BX2200 leaking fluid in several places!?!?

[SamR]

Hi Guys

I have been on TBN for a long time but have been not too involved; it seems there is more to do than the amount of hours in a day allows. Anyways I was in a hurry to get the grass mowed tonight as it is looking like rain. I jumped off the tractor to move something and when I went to get back on I was quite surprised to see this,

http://www.rose-computers.com/BX-leaks.JPG

At first I only saw it dripping on the deck and mower drive belt/pulley but a closer inspection showed multiple drip locations. The red circles are where I saw drips, the green circle shows where it is wet under the engine; assuming it originated near the engine and is running along something and dripping off from there.

The fluid which looks like hydraulic fluid was dripping onto the deck in multiple places. I'm running off road diesel and the fluid wasn't red. The hydrostatic works fine but I have no idea how much fluid I lost at this point. I parked it and shut it off but a healthy drip continued for the few seconds I watched before checking on here. My searches didn't find anything so if you know of a previous thread that discussed likely the same thing I'd appreciate a link.

Please tell me what's likely the cause; it really confused me to see it dripping in several places.

I bought this tractor new in May, 2000 and have had no trouble with it except the fuel gauge. Dealer swapped the fuel gauge within the first year but it has never been right.

Thanks in advance
SamR

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

Sam,

A hydraulic hose has failed, a common problem with a BX2200. You are looking at $500 if you have the dealer do it, I know had them fail early this year. The BX has 3 hoses that come from the rear and come up to the stearing unit at thr front of the tractor. Replace all 3 hoses, since if one has failed the oter are not far behind.

 

[oldnslo]

Possibly power steering hose leaking or one of the lines to your FEL valve but I think they would be farther back on the tractor. From memory the steering hoses on my BX1850 ran along the left side rail, not sure if your 2200 is the same or not. If one of these was leaking up by the steering column they could follow the hose down and drip multipal places especially with the fan being in the same area.

 

[RaydaKub]

On the BX2230, the FEL lines are pipes that run up the left side outside the frame. I think this is steering.

 

[pdowling1]

Your Power Steering hoses are bad. You can do this job yourself. Remove all 4 (Yes, there are 4 of them) noting exactly what hose goes where. (Take pictures) then go to your local Hydraulic Hose company for replacements, not your dealer. NAPA usually can do the job. The dealer will sell you the same inferior quality hoses that the manual advises to replace every two years. Any reputable hose fabricator will fix you up with better hoses for less $$. Don't make the mistake of replacing only the leaking hose or you will get to do it again real soon!

 

[Deano]

Your Power Steering hoses are bad. You can do this job yourself. Remove all 4 (Yes, there are 4 of them) noting exactly what hose goes where. (Take pictures) then go to your local Hydraulic Hose company for replacements, not your dealer. NAPA usually can do the job. The dealer will sell you the same inferior quality hoses that the manual advises to replace every two years. Any reputable hose fabricator will fix you up with better hoses for less $$. Don't make the mistake of replacing only the leaking hose or you will get to do it again real soon!

GREAT advice!!!:thumbsup:

 

[SamR]

Thanks for the swift replies gentlemen

I had dug in a bit further last night but had not enough light to see well or take pictures. I had noted that the protective sleeve over the hoses was soaked (green circle in my original picture) and had followed them up thru and under the instrument cluster noting two runs of two hoses

http://www.rose-computers.com/hoses.JPG

Of course I wasn't sure what the hoses were for. After a bit of cleanup I could actually see the fittings.

http://www.rose-computers.com/fittings.JPG

I imagine it will be a treat pulling these out of them fishing them back into the sleeve and getting them where they need to go. As soon as they are disconnected from a location and twist around a bit it may be tough to know what was what so based on your suggestion I will put colored zip ties on the fitting and mating hose so that it will be easy to match a fitting with a hose and once traced back to the other end it will get the same colored tie.

I will ASSuME that the power steering runs off of hydraulic fluid so now would likely be a great time to get a filter and enough fluid to replace all with new?

 

[SeymourBota]

If you do- and it is probably a good time to do so- don't forget the strainer just inside the left rear wheel!!

I will ASSuME that the power steering runs off of hydraulic fluid so now would likely be a great time to get a filter and enough fluid to replace all with new?

 

[SamR]

If you do- and it is probably a good time to do so- don't forget the strainer just inside the left rear wheel!!

I do remember that strainer - not sure at what interval that was checked last, will have to pull my notes. Seems like the first couple times there was something in it and after that it has shown clean?

 

[skipperbrown]

I've done this jobon my bx2200 ... twice. I replaced one hose and about 3 months later replaced the other 3 when yet another leaked. This happened at about 250-300 hrs, I think. I took the hoses off and took them to a hydraulic hose company in town and had them make duplicates. Last year at 600 hours, the hoses on the fel started to go and I replaced all of them. The loop hose on the FEL quick connects is the only hose I've had to replace twice. I agree that getting a premium replacement is the way to go. Prepare to get dirty and learn some new cuss words. I wouldn't replace the transmission fluid unless it's time. The next thing to go out will be your steering cylinder. Mine gave up at 500 hrs. It's an 1" 50 cent o ring that wears out. I replaced mine myself but next next time I'll take it to a shop. You'll know it when you turn the steering wheel and the tractor doesn't turn!