Metal chips in trans strainer what's normal?

[KPotts]

Metal chips in trans strainer what\'s normal?

While servicing my BX 2200 this week end I pulled the transmission strainer out for cleaning. I was surprised at the amount of metal chips on the strainer. There were several (10-20) larger chips, and about the same amount of very small slivers. The larger chips were the size of a pencil lead and maybe a 16th of an inch long. I have no history with HST transmissions and would like to know if this is normal or if I should be concerned.

 

[SeymourBota]

Re: Metal chips in trans strainer what\'s normal?

I also had what I felt was a significant quantity of metal filings in my strainer, although I didn't dump them out and examine them further. I replaced the strainer, so I could do a thorough job cleaning it and have it ready for the next maintenance cycle.

 

[gsxr1100]

Re: Metal chips in trans strainer what\'s normal?

I had the same thing on my bx22. Normal.

 

[rbargeron]

Re: Metal chips in trans strainer what\'s normal?

I don't think there should be large filings like that in any Kubota, and especially not an HST.

Is the machine new? If so definitely get the dealer involved.

If its not new clean it out as best you can, and check it again in a month. If there are more chips, something may be going south. Save the chips so the dealer can get them analyzed for material & likely source. Hope this turns out well.

 

[MadReferee]

Re: Metal chips in trans strainer what\'s normal?

Remember that there is a common sump/tank for hydraulic fluid in the Kubotas and most other CUTs. The metal shavings could have come from almost anywhere that uses the fluid. This includes valves, hoses, PTO gears, cylinders, etc. I would think that some shavings would be normal at the 50 hour service.

 

[DanR67]

Re: Metal chips in trans strainer what\'s normal?

KPotts -

I attached a picture of what my strainer looked like at my (first) 50 hour service. I figured it's nice to have a record if there's ever a warranty question down the road.

While not "spotless" - I didn't think that a few residual metal chips / splinters is the *end of the world*. If something was mechanically wearing within the hydraulic system, I'd expect the strainer to be "clogged" with debris.

From a hydraulic standpoint - I think the only thing that could "wear" appreciably would have to be the pump(s) - as the hydraulic cylinders (FEL / 3PH etc.) would more than likely show abnormal hydraulic functioning due to worn / blown seals before a hydraulic cylinder/piston started to shed metal.

That being said - if I'm not mistaken the (pressure) filters will come immediately after the pumps - so that if there was metal debris coming from the pump - it should get trapped in the filter before it could spread to the system and cause further damage.

I just clocked 100 hours on my B7610 this past weekend - so 50 "clock" hours have passed since I took this picture last summer. I imagine that if any problems were going to show up - I'd have seen them long ago.

Hope that helps set your mind at ease.

Dan

 

[SeymourBota]

Re: Metal chips in trans strainer what\'s normal?

Remember that our "bigger brothers" employ 2 hydraulic filters, while we only employ one, plus the strainer.
If we had a second filter instead, we would be removing it and disposing of it with no recognition of the metal filings caught by it.
I recently did both hydraulic filters on my 2410 but couldn't begin to tell you if it had the same issues or not.

 

[garbageman]

Re: Metal chips in trans strainer what\'s normal?

What are you guys using to clean the strainer?
Ray

 

[BGL990]

Re: Metal chips in trans strainer what\'s normal?

I recently did the 50 hour service on my JD 990 (gear trans.) I found the same thing on my strainer - lots of shavings varying in size from barely visible to long curly bits obviously left over from initial machining. I tend to think the transmission cases and other various parts are not necessarily cleaned out 100% spotless before final assembly and the strainer is catching stuff that was in there from the start.

I rinsed mine in diesel, used an air compressor, tweezers, and a bunch of time to get it fairly clean. It's not easy to get all that stuff out of the fine mesh.

 

[SeymourBota]

Re: Metal chips in trans strainer what\'s normal?

I used brake cleaning spray. It was all I hand on hand that met the recommendations.
I decided to buy an extra strainer (around $13.00) so I could take my time cleaning the old one and having it dry out.

 

[btolle]

Re: Metal chips in trans strainer what\'s normal?

My B7510 had a few small shavings in it at the 50 hour maintenance. Seems to be normal for the first cleaning.

Like SeymourBota I used brake cleaner and then blew it dry with compressed air.

Bill Tolle

 

[garbageman]

Re: Metal chips in trans strainer what\'s normal?

When I did my 50hr service the strainer was clean. I remember spraying in with brake cleaner. I'm due for 100hr service, lets see how it's looks.
Ray

 

[Will_C]

Re: Metal chips in trans strainer what\'s normal?

I had the same experience with my 50 hour service (BX 2200). It was before I found TBN, thankfully I had a brother that explained that this was to be expected. I had nothing on the strainer at the 300 and 600 hour services.
Will

 

[KPotts]

Re: Metal chips in trans strainer what\'s normal?

Thanks for the information. I've not had the BX very long it has 360 hours on it and from the looks of the bolt I don't believe the screen has ever been cleaned. I'm going to check it again in 50 hrs.

 

[theboman]

Re: Metal chips in trans strainer what\'s normal?

My B7500 had shavings at 50 hours, and at 360+ it had even more shavings.

According to the B7500 manual it is normal, that's one of the reasons they want you to clean it off.

 

[RichT]

Re: Metal chips in trans strainer what\'s normal?

When I did my 50hr fluid exchange on my BX22 I discovered major filings in the screen. This link details my findings in a letter to Kubota with pictures.

When I removed screen filter, substantial torque was required. The filings were caused by cross threading the screen assembly at the factory. If you see filings this size, check the housing.

Kubota suggested I reinstall the screen assembly and check for leaks. If none, they recommended not to replace the transmission housing (major job of course). They sent me a letter that stated if this area does fail/leak at any point while I owned the tractor they would remedy without charge. Hasn't leaked for 18mos.