Kubota BX1880, BX2380, BX2680 Hose and Line Inspection

BX1880 / BX2380 / BX2680 Owner Service Guide

Rubber hoses age whether the tractor is used or not. Kubota calls for a yearly inspection of the intake air line, radiator hoses, power steering line, fuel lines and engine breather hose, and replacement of each on a fixed schedule. Replace any hose sooner if the inspection finds a problem.

What to look for

Squeeze each rubber hose along its length and look at it closely with a flashlight. Replace a hose that has any of the following:

• Cracks, especially at bends and at the ends where the hose fits over a pipe.
• Hardening. A good hose is firm but flexible; an old one feels stiff or crunchy.
• Swelling or soft, spongy spots.
• Cuts, abrasion or scuffs from rubbing against the frame or another part.
• Wetness, staining or caked dirt that shows a slow leak.

Check every clamp. Tighten any that are loose and replace any that are rusted, stripped or cracked. Make sure each hose is routed the way it came from the factory and held by its bands, so it does not rub or touch the exhaust.

Intake air line

The intake air line connects the air cleaner to the engine intake. Any crack or loose clamp downstream of the air cleaner lets unfiltered air and dirt straight into the engine. Check that the hose is not cracked and that the clamps at both ends are tight.

Radiator hoses and clamps

There are two radiator hoses, upper and lower, with four clamps. Check them with the engine cold.

1. If a clamp is loose or coolant is seeping at a connection, tighten the clamp.
2. If a hose is swollen, hard or cracked, replace it and tighten the clamps securely.
3. Top up the coolant after replacing a hose, and dispose of drained coolant properly.

A good time to replace the radiator hoses is during the 2-year coolant change, since the system is already drained.

Power steering line

The power steering hoses run from the hydraulic system to the steering unit under the dash and on to the steering cylinder. Check that all fittings are tight and that no hose is worn, cracked or leaking. Pay attention to spots where the hoses pass close to the frame. If a pressure hose is worn or damaged, replace it before using the tractor.

For more on hydraulic hoses, see our video:

Fuel lines

Fuel hoses run from the tank to the filter below the frame, the electric fuel pump, the filter on the left side of the engine, and the injection pump, with a return line back to the tank. A leaking fuel line can drip diesel onto a hot engine. Check each hose and clamp, and check the fuel filters at the same time.

1. If a fuel hose is cracked, hard or wet with fuel, replace it.
2. If a clamp is loose or damaged, replace it.
3. When a fuel hose is disconnected, plug both ends with clean plugs. Dirt in the fuel line damages the fuel pump.
4. After any fuel line has been off, bleed the fuel system.

Engine breather hose

The breather hose carries crankcase vapor from the cylinder head cover back into the intake. A cracked or disconnected breather hose lets oil mist escape and lets dirt into the crankcase. Check the hose for cracks and make sure both ends are seated and clamped.

Replacement

Kubota lists the scheduled hose replacements as dealer service. Radiator hoses, intake hoses and the breather hose are within reach of most owners. Power steering hoses and fuel lines take more disassembly. After a fuel line is replaced, bleed the fuel system. After a power steering hose is replaced, check the transmission fluid level, since the steering runs on transmission fluid.

Parts

The BX2680 lower radiator hose is listed in the BX2680 catalog under the water pipe diagram.

Parts catalogs: BX1880, BX2380, BX2680.

Related

• Air cleaner element
• Fuel filter check and replacement
• Fuel system bleeding
• Cooling system flush and coolant change
• BX Owner Service Guide

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