel and I did see a few oil spots about the size of a dime on the pavement. I believe you may be on to someting. I have a broken hip and use the steering wheel to assist me when getting on and off. That was when I first felt the SW turn but the tires did not move.
HOw does low oil enable this to happen (again--I have zero or less tech expertise. The tractorof my youth ( Ford 8N) was a bit simpler
Again, thanks! really appreciate the knowledge.

 

[85Hokie]

The ol "8N" - I had a 53 Jubilee! I wish I had neverrrr sold that machine - it was simple and worked so well!!!



IF for some odd reason - you are low in fluid - or somehow sucking air, it would do what you describe.

Does the FEL work as it should? Assuming you have a front end loader.......

 

[lugbolt]

the steering controller also has a little pump inside of it. It pumps fluid to the steering cylinder so that if the engine is off, you can still somewhat steer. When engine is on, the hydraulic pump takes over and makes your power assist steering much easier. With that being said, with the engine off it "should" steer, although it will be tough, and it won't be accurate.

I did quite a few BX-70 series steering cylinder replacements. Probably 50 or so. Actually the very first BX-70 we got in a crate, the cylinder was bad on it. The kit + labor is more than just replacing the entire cylinder. Secondly the old part number is no longer available so they have a new number now, but I do not know what they changed. Maybe just changed vendors, or maybe they changed the color of the dust seals-who knows.

And with all that said, the "typical" complaint of a failing steering cylinder is that when turning the steering wheel slowly with the engine on and driving the tractor normally it will intermittently lose the ability to steer. Turn the wheel faster and the front wheels begin to steer normally. I never tried with the engine off and never heard anyone complain of engine-off steering problems.

 

[tinkerwitheverything]

One thing that you mentioned is that you use the steering wheel to grab onto when getting on/off the tractor. By doing this you are putting a whole lot of side force onto the steering controller motor. It's going to cause it to fail . You may have already done so if your seeing oil on the ground. Also you may just have a line that is loose . Either way if your unable to check it out yourself have it checked by your dealer.