Kubota BX23S User manual

1AGAJBNAP0010
1702-0136
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
BX23S
LA340
BT603
MODELS
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 Ar㷅enteuil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 Rod㷅au/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 ,Poli㷅noIndustriallaLa㷅una,Le㷅anes, 28914 (Madrid)Spain
Telephone:(
34 ) 91 - 508 - 6442
Australia :KUBOTATRACTORAUSTRALIAPTYLTD.
25 - 29 PermasWay,Tru㷅anina,VIC 3029 ,Australia
Telephone:(
61 )- 3 - 9394 - 4400
Malaysia :SIMEKUBOTASDN.BHD.
No.
3 JalanSepadu 25 / 123 TamanPerindustrianAxis,
Seksyen
25 , 40400 ShahAlam,Selan㷅orDarulEhsanMalaysia
Telephone:(
60 ) 3 - 736 - 1388
Philippines :KUBOTAPHILIPPINES,INC.
232 QuirinoHi㷅hway,Baesa,QuezonCity 1106 ,Philippines
Telephone:(
63 ) 2 - 422 - 3500
Taiwan :SHINTAIWANAGRICULTURALMACHINERYCO.,LTD.
16 ,Fen㷅pin㷅 2 ndRd,TaliaoShian㷅Kaohsiun㷅 83107 ,TaiwanR.O.C.
Telephone:(
886 ) 7 - 702 - 2333
Indonesia :PTKUBOTAMACHINERYINDONESIA
TowerAatEi㷅htyEi㷅ht@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Khlon㷅nuen㷅,AmphurKhlon㷅luan㷅,
Pathumthani
12120 ,THAILAND
Telephone:(
66 ) 2 - 909 - 0300
Korea :KUBOTAKOREACO.,LTD.
41 - 27 ,Jayumuyeok-㷅il,Baeksan-myeon,Gimje-si,Jeollabuk-do,Korea
Telephone:(
82 )- 63 - 544 - 5822
India :KUBOTAAGRICULTURALMACHINERYINDIAPVT.LTD.
No.
15 ,MedavakkamRoad,Sholin㷅anallur,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,BenCatDistrict,BinhDuon㷅Province,Vietnam
Telephone:(
84 )- 650 - 3577 - 507
Code No. K2892-7121-2
AV. B. 2-2. -. K
© KUBOTA Corporation 2016
READ AND SAVE THIS MANUAL
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PRINTED IN U.S.A.

Abbreviations Definitions
2WD
4WD
API
ASABE
ASTM
DIN
DT
fpm
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 Agricultural and Biological Engineers, USA
American Society of Testing and Materials, USA
Deutsches Institut für Normung, GERMANY
Dual Traction [4WD]
Feet Per Minute
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
ABBREVIATION LIST
California Proposition 65
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents,
certain vehicle components and fluids,
contain or emit chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
IMPORTANT
The engine in this machine is not equipped by the manufacturer with a standard spark arrester.
It is a violation of California Public Resource Code Section 4442 to use or operate this engine
on or near any forest-covered, brush-covered land, or grass- covered land unless the exhaust
system is equipped with a working spark arrester meeting state laws. Other states or federal
areas may have similar laws.
Canadian Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC):
This machine complies with Industry Canada ICES-002.

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
Slow
Fast
Brake
Parking Brake
4-Wheel Drive-Off
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.
FOREWORD

CONTENTS
SAFE OPERATION ............................................................................................ -1
TRACTOR................................................................................................................ 1
LOADER .................................................................................................................. 7
BACKHOE................................................................................................................ 9
SERVICING ................................................................................................................. 1
SPECIFICATIONS OF THE TRACTOR ...................................................................... 3
SPECIFICATION TABLE ......................................................................................... 3
TRAVELING SPEEDS ............................................................................................. 4
SPECIFICATIONS OF THE LOADER......................................................................... 5
LOADER SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................... 5
BUCKET SPECIFICATIONS.................................................................................... 5
DIMENSIONAL SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................... 6
OPERATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................... 7
LOADER TERMINOLOGY....................................................................................... 9
SPECIFICATIONS OF THE BACKHOE .................................................................... 10
BACKHOE SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................... 10
Dimensions.....................................................................................................................10
Specifications..................................................................................................................11
Lift Capacity (Per SAE J31) ............................................................................................ 13
BACKHOE TERMINOLOGY .................................................................................. 14
IMPLEMENT LIMITATIONS ...................................................................................... 15
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS................................................................. 17
PRE-OPERATION CHECK OF THE TRACTOR....................................................... 19
DAILY CHECK ....................................................................................................... 19
PRE-OPERATION CHECK OF THE LOADER ......................................................... 20
LUBRICATION ....................................................................................................... 20
TRANSMISSION FLUID ........................................................................................ 20
REAR BALLAST .................................................................................................... 20
Liquid Ballast in Rear Tires............................................................................................. 20
TIRE INFLATION ................................................................................................... 20
TEST OPERATION................................................................................................ 20
REMOVING AIR FROM HYDRAULIC SYSTEM ................................................... 21
PRE-OPERATION CHECK OF THE BACKHOE....................................................... 22
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS ................................................................................. 22
OPERATOR'S SEAT ............................................................................................. 22
BALLAST ............................................................................................................... 22
TIRE INFLATION ................................................................................................... 22
OPERATING THE ENGINE....................................................................................... 23
STARTING THE ENGINE ...................................................................................... 23
Cold Weather Starting ....................................................................................................25

CONTENTS
Block Heater (Option) ..................................................................................................... 25
STOPPING THE ENGINE...................................................................................... 25
WARMING UP ....................................................................................................... 26
Warm-up and Transmission Oil in the Low Temperature Range.................................... 26
JUMP STARTING .................................................................................................. 26
OPERATING THE TRACTOR ................................................................................... 28
OPERATING NEW TRACTOR .............................................................................. 28
Do not Operate the Tractor at Full Speed for the First 50 Hours....................................28
Changing Lubricating Oil for New Tractors.....................................................................28
GETTING ON AND OFF THE TRACTOR ............................................................. 28
OPERATING FOLDABLE ROPS ........................................................................... 28
To Fold the ROPS ..........................................................................................................28
To Raise the ROPS to Upright Position..........................................................................29
Adjustment of Foldable ROPS........................................................................................ 30
STARTING ............................................................................................................. 31
Operator's Seat............................................................................................................... 31
Seat Belt ......................................................................................................................... 32
Tilt Steering Adjustment.................................................................................................. 32
Head Light Switch........................................................................................................... 32
Hazard Light Switch........................................................................................................ 33
Turn Signal Light Switch .................................................................................................33
Brake Pedal ....................................................................................................................33
Range Gear Shift Lever (Hi-Lo)...................................................................................... 34
Front Wheel Drive Lever.................................................................................................35
Hand Accelerator Lever.................................................................................................. 35
Parking Brake Pedal.......................................................................................................35
Speed Control Pedal....................................................................................................... 36
Speed Set Device ........................................................................................................... 36
STOPPING............................................................................................................. 37
Stopping.......................................................................................................................... 37
CHECK DURING DRIVING ................................................................................... 37
Immediately Stop the Engine if:......................................................................................37
Easy Checker(TM).......................................................................................................... 38
Fuel Gauge.....................................................................................................................38
Coolant Temperature Gauge .......................................................................................... 38
Hour Meter......................................................................................................................39
Tachometer.....................................................................................................................39
PARKING ............................................................................................................... 40
Parking............................................................................................................................ 40
OPERATING TECHNIQUES ................................................................................. 40
Differential Lock..............................................................................................................40
Operating the Tractor on a Road.................................................................................... 41
Operating on a Slopes and Rough Terrain .....................................................................41
Transport the Tractor Safely........................................................................................... 41
Directions for Use of Power Steering.............................................................................. 42
ACCESSORY......................................................................................................... 43
12V Electric Outlet.......................................................................................................... 43
Glove Box .......................................................................................................................43
REVERSING THE SEAT ....................................................................................... 43
PTO ........................................................................................................................... 45

CONTENTS
PTO OPERATION.................................................................................................. 45
PTO Select Lever ........................................................................................................... 45
PTO Clutch Lever ...........................................................................................................46
PTO Shaft Cover and Shaft Cap ....................................................................................46
Stationary PTO ............................................................................................................... 46
PTO Drive Shaft.............................................................................................................. 47
3-POINT HITCH & DRAWBAR.................................................................................. 48
3-POINT HITCH ..................................................................................................... 49
Attaching and detaching implements.............................................................................. 49
Lifting Rod (Right)........................................................................................................... 49
Top Link.......................................................................................................................... 49
Check Chains ................................................................................................................. 49
HITCH .................................................................................................................... 49
Removing the 3-Point Hitch............................................................................................50
Installing the 3-Point Hitch.............................................................................................. 50
HYDRAULIC UNIT..................................................................................................... 51
3-POINT HITCH CONTROL SYSTEM................................................................... 51
Hydraulic Control ............................................................................................................ 51
3-point Hitch Lowering Speed.........................................................................................51
AUXILIARY HYDRAULICS .................................................................................... 52
Connecting Hoses for Backhoe ...................................................................................... 52
Disconnecting Hoses for Mower..................................................................................... 53
MOWER LIFT LINKAGE SYSTEM ........................................................................ 54
Cutting Height Control Dial .............................................................................................54
Hydraulic Control Unit Use Reference Chart.................................................................. 55
TIRES, WHEELS AND BALLAST.............................................................................. 56
TIRES..................................................................................................................... 56
Inflation Pressure............................................................................................................ 56
Dual Tires ....................................................................................................................... 56
WHEEL TREAD ..................................................................................................... 56
Front Wheels .................................................................................................................. 56
How to Jack Up Front Axle .............................................................................................57
Rear Wheels ................................................................................................................... 57
How to Jack Up Machine................................................................................................57
BALLAST ............................................................................................................... 58
Front Ballast.................................................................................................................... 58
Rear Ballast ....................................................................................................................58
OPERATING THE LOADER...................................................................................... 60
FILLING THE BUCKET.......................................................................................... 60
LIFTING THE LOAD .............................................................................................. 60
CARRYING THE LOAD ......................................................................................... 61
DUMPING THE BUCKET ...................................................................................... 61
LOWERING THE BUCKET.................................................................................... 61
OPERATING WITH FLOAT CONTROL................................................................. 61
LOADING FROM A BANK ..................................................................................... 62
PEELING AND SCRAPING ................................................................................... 63
LOADING LOW TRUCKS OR SPREADERS FROM A PILE................................. 63
BACKFILLING........................................................................................................ 63

CONTENTS
HANDLING LARGE HEAVY OBJECTS................................................................. 64
VALVE LOCK......................................................................................................... 65
BUCKET LEVEL INDICATOR................................................................................ 65
QUICK COUPLER SYSTEM.................................................................................. 65
FRONT REMOTE HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM (if equipped) ..................... 66
Install .............................................................................................................................. 66
Control Lever ..................................................................................................................66
Remote Control Coupler Connecting and Disconnecting ............................................... 67
ATTACHING ATTACHMENTS .............................................................................. 68
DETACHING ATTACHMENTS .............................................................................. 70
DISMOUNTING THE LOADER.............................................................................. 70
MAINTENANCE ..................................................................................................... 70
ATTACHMENTS .................................................................................................... 70
Quick Bucket...................................................................................................................70
Pallet Fork....................................................................................................................... 71
Snow Blade.....................................................................................................................71
Front Guard ....................................................................................................................71
OPERATING THE BACKHOE................................................................................... 73
OPERATING SPEED............................................................................................. 73
BACKHOE CONTROLS......................................................................................... 73
Boom & Swing Lever ......................................................................................................73
Boom & Swing Lock Lever..............................................................................................74
Dipperstick & Bucket Lever.............................................................................................74
Stabilizer Control Levers.................................................................................................75
PLACING THE STABILIZERS ............................................................................... 75
GENERAL BACKHOE OPERATION ..................................................................... 76
Dipperstick Digging......................................................................................................... 76
Spoil Pile Location .......................................................................................................... 76
Straight Wall or Cemetery Digging .................................................................................76
Stabilizer pads (Standard) ..............................................................................................77
TRANSPORTING................................................................................................... 77
Driving to the Job-site.....................................................................................................78
Trailer Transporting ........................................................................................................ 78
MAINTENANCE OF THE TRACTOR ........................................................................ 79
SERVICE INTERVALS .......................................................................................... 79
LUBRICANTS, FUEL AND COOLANT .................................................................. 80
BIODIESEL FUEL (BDF) ....................................................................................... 83
PERIODIC SERVICE OF THE TRACTOR ................................................................ 85
HOW TO OPEN THE HOOD ................................................................................. 85
Front Guard and Hood....................................................................................................85
DAILY CHECK ....................................................................................................... 85
Walk Around Inspection.................................................................................................. 85
Checking Fuel and Refueling..........................................................................................86
Checking Engine Oil Level.............................................................................................. 86
Checking Transmission Fluid Level................................................................................87
Checking Coolant Level.................................................................................................. 87
Cleaning Panel and Radiator Screen .............................................................................88
Checking Brake Pedal .................................................................................................... 88
Checking Gauges, Meters and Easy Checker(TM) ........................................................88

CONTENTS
Checking Head Light, Hazard Light etc. ......................................................................... 88
Checking Seat Belt and ROPS ....................................................................................... 88
Checking and Cleaning of Electrical Wiring and Battery Cables ....................................89
Checking Movable Parts................................................................................................. 89
EVERY 50 HOURS ................................................................................................ 89
Lubricating Grease Fittings.............................................................................................89
Checking Engine Start System ....................................................................................... 90
Checking OPC System ................................................................................................... 91
Checking Wheel Bolt Torque..........................................................................................91
Cleaning the Lock Lever Shaft........................................................................................ 92
EVERY 100 HOURS .............................................................................................. 92
Checking Battery ............................................................................................................ 92
Cleaning Air Cleaner Element ........................................................................................94
Checking Fuel Filter........................................................................................................ 94
Adjusting Fan belt Tension .............................................................................................95
Adjusting HST Neutral Spring (for Speed Control Pedal)...............................................96
Adjusting Brake Pedal .................................................................................................... 96
EVERY 200 HOURS .............................................................................................. 97
Replacing Engine Oil Filter .............................................................................................97
Changing Engine Oil.......................................................................................................97
Replacing Transmission Oil Filter ................................................................................... 98
Adjusting Toe-in.............................................................................................................. 98
EVERY 400 HOURS .............................................................................................. 99
Adjusting Front Axle Pivot...............................................................................................99
Changing Transmission Fluid ......................................................................................... 99
Cleaning Transmission Strainer.................................................................................... 100
Changing Front Axle Case Oil ...................................................................................... 100
Replacing Fuel Filter Element.......................................................................................100
EVERY 800 HOURS ............................................................................................ 100
Adjusting Engine Valve Clearance ...............................................................................100
EVERY 1000 HOURS OR 1 YEAR...................................................................... 100
Replacing Air Cleaner Element.....................................................................................100
EVERY 1500 HOURS .......................................................................................... 101
Checking Fuel Injection Nozzle Injection Pressure.......................................................101
EVERY 2000 HOURS OR 2 YEARS ................................................................... 101
Flushing Cooling System and Changing Coolant .........................................................101
Anti-Freeze ................................................................................................................... 102
EVERY 3000 HOURS .......................................................................................... 102
Checking Injection Pump..............................................................................................102
EVERY 1 YEAR ................................................................................................... 103
Checking Radiator Hoses and Clamps.........................................................................103
Checking Power Steering Line .....................................................................................103
Checking Fuel Lines .....................................................................................................103
Checking Intake Air Line............................................................................................... 104
Checking Engine Breather Hose .................................................................................. 104
EVERY 4 YEARS................................................................................................. 104
Replacing Radiator Hose (Water pipes) ....................................................................... 104
Replacing Power Steering Hose...................................................................................104
Replacing Fuel Lines .................................................................................................... 104
Replacing Engine Breather Hose ................................................................................. 104
Replacing Intake Air Line.............................................................................................. 104

CONTENTS
SERVICE AS REQUIRED.................................................................................... 105
Bleeding Fuel System................................................................................................... 105
Replacing Fuse............................................................................................................. 105
Replacing Light Bulb..................................................................................................... 106
MAINTENANCE OF THE LOADER......................................................................... 107
LUBRICATION ..................................................................................................... 107
RE-TIGHTENING OF HARDWARE..................................................................... 107
Tightening Bolts and Nuts............................................................................................. 107
DAILY CHECKS................................................................................................... 108
EVERY 50 HOURS .............................................................................................. 108
Checking main frame bolt and nut torque.....................................................................108
MAINTENANCE OF THE BACKHOE...................................................................... 109
DAILY CHECKS................................................................................................... 109
LUBRICATION ..................................................................................................... 110
BUCKET SERVICE.............................................................................................. 110
Changing the Backhoe Bucket ..................................................................................... 110
Changing the Bucket Teeth .......................................................................................... 110
EVERY 50 HOURS .............................................................................................. 111
Checking Sub Frame Bolt Torque ................................................................................111
General Torque Specification .......................................................................................112
STORAGE OF THE TRACTOR............................................................................... 113
TRACTOR STORAGE ......................................................................................... 113
REMOVING THE TRACTOR FROM STORAGE................................................. 113
REMOVING THE LOADER ..................................................................................... 114
STORAGE OF THE LOADER.............................................................................. 118
REINSTALLING THE LOADER............................................................................... 119
ADJUSTING THE HEIGHT OF LIFTING STAND ................................................ 123
REMOVING THE BACKHOE .................................................................................. 127
REMOVAL OF THE BACKHOE........................................................................... 127
STORAGE OF THE BACKHOE........................................................................... 129
REINSTALLING THE BACKHOE ............................................................................ 130
TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................................................. 133
ENGINE TROUBLESHOOTING .......................................................................... 133
OPTIONS................................................................................................................. 134
APPENDICES.......................................................................................................... 135
INDEX .................................................................................................................. 135