If it wasn't for bad luck... i'd have none at all.

KrisHansen · Jul 16, 2005

If it wasn\'t for bad luck... i\'d have none at all.

Yes, I was working in the trees with my 33d... driving along, when suddenly, a log got popped up by the front left tire.. it was more or less sideways across the trail... felt a slight resistance, immediately reversed.. saw a slow spray of fluid... "!#@!#*@#$(* #$@@($#@@$ @#$#@$(!$#@" I said... Leapt off of the tractor.. this time it was hydraulic fluid.. the log had pushed the big filter back, which broke the filter mount off of it's base plate.. luckily, no other damage... I can just imagine how much this is going to cost.. yippie!

On a related note, is the tie rod on the right side of a 33d supposed to be streight, or curved? I ask, 'cause mine is curved, and I have a feeling it's supposed to be streight...

I think it's time to armor plate this thing.

KYTurkey · Jul 16, 2005

Re: If it wasn\'t for bad luck... i\'d have none at all.

I have to say, Kris, you've had your share of problems! I'd been considering using my tractor to help with some food plotting I'm doing about an hour from home, but now I'm starting to reconsider. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Somebody should come up with skidplates or something like they do for the offroad truck crowd. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

BadDog · Jul 16, 2005

Re: If it wasn\'t for bad luck... i\'d have none at all.

I agree we need some armor plating... I've bent my front tie rod more times than I can remember... luckily my dealer has a big shop press and he just bends it back straight again... I'm sure it can't keep going like this forever, eventually it's just going to snap in two!

I've not managed to break off the oil filter though.. that's a new one. Hope you are still under warranty!

OhioGuy · Jul 16, 2005

Re: If it wasn\'t for bad luck... i\'d have none at all.

Crap...
Let us know how it turns out.
Hey, I love your snowblower pic, AWESOME.

This is a psychology thing, remember the good stuff, bury the bad stuff!
Curt

PineRidge · Jul 16, 2005

Re: If it wasn\'t for bad luck... i\'d have none at all.

Kris your luck is bound to change sooner or later for the best. When it does quickly run out and buy yourself a lottery ticket. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

KrisHansen · Jul 17, 2005

Re: If it wasn\'t for bad luck... i\'d have none at all.

Thanks guys! I fully plan on making some protection for the hudraulic lines under this thing.. I've never had such a horrible time with logs as this summer... Last year, I did a lot more aggressive work, never had a problem.. I think it's because I've gotten down to the larger pieces which can inflict more damage to the belly... oh well.. it's a very small cast piece that broke.. I am afraid to know what it costs.. of course, I'll need a filter too... and fluid.. great.

Here is the part of the filter mount that I took off of the tractor.. the bolt is just holding it up for the photos. it broke clean off of the part that bolts it to the case.. it's VERY soft metal. It slips over the hard line with an O-ring, that bold actually is what holds it on to the hard line. I'll get more piccies when I have time.. the tractor is sitting more or less right were it happened, with Duct tape covering the open hydro lines...

jinman · Jul 17, 2005

Re: If it wasn\'t for bad luck... i\'d have none at all.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( this time it was hydraulic fluid.. the log had pushed the big filter back, which broke the filter mount off of it's base plate.. luckily, no other damage... )</font>

Kris, I had a similar mishap about two years ago on my tractor. I got lucky. The whole hydrostatic filter mount and filter got bent a little, but the leak was only due to the filter bending and blowing out its gasket. Changing the filter took care of my problem. I did have to add several gallons of fluid though.

I marvel at what these tractors can do, but I also am shocked just how easily they can be disabled with just the right set of circumstances. You've certainly had a run of bad luck lately. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

have_blue · Jul 17, 2005

Re: If it wasn\'t for bad luck... i\'d have none at all.

Kris,

Thanks for the cheap (for me!) lesson! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Next time I go into the brush, I'll go in with greater care than before. Although it's logical that sticks fly up and poke things, I never think about all the things hanging down under the tractor waiting to get snagged.

Hope you get off cheaper than you presumed on the parts.

KrisHansen · Jul 17, 2005

Re: If it wasn\'t for bad luck... i\'d have none at all.

Yeah, I have been worried about those hydro lines and such under the tractor since I got it.. now I'm going to do something about it...

Here are some more shots of the carnage, plus a gratuitous shot of the woods, and my ATV...

I popped the tie rod off and streightened it as best I could... what you see here is the 'before' shot :-D

have_blue · Jul 18, 2005

Re: If it wasn\'t for bad luck... i\'d have none at all.

You know, it's ironic that your ATV has good skid pans and underbelly protection. Your tractor, which should be the ULTIMATE ATV has little or no protection.

I like having the underbelly open to get at grease fittings and repairs. However, I would rather have skid pans!