Drive shaft fan damage

[rnbrn21]

Anyone following my other thread about rear cutter size knows that we've been talking about protecting the underside of our tractors and while I've already ordered a skid plate it wasn't soon enough. During the 15 or 20 minutes that I played with my new tractor I managed to break the drive shaft fan and tore the shaft boots. Monday I need to make some phone calls to see about getting repairs. I saw the quicker methods of split fan and screw on blades but the tractor is in such good shape and even though I know it is going to be costly I think I should get it repaired properly and then the new skid plate should keep it from happening again. At least I should be able to get it repaired before the weather warms up and I would want to get using it.

 

[HeLa]

if the weather is cold enough you might be able to get away without a fan for a bit. the boots, however, can become a problem if you're working in dirty or dusty conditions.

on my BX25 the shop manual calls for 5hrs. to replace the fan, fwiw.

did you damage the front boot on the driveshaft? i know that the BXpanded does not cover this one. from first glance it *appears* as if the Bro-Tek setup will cover this one, but only with all three plates, at a cost of ~$400.

 

[thavil]

Did you purchase the KTAC insurance when you bought your tractor? If so, make a claim and the $250 deductible will be cheaper than paying outright.

 

[Shett]

The skid plate was a good investment, I was so paranoid about mine I ordered mine so that it would arrive right around the same time as my tractor. I'm not sure there will ever be a 100% solution but it's great peace of mind to have at least some protection. I feel it does a cover up the vulnerable bits pretty well, I took some pics in another thread.

 

[rnbrn21]

My initial reaction was to have a dealer do this repair, but upon further reflection I've decided to tackle the job myself. It will give me a good chance to really get to know my new to me tractor and save me $660-$700 dollars. I've seen a lot of the threads on this job and my most trepidation comes from having to move the engine as I don't have any kind of a lift. I did see one write up of someone who stated that a lift wasn't necessary so that gives me hope. I've ordered the parts and have to replace the dust seals as well, I hope that doesn't turn out to be too difficult.

 

[4shorts]

I put a new fan and boot on a BX24 a few weeks ago. The owner of the tractor took the body work off because he needed to repair a cracked floor but he brought me the tractor. It was still a sizeable job. I removed the motor from its mounts and pulled it ahead about three inches to get the driveshaft out.
Worked out well but a stupid design and a pile of work for a $20 fan.

 

[lindnova]

Do a search here on the driveshaft fan replacement. Lots of info. I replaced mine without moving the engine. It barely fit, but I didn't have to force anything too hard. Good luck!

 

[aczlan]

Do a search here on the driveshaft fan replacement. Lots of info. I replaced mine without moving the engine. It barely fit, but I didn't have to force anything too hard. Good luck!

The newer tractors are different and the engine must be moved.

Aaron Z

 

[like2wheel]

The newer tractors are different and the engine must be removed.

Aaron Z

Not "removed", just "moved".

But yes, the job got considerably more complicated on the 50 series BX.

 

[aczlan]

Not "removed", just "moved".
But yes, the job got considerably more complicated on the 50 series BX.

Apparently my fingers outran my brain... Yes, moved, not removed.

Aaron Z

 

[techman]

I solved the boot problem a few years ago. I purchased some of the cloth webbing used to cover the hoses (got it at the local Parker Store). Cut about 4" long and put a few holes near the ends using my soldering iron tip. Slid these over the boots and ran tie wraps through the holes and tied them at each end. A tough protective cover and I have never replaced a boot since.

paul

 

[rnbrn21]

I ordered three of the boots and I'm thinking about putting a spare one on the shaft facing the front and tie wrapping it in place. Since the BXpanded skid plate should protect the rear one if the front one ever tears again just rip it off and move the spare one into place.

 

[TheFlatlander]

I ordered three of the boots and I'm thinking about putting a spare one on the shaft facing the front and tie wrapping it in place. Since the BXpanded skid plate should protect the rear one if the front one ever tears again just rip it off and move the spare one into place.

That's a really good idea.

 

[jdeen13]

I solved the boot problem a few years ago. I purchased some of the cloth webbing used to cover the hoses (got it at the local Parker Store). Cut about 4" long and put a few holes near the ends using my soldering iron tip. Slid these over the boots and ran tie wraps through the holes and tied them at each end. A tough protective cover and I have never replaced a boot since.

paul

Any chance of posting a picture of this? Thanks.

 

[lindnova]

So it was very difficult to remove the driveshaft on a BX2200 and the fan is easily damaged and the boots don't last long. Then they make it more difficult on the newer models. Engineering dept fail...

 

[IkeRoberts]

I just took mine(BX2360) in for a new fan. 7 dollars for the part and 200 to install it. I couldn,t do it that cheap. It would cost me more than that to heat my gaqrage for 2-3 days.