Metal filings in trans oil

[dannymax]

I have an '05 GR2000 with about 350 hours. At 325 hrs I changed the transmission oil and found a lot of metal shavings in the suction screen. I flushed the system with new fluid and it appears to be ok so far.

In reading the owners manual (which is a poorly written document, at best) I find a couple references to filings in the oil:

Cleaning Transmission Strainer "When changing the transmission fluid, disassemble and rinse.........to completely clean off filings"
And again in a NOTE: at the bottom of the page:

"Since the filings in the oil can damage.........the end of the suction line is provided with an oil strainer."

I find it very difficult to believe that metal filings in the transmission would be considered a 'normal condition' but it appears that Kabota does.

I will be draining the oil out at 50 hours (about 25 more hrs), just wondering if anyone else has run across this and if so, what did you do about it?

Thanks!

 

[TripleR]

That really isn't all that unusual and it is not just Kubota.

 

[Marcussen]

My Kubota had metal in the fluid the first time I changed the filters/fluid (50 hours) at the 200 hour filter change and the 400 fluid/filter change I did not see any metal. Only on the first change.

 

[dannymax]

Thanks for the reply. It's certainly comforting to hear that as I went into panic mode when I saw the filings!

Is it reasonable to expect the amount to reduce with time?


Marcussen just answered my question....thanks!
Maybe I don't need to think about selling it after all....that's great cause I kinda like the little bugger!

 

[TripleR]

Thanks for the reply. It's certainly comforting to hear that as I went into panic mode when I saw the filings!

Is it reasonable to expect the amount to reduce with time?


Marcussen just answered my question....thanks!
Maybe I don't need to think about selling it after all....that's great cause I kinda like the little bugger!

If you do a search on here you will find all kinds of threads on maintenance with some finding only a little metal and others a lot, just part of the break-in process.

 

[IslandTractor]

Same was true with my Kioti. Kioti actually has a magnetic drain plug rather than a screen so it is obvious when there are filings. I understand it is normal especially for the first HST oil change (which should have been before 350hrs though!). Just a matter of newly machined parts seating and wearing normally as that happens.

 

[dannymax]

Same was true with my Kioti. Kioti actually has a magnetic drain plug rather than a screen so it is obvious when there are filings. I understand it is normal especially for the first HST oil change (which should have been before 350hrs though!). Just a matter of newly machined parts seating and wearing normally as that happens.

I wondered when that was going to be caught!! :laughing:

The dealer did the first change at about 150 hours (for warranty purposes) and didn't mention anything about filings.....the 325 hour was the second one which I did.

Think I'll reduce the changing frequency to 100 hours and see how it does.

 

[dannymax]

If you do a search on here you will find all kinds of threads on maintenance with some finding only a little metal and others a lot, just part of the break-in process.

TripleR, I tried doing a search but will need a little more time working with the forum to be able to make it work.

Just not much of a computer guy....but I'll catch on....if I live long enough!! :laughing:

 

[TripleR]

TripleR, I tried doing a search but will need a little more time working with the forum to be able to make it work.

Just not much of a computer guy....but I'll catch on....if I live long enough!! :laughing:

I've used computers since my old Apple IIc and had to use one at work and I still have to devote a lot of time finding something on the "search". Bottom line is metal shavings at this point are nothing about which to worry.

 

[BeezFun]

I searched like Sherlock Holmes to find a shaving when I changed my transmission oil the first time, no luck. The screen looked like it just came off the shelf it was so clean. Maybe that's bad, I guess if I had shavings in my transmission oil I'd rather it be in the strainer than somewhere else. In fact you probably should be happy to find shavings in the strainer, that means the system's working as designed.

 

[IslandTractor]

I searched like Sherlock Holmes to find a shaving when I changed my transmission oil the first time, no luck. The screen looked like it just came off the shelf it was so clean. Maybe that's bad, I guess if I had shavings in my transmission oil I'd rather it be in the strainer than somewhere else. In fact you probably should be happy to find shavings in the strainer, that means the system's working as designed.

Interesting. On the Kioti the magnetic drain plug captures even tiny shavings that would easily get through a screen. I wonder if the Kubota is set up so those size particles are captured by the filter instead.

 

[rjkobbeman]

I did a full engine oil, hydraulic fluid and front diff/gear lube change at 50 hours. I was surprised on how much metal shavings were in the hydraulic fluid. On my tractor there are two hydraulic filters. Both had their magnetic rings full and the bottom of my drain pan had quite a bit of shavings.

I don't know if there is cause for concern or not... but I haven't thought twice about it and have been pedal-to-the-metal (so to speak) ever since.

A lot of people seem to complain that different tractors have different fluid change intervals. I think a lot has to do with the type of transmission one has. I also bet the different types of transmissions have different amounts of 'normal' wear.

My first hydraulic fluid change was at 50 hours (book). The next one is at 600 hours -- 550 hours later. We'll see if I wait that long (certainly WON'T be at 100 hours) and how much crap I find in there at that time.

 

[Chilly807]

Generally it's debris from the initial assembly and machining that you find. With all the nooks, crannies, etc in the transmission case they have lots of places to hide.

Sean

 

[funwithahoe]

Oh - I left the metal filings in there when I changed the fluid and cleaned the filter - I figured "Hey they must be suppose to be in there - aint like someone broke in here and threw them filings in there!"

Maybe I should clean them filters off??

:confused2:

 

[bp fick]

A lot of people seem to complain that different tractors have different fluid change intervals. I think a lot has to do with the type of transmission one has. I also bet the different types of transmissions have different amounts of 'normal' wear.

My first hydraulic fluid change was at 50 hours (book). The next one is at 600 hours -- 550 hours later. We'll see if I wait that long (certainly WON'T be at 100 hours) and how much crap I find in there at that time.

Agree. With my hours/year it would take how long to get that many hours?
It won't be at 100 hours, but it will be at 300 hours or 3 years, whatever comes first. That is as far/long as I am going to leave any fluid in a tractor. Any fluid in any compartment.

 

[Chilly807]

Interesting. On the Kioti the magnetic drain plug captures even tiny shavings that would easily get through a screen. I wonder if the Kubota is set up so those size particles are captured by the filter instead.

My 3400 filter has a magnetic ring just inside the sealing surface of the hydraulic filter. It traps a lot, I found everything from a fine grey ferrous paste to a helical machined chip from a turning or drilling process stuck to it.

Sean

 

[dannymax]

I have some small round disc magnets, think I'll stick a couple of those on the outside of the trans. filter....it certainly can't hurt. Maybe help clean the system up a little quicker.

 

[skeeterbug]

I just had the same problem but it is now 2012. I read all about rebuild kits and this being a problem with the early gr2000s. Why ever happened to yours. Are you still running it?