Kubota BX231D User manual

KUBOTACorporation
U.S.A. :KUBOTATRACTORCORPORATION
1000 KubotaDrive,Grapevine,TX 76051
Telephone: 888 - 4 KUBOTA
Canada :KUBOTACANADALTD.
5900  14 thAvenue,Markham,Ontario,L 3 S 4 K 4 ,Canada
Telephone:(
905 ) 294 - 7477
France :KUBOTAEUROPES.A.S
19 - 25 ,RueJulesVercruysse,Z.I.BP 88 , 95101 ArɡenteuilCedex,France
Telephone:(
33 ) 1 - 3426 - 3434
Italy :KUBOTAEUROPES.A.SItalyBranch
ViaGrandi,
29  20068 PeschieraBorrome(MI)Italy
Telephone:(
39 ) 02 - 51650377
Germany :KUBOTA(DEUTSCHLAND)GmbH
SenefelderStr.
3 - 5  63110 Rodɡau/Nieder-Roden,Germany
Telephone:(
49 ) 6106 - 873 - 0
U.K. :KUBOTA(U.K.)LTD.
DormerRoad,Thame,Oxfordshire,OX
9  3 UN,U.K.
Telephone:(
44 ) 1844 - 214500
Spain :KUBOTAESPAÑAS.A.
AvenidaRecombaNo.
5 ,PoliɡnoIndustriallaLaɡuna,Leɡanes, 28914 (Madrid)Spain
Telephone:(
34 ) 91 - 508 - 6442
Australia :KUBOTAAUSTRALIAPTYLTD.
25 - 29 PermasWay,Truɡanina,VIC 3029 ,Australia
Telephone:(
61 )- 3 - 9394 - 4400
Malaysia :KUBOTAMALAYSIASDN.BHD.
Lot
766 ,JalanSubanɡ 4 ,offPersiaranSubanɡSunɡaiPenaɡaIndustrialPark,
47500 SubanɡJaya
Telephone:(
60 )- 3 - 7890 - 3533
Philippines :KUBOTAPHILIPPINES,INC.
232 QuirinoHiɡhway,Baesa,QuezonCity 1106 ,Philippines
Telephone:(
63 ) 2 - 422 - 3500
Taiwan :SHINTAIWANAGRICULTURALMACHINERYCO.,LTD.
16 ,Fenɡpinɡ 2 ndRd,TaliaoShianɡKaohsiunɡ 83107 ,TaiwanR.O.C.
Telephone:(
886 ) 7 - 702 - 2333
Indonesia :PTKUBOTAMACHINERYINDONESIA
TowerAatEiɡhtyEiɡht@KasablankaLantai
16
JalanRayaCasablankaKav. 88 ,Jakarta 12870 Indonesia
Telephone:(
62 )- 21 - 29568 - 720
Thailand :SIAMKUBOTACORPORATIONCO.,LTD.
101 / 19 - 24 Moo 20 ,NavanakornIndustrialEstate,TambonKhlonɡnuenɡ,AmphurKhlonɡluanɡ,
Pathumthani
12120 ,THAILAND
Telephone:(
66 ) 2 - 909 - 0300
Korea :KUBOTAKOREACO.,LTD.
41 - 27 ,Jayumuyeok-ɡil,Baeksan-myeon,Gimje-si,Jeollabuk-do,Korea
Telephone:(
82 )- 63 - 544 - 5822
India :KUBOTAAGRICULTURALMACHINERYINDIAPVT.LTD.
No.
15 ,MedavakkamRoad,Sholinɡanallur,Chennai- 600119 ,T.N.,India
Telephone:(
91 ) 44 - 6104 - 1500
Vietnam :KUBOTAVIETNAMCO.,LTD.
LotB-
3 A 2 -CN,MyPhuoc 3 IndustrialPark,ThoiHoaWard,BenCatTown,BinhDuonɡProvince,Vietnam
Telephone:(
84 )- 274 - 3577 - 507
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
READ AND SAVE THIS MANUAL
BX231D・BX261D
English (U.K.)
Code No. K2883-9701-6
AY. L. 7-7. -. K
1PPEP00001A01
AUX. valve equipped machine
BX231D
BX261D
MODELS
© KUBOTA Corporation 2017
2011-0535

manufacturer or distributor of the machine
the model designation of the machine
the name or type of publication
the part number or publication number by which
the manual may be ordered
the publication date
the language in which the manual is written
Kubota Corporation
BX231D, BX261D
Operator's Manual
K2883-9701-6
the date of issue Feb. 20, 2017
Sep. 28, 2020
English
Intended use
This machine is designed solely for use in customary grass cutting operations. Use in any other way is
considered as contrary to the intended use. Compliance with and strict adherence to the conditions of operation,
service, and repair as specified by the manufacturer, also constitute essential elements of the intended use.
This machine should be operated, serviced, and repaired only by persons who are familiar with its particular
characteristics and who are acquainted with the relevant safety procedures.
Accident prevention regulations, all other generally recognized regulations on safety and occupational medicine,
and all road traffic regulations must be observed at all times.
Any arbitrary modifications carried out to this machine may relieve the manufacturer of liability for any resulting
damage or injury.
ABBREVIATION LIST
Abbreviations Definitions
2WD
4WD
API
ASTM
Hi-Lo
HST
m/s
PTO
RH/LH
ROPS
rpm
r/s
SAE
SMV
2-Wheel Drive
4-Wheel Drive
American Petroleum Institute
American Society of Testing and Materials, USA
High Speed-Low Speed
Hydrostatic Transmission
Meters Per Second
Power Take Off
Right-hand and left-hand sides are determined by facing in
the direction of forward travel
Roll-Over Protective Structures
Revolutions Per Minute
Revolutions Per Second
Society of Automotive Engineers, USA
Slow Moving Vehicle

UNIVERSAL SYMBOLS
As a guide to the operation of your tractor, various universal symbols have been utilized on the instruments and
controls. The symbols are shown below with an indication of their meaning.
Safety Alert Symbol
Read Operator's Manual
Hour meter/Elapsed Operating Hours
Diesel Fuel
Fuel-Level
Empty
Full
Engine-Run
Diesel Preheat/Glow Plugs (Low Temperature
Start Aid)
Starter Control
Engine-Stop
Engine Oil-Pressure
Engine Coolant-Temperature
Battery Charging Condition
Electrical Power-accessories
Hazard Warning Lights
Turn Signal
Headlight
Master Lighting Switch
Engine Speed Control
ON (engaged)
OFF (disengaged)
Slow
Fast
Brake
Parking Brake
4-Wheel Drive-On
Speed set-On
Speed set-Off
Differential Lock
Hydraulic Control-Lowered Position
Hydraulic Control-Raised Position
3-Point Lowering Speed Control
Remote Cylinder-Retract
Remote Cylinder-Extend
Mid-PTO
Mid-Rear-PTO
Rear-PTO
Power Take-Off Clutch Control-Off Position
Power Take-Off Clutch Control-On Position
Tilt Steering Lever
Loader Lock Lever Lock Position
Loader Lock Lever Unlock Position

This symbol, the industry's "Safety Alert Symbol", is used throughout this manual
and on labels on the machine itself to warn of the possibility of personal injury.
Read these instructions carefully. It is essential that you read the instructions and
safety regulations before you attempt to assemble or use this unit.
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
Indicates that equipment or property damage could result if
instructions are not followed.
Gives helpful information.
You are now the proud owner of a KUBOTA Tractor. This tractor is a product of
KUBOTA's quality engineering and manufacturing. It is made of the excellent
materials and under rigid quality control systems. It will give you long, satisfactory
service. To obtain the best use of your tractor, please read this manual carefully. It
will help you become familiar with the operation of the tractor and contains many
helpful hints about tractor maintenance. It is KUBOTA's policy to utilize, as quick as
possible, every advance in our research. The immediate use of new techniques in
the manufacturing of products may cause some small parts of this manual to
become outdated. KUBOTA distributors and dealers will have the most up-to-date
information. Please do not hesitate to consult them.

CONTENTS
SAFE OPERATION......................................................................................................................7
SERVICING OF THE TRACTOR ...............................................................................................19
DEALER SERVICE............................................................................................................................................. 19
WARRANTY OF THE TRACTOR ....................................................................................................................... 19
SCRAPPING THE TRACTOR AND ITS PROCEDURE ..................................................................................... 20
SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................................................................21
SPECIFICATION TABLE..................................................................................................................................... 21
TRAVELING SPEEDS TABLE ............................................................................................................................ 23
IMPLEMENT LIMITATIONS.......................................................................................................24
IMPLEMENT LIMITATION TABLES.................................................................................................................... 24
FRONT LOADER................................................................................................................................................ 26
WEIGHT OF THE IMPLEMENTS AS THE REAR BALLAST ............................................................................. 26
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS .................................................................................27
INSTRUMENT PANEL, SWITCHES AND HAND CONTROLS .......................................................................... 27
1. Key switch ................................................................................................................................................. 28
2. Tilt lever ..................................................................................................................................................... 28
3. Head light switch ....................................................................................................................................... 28
4. Direction indicator light switch ................................................................................................................... 29
5. Hazard light switch .................................................................................................................................... 29
6. Position light switch ................................................................................................................................... 29
7. Stationary PTO switch ............................................................................................................................... 30
8. Horn button................................................................................................................................................ 30
9. Beacon light switch [If equipped with the beacon light and if not equipped with the CAB]........................ 30
10. Bonnet open shaft ................................................................................................................................... 30
FOOT AND HAND CONTROLS ......................................................................................................................... 31
1. Operator's seat .......................................................................................................................................... 32
2. Seat belt .................................................................................................................................................... 33
3. Brake pedal and parking brake lock pedal ................................................................................................ 33
3.1 How to use the parking brake ............................................................................................................ 33
4. Emergency hand brake lever..................................................................................................................... 33
5. Range gear shift lever (Hi-Lo) ................................................................................................................... 34
6. Front wheel drive lever .............................................................................................................................. 34
7. Hand accelerator lever .............................................................................................................................. 35
8. Speed control pedal................................................................................................................................... 35
9. Speed set device ....................................................................................................................................... 35
9.1 How to use the speed set device ....................................................................................................... 36
ACCESSORY...................................................................................................................................................... 36
1. 12 V electric power socket......................................................................................................................... 36
2. Accessory box ........................................................................................................................................... 37
3. Trailer electrical power socket ................................................................................................................... 37
PRE-OPERATION CHECK ........................................................................................................38
DAILY CHECK ITEMS BEFORE OPERATION OF THE TRACTOR .................................................................. 38
OPERATING THE ENGINE .......................................................................................................39
STARTING THE ENGINE ................................................................................................................................... 39
1. Cold weather starting of the engine........................................................................................................... 42
2. Block heater (option) ................................................................................................................................. 42
STOPPING THE ENGINE................................................................................................................................... 42
1. Engine stop lever (inside the bonnet) ........................................................................................................ 42
WARMING UP OF THE ENGINE ....................................................................................................................... 42
1. Warm-up of the engine and transmission oil in the low temperature range............................................... 43
BX231D
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JUMP STARTING THE ENGINE ........................................................................................................................ 43
OPERATING THE TRACTOR....................................................................................................45
OPERATION OF NEW TRACTOR ..................................................................................................................... 45
PRECAUTIONS FOR GETTING ON AND OFF THE TRACTOR....................................................................... 45
OPERATION OF THE FOLDABLE ROPS .......................................................................................................... 45
1. Model of the ROPS with damper ............................................................................................................... 46
1.1 Folding the ROPS with damper.......................................................................................................... 46
1.2 Raising the ROPS with damper to the upright position ...................................................................... 47
2. Model of the ROPS without damper .......................................................................................................... 47
2.1 Folding the ROPS without damper..................................................................................................... 47
2.2 Raising the ROPS without damper to the upright position ................................................................. 48
2.3 Adjusting the foldable ROPS.............................................................................................................. 49
STARTING THE TRACTOR................................................................................................................................ 49
STOPPING THE TRACTOR ............................................................................................................................... 52
CHECK DURING DRIVING ................................................................................................................................ 53
1. Cases to stop the engine immediately....................................................................................................... 53
2. Check items during driving ........................................................................................................................ 53
2.1 Easy Checker™ ................................................................................................................................. 53
2.2 Fuel gauge ......................................................................................................................................... 54
2.3 Coolant temperature gauge ............................................................................................................... 54
2.4 Dealing with the overheated coolant temperature.............................................................................. 55
2.5 Hour meter ......................................................................................................................................... 55
2.6 Tachometer ........................................................................................................................................ 55
PARKING THE TRACTOR.................................................................................................................................. 56
TECHNIQUES FOR OPERATING THE TRACTOR ........................................................................................... 56
1. Differential lock .......................................................................................................................................... 56
2. Precautions for operating the tractor on a road ......................................................................................... 57
3. Precautions for operating the tractor on a slopes and rough terrain ......................................................... 57
4. Precautions for transporting the tractor safely........................................................................................... 57
5. Directions for use of the power steering .................................................................................................... 58
POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO) ........................................................................................................59
PTO OPERATION............................................................................................................................................... 59
1. PTO select lever ........................................................................................................................................ 59
2. PTO clutch lever ........................................................................................................................................ 59
3. PTO shaft cover and PTO shaft cap.......................................................................................................... 60
4. Using stationary PTO................................................................................................................................. 60
5. PTO drive shaft.......................................................................................................................................... 61
5.1 Adjusting the length of PTO drive shaft.............................................................................................. 61
3-POINT HITCH AND DRAWBAR.............................................................................................62
OVERVIEW OF 3-POINT HITCH AND DRAWBAR............................................................................................ 62
3-POINT HITCH.................................................................................................................................................. 63
1. Precautions for attaching and detaching the implements to the 3-point hitch ........................................... 63
2. Adjusting the lifting rod (right).................................................................................................................... 63
3. Adjusting the top link ................................................................................................................................. 63
4. Adjusting the check chains ........................................................................................................................ 63
DRAWBAR.......................................................................................................................................................... 63
HYDRAULIC UNIT.....................................................................................................................65
3-POINT HITCH CONTROL SYSTEM................................................................................................................ 65
1. Hydraulic control........................................................................................................................................ 65
2. Lowering speed of 3-point hitch................................................................................................................. 65
AUXILIARY HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM ................................................................................................. 66
1. How to use the auxiliary hydraulic control valve coupler ........................................................................... 66
2. Rear auxiliary hydraulic control lever......................................................................................................... 66
AUXILIARY HYDRAULICS ................................................................................................................................. 67
1. Hydraulic outlet.......................................................................................................................................... 67
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BX231D

MOWER LIFT LINKAGE SYSTEM ..................................................................................................................... 68
1. Cutting height control dial .......................................................................................................................... 68
2. Hydraulic control unit use reference chart ................................................................................................. 69
AUXILIARY HYDRAULIC CONTROL VALVE (IF EQUIPPED)........................................................................... 70
1. Valve lock................................................................................................................................................... 70
2. Auxiliary hydraulic ports............................................................................................................................. 70
3. Connecting the auxiliary hydraulic control lever and hydraulic hose to the auxiliary hydraulic port .......... 71
4. Controlling loader (only if equipped with loader) ....................................................................................... 71
TYRES, WHEELS AND BALLAST............................................................................................73
TYRES ................................................................................................................................................................ 73
1. Inflation pressure of tyres .......................................................................................................................... 73
2. Dual tyres .................................................................................................................................................. 73
WHEEL TREAD .................................................................................................................................................. 73
1. Front wheels .............................................................................................................................................. 74
2. Rear wheels............................................................................................................................................... 74
BALLAST ............................................................................................................................................................ 75
1. Front ballast............................................................................................................................................... 75
2. Rear ballast ............................................................................................................................................... 75
CAB OPERATION......................................................................................................................77
DOOR AND WINDOW........................................................................................................................................ 77
1. Locking and unlocking the door................................................................................................................. 77
2. Opening the door....................................................................................................................................... 77
3. Closing the door ........................................................................................................................................ 77
4. Opening and closing the rear window ....................................................................................................... 78
5. Opening and closing the windscreen......................................................................................................... 78
6. How to use the emergency exit ................................................................................................................. 78
WIPER ................................................................................................................................................................ 78
1. Front wiper / washer switch ....................................................................................................................... 78
2. Washer fluid tank ....................................................................................................................................... 79
3. Precautions for using the wipers in cold season ....................................................................................... 79
HEATER.............................................................................................................................................................. 79
1. Airflow........................................................................................................................................................ 79
2. Fan switch ................................................................................................................................................. 79
3. Air control vent........................................................................................................................................... 80
4. Operating the heater to adjust the temperature......................................................................................... 80
BEACON (IF EQUIPPED)................................................................................................................................... 80
1. Beacon light switch (if equipped)............................................................................................................... 80
2. Beacon position (if equipped) .................................................................................................................... 81
MAINTENANCE.........................................................................................................................82
SERVICE INTERVALS........................................................................................................................................ 82
LUBRICANTS, FUEL AND COOLANT ............................................................................................................... 84
PERIODIC SERVICE .................................................................................................................86
HOW TO OPEN THE BONNET.......................................................................................................................... 86
DAILY CHECK .................................................................................................................................................... 86
1. Walk around inspection ............................................................................................................................. 86
2. Checking the amount of fuel and refuelling ............................................................................................... 86
3. Checking the engine oil level..................................................................................................................... 87
4. Checking the transmission fluid level ........................................................................................................ 87
5. Checking the coolant level......................................................................................................................... 88
6. Cleaning the panel and the radiator screen............................................................................................... 88
7. Checking the brake pedal.......................................................................................................................... 89
8. Checking the gauges, the meters, and the Easy Checker™...................................................................... 89
9. Checking the headlights, hazard lights, and so on .................................................................................... 89
10. Checking the seat belt and the ROPS..................................................................................................... 89
11. Checking and cleaning the electrical wiring and the battery cables......................................................... 89
BX231D
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12. Checking and cleaning inside of the bonnet and around the mower belt to avoid fire hazard ................ 90
13. Checking the movable parts .................................................................................................................... 90
SERVICE EVERY 50 HOURS ............................................................................................................................ 90
1. Lubricating fittings with grease .................................................................................................................. 90
2. Checking the engine start system ............................................................................................................. 91
3. Checking the OPC (operator presence control) system ............................................................................ 92
4. Checking wheel bolt torque ....................................................................................................................... 92
5. Cleaning the lock lever shaft (if equipped) ................................................................................................ 93
SERVICE EVERY 100 HOURS .......................................................................................................................... 93
1. Checking of the battery.............................................................................................................................. 93
1.1 Battery charging ................................................................................................................................. 94
1.2 Dealing with the battery when storing the tractor for a long period .................................................... 94
2. Cleaning the air cleaner element............................................................................................................... 94
3. Checking the fuel filter ............................................................................................................................... 95
4. Adjusting the fan belt tension .................................................................................................................... 96
5. Adjusting the HST neutral spring for speed control pedal ......................................................................... 96
6. Adjusting the brake pedal .......................................................................................................................... 97
7. Adjusting the emergency hand brake ........................................................................................................ 97
SERVICE EVERY 200 HOURS .......................................................................................................................... 97
1. Replacing the engine oil filter .................................................................................................................... 97
2. Changing the engine oil............................................................................................................................. 98
3. Replacing the transmission oil filter ........................................................................................................... 98
4. Checking the toe-in.................................................................................................................................... 99
4.1 Adjusting the toe-in ............................................................................................................................ 99
SERVICE EVERY 400 HOURS .......................................................................................................................... 99
1. Adjusting the front axle pivot ..................................................................................................................... 99
2. Changing the transmission fluid .............................................................................................................. 100
3. Cleaning the transmission strainer .......................................................................................................... 101
4. Changing the front axle case oil .............................................................................................................. 101
5. Replacing the fuel filter element .............................................................................................................. 101
SERVICE EVERY 800 HOURS ........................................................................................................................ 101
1. Adjusting the engine valve clearance ...................................................................................................... 101
SERVICE EVERY 1000 HOURS OR 1 YEAR .................................................................................................. 102
1. Replacing of the air cleaner element ....................................................................................................... 102
SERVICE EVERY 1500 HOURS ...................................................................................................................... 102
1. Checking the injection pressure of the fuel injection nozzle .................................................................... 102
SERVICE EVERY 2000 HOURS OR 2 YEARS................................................................................................ 102
1. Flushing the cooling system and changing the coolant ........................................................................... 102
2. Antifreeze ................................................................................................................................................ 103
SERVICE EVERY 3000 HOURS ...................................................................................................................... 104
1. Checking the injection pump ................................................................................................................... 104
SERVICE EVERY 1 YEAR ............................................................................................................................... 104
1. Checking the intake air line ..................................................................................................................... 104
2. Checking the radiator hoses and the hose clamps.................................................................................. 104
2.1 Coping with overheating................................................................................................................... 105
3. Checking the power steering line ............................................................................................................ 105
4. Checking the fuel lines ............................................................................................................................ 105
5. Checking the engine breather hose......................................................................................................... 106
SERVICE EVERY 4 YEARS ............................................................................................................................. 106
1. Replacing radiator hose (water pipes)..................................................................................................... 106
2. Replacing the fuel hose ........................................................................................................................... 106
3. Replacing the power steering hose ......................................................................................................... 106
4. Replacing the intake air line .................................................................................................................... 106
5. Replacing the engine breather hose........................................................................................................ 106
SERVICE AS REQUIRED................................................................................................................................. 106
1. Bleeding the fuel system ......................................................................................................................... 106
2. Replacing the fuse................................................................................................................................... 107
3. Replacing the light bulb ........................................................................................................................... 108
4
BX231D

STORAGE OF THE TRACTOR ...............................................................................................109
STORING THE TRACTOR ............................................................................................................................... 109
REMOVING THE TRACTOR FROM STORAGE.............................................................................................. 109
TROUBLESHOOTING.............................................................................................................110
ENGINE TROUBLESHOOTING ....................................................................................................................... 110
OPTIONS ................................................................................................................................. 111
OPTION ITEMS .................................................................................................................................................111
APPENDICES ..........................................................................................................................112
MAXIMUM MASSES......................................................................................................................................... 112
1. Maximum permissible load ...................................................................................................................... 112
INDEX.......................................................................................................................................113
BX231D
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6
BX231D