BX-25 hydraulic fluid use.

old fool · Oct 2, 2011

BX-25 - I dumped most of a gallon jug of hydraulic fluid (about a pint at a time) into the transmission in the first 50 hours of operation. Dealer says "yep, that sounds about right." Is it? Only changed BH on and off twice. Didn't see any drops after change. Don't see any spots at parking location. Never taken loader off. See no evidence of any pin-hole leaks unless it is blasting out into the air. No hydraulic smell while driving. Have not, yet, checked pressure but my guess is that it is low rather than high. Loader struggles with about 400 lbs. I think it is even weaker after the 50 hour, $400 oil change.

Any ideas, thoughts, or suggestions?

J_J · Oct 2, 2011

Install a pressure gage in the system and tell us the max pressure you can achieve.

old fool · Oct 2, 2011

I got 1750 at 3500 rpm, warm, read at the feed to the loader. Not as low as I expected but not worth the trouble to shim.

J_J · Oct 2, 2011

I believe your PRV should be set to 1,778 psi.

Which cyls did you use for the test, loader or 3pt?

If you maxed out the loader cyl, and got 1750 psi, then your loader should be able to lift 745 lbs at max lift, with a break out force of 992 lbs.

Did you read the pressure at the BH, IN port.

The BH should also have a relief valve and should be set equal to the PRV.

Dipper stick digging force 1,171 lbs

Bucket digging force 1,936 lbs

cschulz · Oct 2, 2011

What was the dealers answers other than what you stated? Sound like I need to keep a close eye on mine for the next few months. Im only at 25 hours.

Chris

oldnslo · Oct 2, 2011

old fool said:
BX-25 - I dumped most of a gallon jug of hydraulic fluid (about a pint at a time) into the transmission in the first 50 hours of operation. Dealer says "yep, that sounds about right." Is it? Only changed BH on and off twice. Didn't see any drops after change. Don't see any spots at parking location. Never taken loader off. See no evidence of any pin-hole leaks unless it is blasting out into the air. No hydraulic smell while driving. Have not, yet, checked pressure but my guess is that it is low rather than high. Loader struggles with about 400 lbs. I think it is even weaker after the 50 hour, $400 oil change.

Any ideas, thoughts, or suggestions?

Using a gallon of oil does not sound right unless ALL of the cylinders on the backhoe where plumb empty and it took cycling them several times to fill them. Have you always checked the oil level with BH and FEL in the same position? Not sure if the owners manual specifies what position to have the BH in or not.

Roy

J_J · Oct 2, 2011

Agree with you on that.

Once all the cyl have cycled several times, he should check the hyd tank level again.

old fool · Oct 2, 2011

Used the fitting for the loader. There are four. I used the one closest to the driver, farthest from the bucket. Followed instructions that came with the gage. Had to push the lever that would normally make the bucket go down to get a reading. Did not measure at the 3-point. Still had BH attached. Would you expect different? Is it worth shimming? I have shims. Dealer told me to NOT adjust the pressure. He was emphatic. Must of had one explode on him sometime. I'd have to take out the shim if machine ever went back for any reason. I might try it to see the difference. Don't tell anyone.

BUT...

The pressure still doesn't explain why it used about a gallon of HDT in 50 hours. It has to be coming out while working in the field. I see no drip on the tractor or patio where it parks. That stuff is expensive so I hope it's not normal on a BX-25; and a new one at that - with all the seals still tight. What'll happen when she gets a little loose with age? And no wise cracks from the peanut gallery.

old fool · Oct 2, 2011

I see you were writing while I was writing. The BH was new, could have been empty, but each time I would fill it to the line, a week or so later I would need to fill it again. I check the level (and oil) before working for the day. I fill to the line. It takes about a pint each fill.