BX23 - Leak Somewhere

AMR · Jul 10, 2006

It has been a good summer for the BX23 so far after lots of winter time snow plowing and some spring land clearing the mower and bagger have been really working hard without flaw. I just hit about 90 hours and I noticed three spots on the garage floor directly under the back end of the machine. The three spots form a triangle with side lengths of about 2", the largest spot on the right hand side of the tractor. The spots are about one inch in diameter.

I looked and looked and looked but could not find a drip. I have not changed out implements, the bagger has been on for about a month. The last 25 hours have been mowing time. It appears to be hydraulic oil, however, the stick shows no noticable decrease in oil volume. I am sure that these spots developed in the last week.

Generally there is a film of hydraulic fluid on the back of the machine but nothing that looks like a "drip". I studied the rear PTO for some time and see no evidence of fluid coming from that. I studied the rear wheel seals, everything I could but can't find a spot that I can confirm a leak from.

Any ideas?

It is about time for service so I am going to have the local tractor place pick it up, but I don't even know what to tell them to look for.

Volfandt · Jul 10, 2006

The BX HST has a vent up towards the top in the front. I haven't located it's exact location but know it's in there somewhere.

If you're a little high on the fluid level then couple that with hard work in the heat you may just have some fluid venting during operation, puddleing on teh HST then leaking down when it's sitting. Of course this would be the best case situation.

90 hrs isn't much at all for anything to fail but it's not out of the question.

Theres a hydraulic block located on the HST just visable above the left rear wheel. This is where the BH's hydraulic lines come from. Check around there. I recall someone posting once a while back on finding a loose connection at this block.

With the engine off, check around all the hydraulic fittings you can find with yoru hand, you shouldn't feel anything wet, if you do, this may be theres a leak.

Good luck
Volfandt

AMR · Jul 10, 2006

Thanks for the thoughts, yes the hydro fluid is a little high, it is above the top line on the stick and has been there since the machine was delivered and even after the first service, that would be nice if it was a simple as a vent, and yes it has been hot, the last couple mowings have been about 90 degrees and at near WOT the machine heats up pretty good

I do see a little wetness around the line that would plug into the BH, which is on the right side of the machine, which is where the biggest spot is, but the wetness does not appear enough to cause a spot on the floor, who knows though, maybe under WOT conditions it drips more, vexing!

I spoke with the dealer this AM, the best they can do is pick it up and take a look at it, assuming no abuse, would this be warranty do you think?