b7800 I smell hydraulic fluid

[Frankiep]

Hello, This is my first hydro trans tractor as opposed to gear and I've got about 30 months and 88 hrs on her. My question is lately when I'm moving snow, after 20 mins or so I smell what I believe to be hydraulic fluid. I haven't found any leaks and the level on the stick seems to be the same (although it is hard to see). I've asked someone at the dealer about leaks and the response was " you would have a better chance of finding it than we would". Question 1 is: Is a slight odor of hydraulic fluid normal when working a tractor w/ a hydro trans? Question 2: should I bring her in for a check up before my warranty expires and possibly a different dealer? thanks for any advice. fp

 

[JPinnell]

Do you have a loader on it? I've only had my B7800 for less than a year. I "spill" a little fluid from the coupling whenever I connect/disconnect the loader hoses. Once the tractor has run for an hr or so and the fluid heats up I can smell it. With so few hrs in 30 months you may never have really gotten the fluid hot?

 

[Volfandt]

I would say that you're smelling the HST vent "venting". My BX23 will occasionally vent a wiff or two of hydraulic aroma whilst mowing on a hot day but in over 3 yrs of ownership I've yet to have to add any fluid in between changes (every 200 hrs). I don't run it enough during the winter months to tell if it vents when it's cold outside tho.....
You should monitor the HST fluid level for awhile to ensure that you don't have a leak and when you do smell the fluid I'd recomend to leave it running at the same rpm, dismount and visually inspect for leaks. Be VERY careful when inspecting as the hydraulic fluid is under extremely high pressure and it could put an eye out and/or penetrate your skin and cause a painful infection.
Moving a white piece of cardboard in and around hydraulic fixtures is the safest way to find a small high pressure leak as well as looking for samll puddles of fluid in and around the HST and other hydraulic fixtures.

Good luck

 

[Soundguy]

I don't own a hydro.. but imagine if there is a breather for the hydro sump.. thet you would smell it once the oil got hot..

Also.. check your power steering hoses.. apparently kubota makes them an item that needs to be replaced VERY VERY often. ( probably good for business.. cash flow.. etc.. )

soundguy

 

[Bird]

If you haven't found a leak anywhere, I'll bet Volfandt is right. It's not unusual to get a little whiff from the vent.

 

[B7800mike]

My 7800 does the same. The level never goes down.

 

[easygo]

I catch the same smell now and then when using the FEL. Never found a leak and the hydro fluid level is good. You guys just explained my long running minor headache about a hidden problem.

 

[Barneyhunts]

When my machine is warmed up it smells. I store it inside on concrete and haven't had a leak yet (18 mos.) I think it is a normal operating condition.

 

[Shantycoke]

My 7800 does the same. The level never goes down.

Same with me, but I didn't get that "whiff" while moving snow this winter.
Pat

 

[Frankiep]

Thanks for the replies gentlemen. This site and the good people on it are an excellent source of advice and information. fp