BX hydro fan

[kuboman]

Just curious as to why the BX series need a fan but none of the other models do??

 

[RedDirt]

Here is my DYI pan from 11ga sheet metal (1/16"+/-). Built it in an afternoon. I does not protect the hydro filter like some but does extend far enough forward to protect the fuel filter. This is for a bx 23.

Before protection:

After protection:

Back and front attachment:

Details:

 

[shownuff]

looks like you need some holes for some kinda air flow heh??

 

[radioman]

Thats pretty nifty using scrap metal. how about adding expanded metal in front to catch branches going over the skid?

 

[jb62901]

One hour of time, can of paint and a few welding rods ($5 total) 20min to install.

This is it.

http://i27.tinypic.com/261e04k.jpg

 

[shownuff]

yea jb thats what im talkin bout

 

[RedDirt]

looks like you need some holes for some kinda air flow heh??

I really don't think air flow will be adversely affected.

quote - radioman , Thats pretty nifty using scrap metal. how about adding expanded metal in front to catch branches going over the skid?

I'll take my chances there. It would be a relatively freak accident for a stick to find its way to the fan. My entire property is brush free. I've run 2+ years now without any protection and no problems. My belly pan is just for added insurance mostly against windfall and snowfall branches. If I was running in a more brushy environment I'd probably add the expanded metal to the front and would also protect the filter.

I have several winter builds now waiting for spring painting.

 

[RedDirt]

One hour of time, can of paint and a few welding rods ($5 total) 20min to install.

This is it.

http://i27.tinypic.com/261e04k.jpg

jb, Wind your watch. Or... if you can do that kind of work in an hour you can come to work for me anytime! It took me an hour just to find and gather suitable materials, design the attachments, and cut a cardboard template for trial fit.

My "afternoon" was the entire job, "parked in shed" to "parked in shed". I put the front wheels up on ramps in the shop for creeper and work clearance. Reviewing some old TBN posts, field measuring, overall concept/design/working sketch, cutting, bending, welding, drilling, grinding, took a bit over another couple hours.

Gotcha beat on install time though...mine goes on or off in 2 minutes!

Granted, this is an extremely simple fabrication project, but, "One hour of time"... You must have one heck of a tooled up shop. I had to cut my sheetmetal with a bandsaw (but just recently upgraded to a Skilsaw cold saw blade...greatly improved cut and a real time saver for small stuff) . Geeze I'd love to see you in action. I'd learn a lot.

That's some hefty looking punched plate. How did you cut it? How is the front edge attached?

BTW earlier cold saw blades were rated at lower speeds. The Freud "Diablo" 7 1/4" Skilsaw blade is now rated to 5300rpm whereas the Skilsaw itself runs at 4400RPM. $39 at Home Depot. Rated for cutting steel up to 1/4" thick.

 

[jb62901]

RedDirt I did have to waint for the paint to dry. Used bandsaw and sawsall for cuting. The 20min was locating the bolt holes to the frame. Two rear bolts can be removed and plate droped down for trans and filter service. John

http://i31.tinypic.com/2woyjw0.jpg

 

[nh DRAGON]

Just curious as to why the BX series need a fan but none of the other models do??

All hydros need fans for cooling but the BX fans are just in a more exposed position. This as well as a low ground clearance and no mmm on, could be a problem in the wrong conditions.

 

[Volfandt]

Just curious as to why the BX series need a fan but none of the other models do??

nh DRAGON hit on it but I'll expand alittle more.

BX's use a fan bolted directly on the end of the engine to HST driveshaft to blow cooling air directly onto the primary HST drive pump area. The housings are also finned to provide more area for heat dissapation. This design is commonly used in L&G tractors as well as ZTR's and is quite effective in cooling the HST.

Larger tractors such as the B series don't use this direct fan method, instead the hot hydraulic fluid is pumped/routed via lines to a heat exchanger that usually sits in front of the engines radiator and the same fan that cools the engines coolant also draws air through ther HST's heat exchanger. Since they use the fan thats mounted up and out of the way on the engine they are less likely to be damaged.
This is a much prefered HST cooling method but since it requires more hardware it is more costly and I'd say it's safe to assume that Kubota went with the BX type cooling to keep costs down.
Ironically, the HST filter on most of these tractors is installed down where harm can occur so no matter the tractor I'd recommend a skidplate if one was to operate their tractor in debris strewn areas.
Clear as mud?
Dave

re. skidplate. I have a solid piece of metal that I fabbed up to work as a skidplate when the MMM is dismounted and it covers the fan and filter from the bottom but has an air gap on the sides. I've never had an overheating problem and for the most part it keeps the BX's vitals out of harms way. But, when grubbing fence rows I have had the occasional twig still manage to get up into the fan, luckily I was going slow enough to where I just backed up and which cleared the twig/branch and no damage was done.
I've made it a permanent rule to have the skidplate mounted whenever the MMM isn't, too many bad things can happen to ruin my seat time otherwise

 

[kuboman]

Volfandt....thanks for the explanation. I did not realize the BX did not have a external mounted cooler.