BX2350, Yet Another Sad Fan Story

[turkeyvulture]

My fan got speared by sticks too. It took off a couple blades, cracked the rest of them at the root, and tore the rubber boot covering the rear U joint or tri-pot or CV joint or whatever it is. The flapping boot melted a hole in the plastic body and floor mat. Now I can look through it a see the spinning driveshaft. How 'bout that for safety, Kubota attorneys!!

I'd consider the split fan option, but I need to replace the boot too. Some guy at the Kubota dealer said it "really isn't necessary", but I figger they put it there for some purpose. So I am now preparing for full dismantling to do what's necessary to replace fan and boot.

From what I can find out, the Kubota fan protector I could get doesn't protect anything. The Bro-Tek or other full coverage models would work, but looks like they would trap chaff up there and interfere with air flow. In fact I think there were some posters who alluded to that sort of trouble. Anyway, it seems like what's needed is a deflector, angled down, with a cutout for the driveshaft. It wouldn't catch debris or block air flow, and would deflect all the sticks and stuff down away from the fan, boot, filter, and other vital organs. When I get the thing all tore down, I'm going see about fabricating something like that.

What did Kubota have in mind with this thing, mowing golf greens? Grr.

 

[EE_Bota]

My fan got speared by sticks too. It took off a couple blades, cracked the rest of them at the root, and tore the rubber boot covering the rear U joint or tri-pot or CV joint or whatever it is. The flapping boot melted a hole in the plastic body and floor mat. Now I can look through it a see the spinning driveshaft. How 'bout that for safety, Kubota attorneys!!

I'd consider the split fan option, but I need to replace the boot too. Some guy at the Kubota dealer said it "really isn't necessary", but I figger they put it there for some purpose. So I am now preparing for full dismantling to do what's necessary to replace fan and boot.

From what I can find out, the Kubota fan protector I could get doesn't protect anything. The Bro-Tek or other full coverage models would work, but looks like they would trap chaff up there and interfere with air flow. In fact I think there were some posters who alluded to that sort of trouble. Anyway, it seems like what's needed is a deflector, angled down, with a cutout for the driveshaft. It wouldn't catch debris or block air flow, and would deflect all the sticks and stuff down away from the fan, boot, filter, and other vital organs. When I get the thing all tore down, I'm going see about fabricating something like that.

What did Kubota have in mind with this thing, mowing golf greens? Grr.

I think it was Milkman who built the style I use, and I copied mine from his. I will search for the thread, and see if I can find it.

In the meantime, don't over-tear down...it shouldn't be that hard. I saw a link that had an "official" explanation of how to do it, and it didn't look that bad.

Edit: Yes. I swiped Milkman's idea. look at this thread..
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ydrostatic-transmission-fan-victim-today.html

It has the shield I swiped, and the Bx??50 repair procedure.

 

[thavil]

The Bro-Tek or other full coverage models would work, but looks like they would trap chaff up there and interfere with air flow. In fact I think there were some posters who alluded to that sort of trouble.

I'm not sure there is any proof of what you are saying about the Bro-Tek skid plate. Could it happen, sure, but I haven't read about any actual failures because of the skid plate.

You don't show were you are from but if you live in the US, the KTAC insurance would take care of this kind of issue for a $250 deductable. This is the prime reason why I have the KTAC insurance.

 

[BXpanded]

Here are a couple of "Spy shots" of our soon to be released BXpanded Quick-On Under Armor for the BX. It incorporates carefully designed vents to provide for airflow and chaff evacuation while still providing protection for the fan, fuel pump, fuel filter and hydro filter. Like most of our products, it installs in seconds. It'll be available in the next couple of weeks.

 

[ClendenninTrail]

I use the Bro Tek front and rear skid plates with the mid pto covered removed to allow for additional air flow. Appears to allow for good air flow and I have not had any more sticks contact the fan since the installation.

I did have to grind out the opening for the tredle linkage when I installed the plates.

I do like the looks of the BXpanded prototype.

 

[thavil]

Here are a couple of "Spy shots" of our soon to be released BXpanded Quick-On Under Armor for the BX. It incorporates carefully designed vents to provide for airflow and chaff evacuation while still providing protection for the fan, fuel pump, fuel filter and hydro filter. Like most of our products, it installs in seconds. It'll be available in the next couple of weeks.

Looks good Harry!! Hope this product works out as well as your other great products.

 

[CHDinCT]

Nice looking addition to your line-up. I assume the armor will come off for the MMM install? Gotta love the free market. Good luck with it.

 

[kuboman]

This I am sure has been covered before and because I do not have a BX I am curious about this whole fan business. I take it that the drive shaft cannot be removed along with the fan without 'splitting' the tractor
What would happen if after the first fan breakage you cut the shaft in half and then took it to a machine shop and had splines cut and a coupler made. Then changing the fan would be and easy deal.:thumbsup:
Any comments to that or am I missing something.

 

[turkeyvulture]

Thanks EE Bota, that's kind of what I had in mind. BXpanded, will yours install angled down to deflect sticks? Also, are those knock-outs or ventilation holes?

 

[turkeyvulture]

This I am sure has been covered before and because I do not have a BX I am curious about this whole fan business. I take it that the drive shaft cannot be removed along with the fan without 'splitting' the tractor
What would happen if after the first fan breakage you cut the shaft in half and then took it to a machine shop and had splines cut and a coupler made. Then changing the fan would be and easy deal.:thumbsup:
Any comments to that or am I missing something.

Sure they could, for a price. But two things:
With a good design, this would never happen, and-
With a good retrofit, it shouldn't happen again.