Wheel Motor Leak

[Barryh]

I was considering reversing mine also. I have been waiting to see something like this on here. Sorry it had to be at your expense though /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

A little voice kept saying don't do it. Along with a few voice's on this forum. Glad now I listened to it. Once again sorry for your expense and down time. Hope she runs trouble free from here on in.

Thanks for being big enough to admit you reversed the wheels, it may save someone else, (me for one) from going through the same thing.
/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[KentT]

tlb,

Just curious...

How many hours are on your PT?

I'm running reversed wheels AND I've loaded them with windshield washer fluid (and tire sealant). I loaded the tires about 100 hours ago and reversed them about 50 hours ago.

Personally, unless this becomes a chronic, "high failure item" from doing that, I'll trade the increased safety and stability for the increased cost of maintenance. I bought my PT to work on hillsides, because it is one of the best machines to work on hillsides, and these changes increased its capability to do so. I've attached a picture of the kinds of areas I'm using it...

If I can't safely use it on my slopes, then I don't need the PT -- it's really that simple...

My future home site

 

[KentT]

tlb,

Just curious...

How many hours are on your PT?

I'm running reversed wheels AND I've loaded them with windshield washer fluid (and tire sealant). I loaded the tires about 100 hours ago and reversed them about 50 hours ago.

Personally, unless this becomes a chronic, "high failure item" from doing that, I'll trade the increased safety and stability for the increased cost of maintenance. I bought my PT to work on hillsides, because it is one of the best machines to work on hillsides, and these changes increased its capability to do so. I've attached a picture of the kinds of areas I'm using it...

If I can't safely use it on my slopes, then I don't need the PT -- it's really that simple...

My future home site

 

[ontheweb]

So, how does reversing the wheels result in a seal leak? I've seen other numerous seal issues without the wheels being reversed.

Just curious...

 

[ontheweb]

So, how does reversing the wheels result in a seal leak? I've seen other numerous seal issues without the wheels being reversed.

Just curious...

 

[MossRoad]

Reversing the wheels moves the load out further on the shaft than the motor is designed for. It is agravated when you rollover something on the outer edge of the tire. It puts more stress on the motor with that side load. Will it result in failed seals? Who knows? /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[MossRoad]

Reversing the wheels moves the load out further on the shaft than the motor is designed for. It is agravated when you rollover something on the outer edge of the tire. It puts more stress on the motor with that side load. Will it result in failed seals? Who knows? /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[Spiffy]

If we're talking about the reversal to increase width [which I believe is the case here]:

This puts more axial twist agaisnt the shaft; while the deflection should be mininmal, every little bit will contribute to seal failure. However, if the seals fail without accompanied bearing wear, I can't see the reversal being the primary culprit.

More likely I'd imagine contamination or very high cyclic loading (which loader work creates in all directions: both axial directions, as well as pressure cycles; torque too, but this should not affect the seals).

So, I'd say not reversing is a possible preventative measure, but wouldn't worry about it if you prefer them reversed. More inportantly keeping the oil clean, and avoiding ramming the loader or other high impact activties should give maximum seal life.

<font color="red"> edit: And MR beat me again.... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif</font>

 

[Spiffy]

If we're talking about the reversal to increase width [which I believe is the case here]:

This puts more axial twist agaisnt the shaft; while the deflection should be mininmal, every little bit will contribute to seal failure. However, if the seals fail without accompanied bearing wear, I can't see the reversal being the primary culprit.

More likely I'd imagine contamination or very high cyclic loading (which loader work creates in all directions: both axial directions, as well as pressure cycles; torque too, but this should not affect the seals).

So, I'd say not reversing is a possible preventative measure, but wouldn't worry about it if you prefer them reversed. More inportantly keeping the oil clean, and avoiding ramming the loader or other high impact activties should give maximum seal life.

<font color="red"> edit: And MR beat me again.... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif</font>

 

[MossRoad]

<font color="blue"> And MR beat me again.... </font>

Sorry, I was watching hard drives format (kind of like watching cement dry) and had a few moments to kill. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[MossRoad]

<font color="blue"> And MR beat me again.... </font>

Sorry, I was watching hard drives format (kind of like watching cement dry) and had a few moments to kill. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[J_J]

Just to add more data to this problem. A seal leak by itself is no big deal and happens frequently. Hydraulic pressure, type of fluid, type of seal, bearings all these items can fail, or cause other parts to fail, Side loads, vertical loads, all have to be taken into account when they design something like a wheel motor. If you can look at the specs for the motor, it will tell you the max force that the unit can operate with life expectancy of so many hours. That motor could fail with in one hour, or used three times as originally designed.

If one puts additional forces loads on the motor, you will probably decrease the useful life of that motor. Additional stress could be, hitting pot holes, running over ruts fast, and the big one. adding a super big load on those front wheel motors, with half a ton to a ton of weight on the front end. Common sense will tell it will try and bend the motor and frame and make the unit squat. If the frame and motor body is strong enough, the shaft will take that extra force on the bearings and seal. I would bet that if the manufacture knew that you exceeded their limit, they would void your warranty. Does anyone know if most of the wheel motor failures are on the front. The rear wheel motors have the same stress all the time, or even less. Why, because if you are lifting 1200 lbs, that rear end has to be lighter than before the load was lifted. If you exceed the load, you know what will happen. Those front wheel motors take most of the abuse, or stress.

 

[J_J]

Just to add more data to this problem. A seal leak by itself is no big deal and happens frequently. Hydraulic pressure, type of fluid, type of seal, bearings all these items can fail, or cause other parts to fail, Side loads, vertical loads, all have to be taken into account when they design something like a wheel motor. If you can look at the specs for the motor, it will tell you the max force that the unit can operate with life expectancy of so many hours. That motor could fail with in one hour, or used three times as originally designed.

If one puts additional forces loads on the motor, you will probably decrease the useful life of that motor. Additional stress could be, hitting pot holes, running over ruts fast, and the big one. adding a super big load on those front wheel motors, with half a ton to a ton of weight on the front end. Common sense will tell it will try and bend the motor and frame and make the unit squat. If the frame and motor body is strong enough, the shaft will take that extra force on the bearings and seal. I would bet that if the manufacture knew that you exceeded their limit, they would void your warranty. Does anyone know if most of the wheel motor failures are on the front. The rear wheel motors have the same stress all the time, or even less. Why, because if you are lifting 1200 lbs, that rear end has to be lighter than before the load was lifted. If you exceed the load, you know what will happen. Those front wheel motors take most of the abuse, or stress.

 

[RegL]

I tried reversing wheels on the 1430 for field mowing on hillsides but the wheels come out wider than the mower and makes for a crummy job. I was thinking of trying some kind of spacers between the tub and the wheel motor brackets. There would be more stress on the bolts but they are a lot cheaper than wheel motors.

 

[RegL]

I tried reversing wheels on the 1430 for field mowing on hillsides but the wheels come out wider than the mower and makes for a crummy job. I was thinking of trying some kind of spacers between the tub and the wheel motor brackets. There would be more stress on the bolts but they are a lot cheaper than wheel motors.

 

[tlb]

Kent,
I have around 800 hrs. It is 4 yrs old. I bought it used 2 yrs ago and it had 250 hrs on it.

Truthfully, the wheel reversal was an accident, just not paying attention as usual. I just needed an excuse to switch them back. Now I have one.

 

[tlb]

Kent,
I have around 800 hrs. It is 4 yrs old. I bought it used 2 yrs ago and it had 250 hrs on it.

Truthfully, the wheel reversal was an accident, just not paying attention as usual. I just needed an excuse to switch them back. Now I have one.

 

[tlb]

I have hillsides that vary from a few degrees to almost 45. I am sure the wider stance helps. I have had several instances where the tractor with mower started sliding sideways on the steeper slopes and it gets real scary.

Personally I think the seal leak was not due to the wider stance but the abuse I put the machine thru. I am guilty of ramming into objects to get them to move. I am also guilty of lifting move than I should.

I have used the beast to push up hundreds of stumps, tons of rocks, pushed up live trees, and 10 truckloads of 10 CY of dirt. My wife keeps telling me we got our moneys worth but I always want it to do more.
-Tim

 

[tlb]

I have hillsides that vary from a few degrees to almost 45. I am sure the wider stance helps. I have had several instances where the tractor with mower started sliding sideways on the steeper slopes and it gets real scary.

Personally I think the seal leak was not due to the wider stance but the abuse I put the machine thru. I am guilty of ramming into objects to get them to move. I am also guilty of lifting move than I should.

I have used the beast to push up hundreds of stumps, tons of rocks, pushed up live trees, and 10 truckloads of 10 CY of dirt. My wife keeps telling me we got our moneys worth but I always want it to do more.
-Tim

 

[tlb]

I are guilty (of ramming) and overloading. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif