Kubota BX1880, BX2380, BX2680 Battery Check

BX1880 / BX2380 / BX2680 Owner Service Guide

Check the battery every 100 hours. If the tractor runs less than 100 hours a year, check it once a year. The factory battery is a sealed, maintenance-free type, but it still loses charge in storage, and loose or corroded terminals will keep the engine from cranking even when the battery itself is good. A weak battery shows up as slow cranking and dim lights.

Battery specification

When the battery is replaced, use one with the same rating.

Getting to the battery

Park on level ground, set the parking brake, stop the engine and remove the key. The battery sits in a compartment behind the side panel below the dash. Loosen the knob and remove the panel. If dust or chaff has built up in the compartment, clean it out before going further.

Checking the state of charge

With the key off, put the voltmeter's negative lead on the negative post and the positive lead on the positive post. Read the voltage and compare it to the table. A battery reading below 12.6 V is not fully charged. If the reading is low, charge the battery before putting the tractor back to work.

Refillable batteries

If the tractor has a refillable battery with removable caps, check the electrolyte level in each cell. It must be between the upper and lower level marks. Add distilled water as needed. Do not charge or use a refillable battery with the electrolyte below the lower mark. Never remove the caps while the engine is running.

A hydrometer gives a more accurate reading on a refillable battery. A fully charged cell reads between 1.27 and 1.29 specific gravity. If any two cells differ by more than 0.05, replace the battery.

Cables and terminals

Inspect both cables for chafed or cracked insulation, and check the clamps for looseness, corrosion, or signs of heat.

To test the connections under load, turn the key on and turn on the headlights. Measure the voltage between the positive post and the positive cable clamp, then between the negative post and the tractor chassis. Each reading must be less than 0.1 V. A higher reading means a poor connection.

1. Remove the negative (−) cable, then the positive (+) cable.
2. Clean the posts and the inside of the clamps with a terminal brush until they are bright metal. Remove any old grease and the blue-green corrosion.
3. Reinstall the positive (+) cable first, then the negative (−) cable. Tighten both clamps firmly.
4. Apply a thin coat of conductive grease to the posts to slow corrosion.
5. Make sure the terminal cover is in place over the positive clamp. An exposed positive terminal can short against the tractor.

Removing and installing the battery

1. Remove the side panel.
2. Disconnect the negative (−) cable, then the positive (+) cable.
3. Remove the wing nuts and the battery holder, and lift the battery out.
4. To install, set the battery in place and install the holder. Tighten the wing nuts snug. The metal battery holder can crack if it is overtightened.
5. Connect the positive (+) cable first, then the negative (−) cable, and install the terminal cover.
6. Reinstall the side panel.

Charging

• Remove the metal battery holder before charging so it cannot short across the posts.
• For a normal slow charge, connect the charger positive to the battery positive and the charger negative to the battery negative, and charge at the normal rate in the table above.
• A boost charge is for emergencies only. It puts in a partial charge at a high rate. Recharge a boost-charged battery normally as soon as possible, or its service life will be shortened.
• On a refillable battery, charging is complete when the electrolyte reads between 1.27 and 1.29 specific gravity.

Storing the tractor

For long-term storage, remove the battery and store it in a dry place out of direct sunlight. A battery discharges on its own in storage, so recharge it every 3 months in hot weather and every 6 months in cold weather. For more on preparing the battery for winter, see our video:

Jump starting

1. Bring the helper vehicle within cable reach. The two machines must not touch.
2. Set the parking brake on both, put the shift levers in neutral, and shut both engines off.
3. Put on safety glasses and rubber gloves.
4. Remove the metal battery holder, take the dead battery out, and set it on the tractor step. Keep the positive post from touching anything metal.
5. Connect the red cable to the positive (+) post of the dead battery, then the other end to the positive (+) post of the helper battery.
6. Connect the black cable to the negative (−) post of the helper battery.
7. Connect the other end of the black cable to the front bolt on the engine, as far from the dead battery as possible.
8. Start the helper vehicle and let it run a few moments, then start the tractor.
9. Remove the cables in the reverse order: engine ground, helper negative, then both positive ends.
10. Put the battery back in place and reinstall the holder.

Troubleshooting

Parts

Parts catalogs: BX1880, BX2380, BX2680.

Related

• Engine start system check
• Fan belt adjustment
• Fuse replacement
• BX Owner Service Guide

To have the service done at Messick's, schedule service.