BX-24 Rear Drive Shaft Fan Questions

[AllanS]

I also destroyed this fan on my brand new tractor. Murphy's Law strikes again.

Suppose the fan broke and I hadn't noticed? I presume the hydraulics will overheat. Does this cause catastrophic damage, or gradual? How often should I be crawling underneath the tractor to check this fan? Would it be prudent to install some sort of temperature gauge?

 

[radioman]

Would it be prudent to install some sort of temperature gauge?

I was also thinking of the same thing for checking hydralic temps. I am sure it much higher then engine temps, but we need to keep on it as well.

 

[CHDinCT]

I also destroyed this fan on my brand new tractor. Murphy's Law strikes again.

Suppose the fan broke and I hadn't noticed? I presume the hydraulics will overheat. Does this cause catastrophic damage, or gradual? How often should I be crawling underneath the tractor to check this fan? Would it be prudent to install some sort of temperature gauge?

I read so many accounts of fan damage that the first add on I got for my BX was a Bro-tek skid plate. Well worth the cost since most dealers charge several times its cost to replace the fan due to the amount of labor involved. I know some guys have replaced their own, but I didn't want to face that decision.

Bro-Tek: Tractor Add Ons

 

[Hedgy]

I'll try and get some pictures posted.

Yes, photos will be helpful. When you have them, I'll also post them on the BX Wiki.

 

[EE_Bota]

I also destroyed this fan on my brand new tractor. Murphy's Law strikes again.

Suppose the fan broke and I hadn't noticed? I presume the hydraulics will overheat. Does this cause catastrophic damage, or gradual? How often should I be crawling underneath the tractor to check this fan? Would it be prudent to install some sort of temperature gauge?

Depends on how hot. The o-rings and hose failure are what we have most closely associated with overheating in industrial hydraulics. It may harm the oil as well.

It would be great if we could find a sensor for the tranny and a different one for the engine, and use them to cut off the injector pump if either are too hot.
A gauge would be an improvement, but I am not sure I would notice it..I'm usually avoiding trees and trying not to drive off the edge of the retaining walls.

Most hydraulics, I target 140 degrees or less. I am not sure what a good value would be for the engine...depends...on the pressure setting of the cap and the coolant mix. It can be figured out...anyone know? 220 could be a good place to start...

 

[jimmer2880]

....It would be great if we could find a sensor for the tranny and a different one for the engine, and use them to cut off the injector pump if either are too hot.
A gauge would be an improvement, but I am not sure I would notice it..I'm usually avoiding trees and trying not to drive off the edge of the retaining walls.
.....

Could a temp guage be put on the return line of the hydraulics? Since we are talking hydrostat, would that be a good indication of trans temps?

 

[rdsaustintx]

No idea why this thread got woke-up, but years ago I remember reading there is already wiring and a space in the BX23 dash for an HST idiot light. At the time folks speculated that overseas models might have an overheat warning, and (presumably) there is a sensor and corresponding place to mount in the tranny somewhere.

Nothing ever came of the discussion as far as I know.

Making the fan HARDER to replace was a plain stupid change on the BX24. As were the plastic fenders.

 

[bx24]

Wouldn't it make sense to design the fan in two pieces that bolt around the shaft? Given where it is, balance should not be that huge of an issue.

Given that these tractors can and do get used with rotary cutters in heavy brush, this design seems insane to me (at least without additional protection)

 

[BotaBigot]

...As were the plastic fenders.

I like the plastic fenders...especially when I back into buildings/fences/trees while mowing "up close." I'm lazy...with all the board fencing to string trim, I try to mow as close a possible.

 

[BotaBigot]

Wouldn't it make sense to design the fan in two pieces that bolt around the shaft? Given where it is, balance should not be that huge of an issue...

This is an academic exercise for me, since I have skidplates. But, I've wondered about this too. If I had to replace the fan, my first attempt would be to try splitting it, and putting it back together with screws or band clamps...