Metal filings at 200 Hr trans service

JMP · Jun 27, 2003

When draining the trans fluid, I heard some splashes in the oil.
I fished around in the used oil to find some metal chunks. Their was probably 3 good sized ones.(Size of a beebee but not completely round) is this normal? I did the 50 Hr. maintence, and only had metal shavings on the screen. Someone assure me this is normal.
thanks for any help.
JMP

lschultz · Jun 27, 2003

It could be that they were just left in there when it was put together and they finally worked loose or could be from something getting chipped.Does everything work ok?Nothing binding or making noise?If everything is ok put oil back in it and check it at the next service.

_RaT_ · Jun 27, 2003

Not knowing anything about the BX, I'm wondering if it calls for a hydraulic oil change at 200 hours. It seems to be the norm for Kubota to have a hydraulic oil change at 50 hours, a filter change at 200 hours and a hydraulic oil change at 400 hours. I was curious because it made me wonder if it was done at 50. When I changed my oil at 50 hours on my L48, I had a good amount of similar metal in the sump. The pieces could come from so many places including from the gears when shifting the range selector and gtting a slight grind. I would think by 200 hours, the metal would be small filings but personally would not be concerned especially since all is working well. It's also one of the reasons I like to get the oil hot prior to draining it. I think it helps flush contaminents better.

TresCrows · Jun 27, 2003

I wish I could say it was normal--I suspect it is not. I have not noticed that condition with either of my units. I suspect your operating practices may be incorrect. Do you grind the PTO, do you shift 4WD on the fly etc. Not meant to redicule you or worry you excessively--just sometimes things like this really are operator error.
It is also quite possible those pieces are left from initial breakin or are left over from manufactureing (remote but possible) or could have resulted from one single jamming of the gears/PTO/4WD etc. J

5030 · Jun 27, 2003

RaT:

You better check your owners manual. My 5030 calls for a change of all fluids at 50 hours, and again at 200 hours. The way I work my unit, however, I change filters only every 50 hours in between. I don't want your 'Kubby winding up like your E-4 /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif RaT, please don't take that personally.

techman · Jun 27, 2003

There should not be ANYTHING like that in the drain oil. I would suspect that something is starting to come apart, like a bearing.

Better get it checked out before using.

paul

Kelvin · Jul 4, 2003

I don't think that your situation is normal.

I had a friend buy a new BX2200 during the month of Jun 2003 (maybe late May 2003), and with about 20 hours on the meter the transmission HSD light (or some light...I con't remember the light's name) came on indicating a problem.

Like yours, but probably worse, the hydrostatic transmission fluid was full of metal shavings. They obviously offered to fix it for him, but he was rather scared of the BX lineup at this point so he upgraded to a B7500 and gave the BX2200 back.

I can't remember now whether I heard this next tidbit on this site or something my friend had heard and passed along, but it seemed like Kubota had gotten a batch of bad BX2200 transmission parts from one of their suppliers. Supposedly the parts had sat in the weather long enough to gather some rust prior to being assembled into the transmission.

Hopefully you still have the shavings. If so, I would recommend taking the shavings and/or your BX2200 back to your dealer and discuss the problem with him.

Kelvin

sandyc · Jul 4, 2003

Was that HST or power steering/axle problems? The trouble with getting old is that I tend to forget a lot of things. I know I told my wife that I needed that landscape rake and I am sure she agreed....at least that the story I'm telling her!

JATO_RaT · Jul 5, 2003

Nope my manual says hydraulic oil gets changed at 50 and then 400. Hydraulic filters and engine filter at 50, 200 and 400. Engine gets oil replaced every 100 hours except for the first 50 hour change. I'm sure this applies to the L5030 as my L48 was also the same regime. I replace the engine filter each oil change even though I could skip it as the manual shows and replace it every other time again except for the first 50.