Oil & Fuel Do I need to protect hydro oil filters?

[Egon]

The two filters on my Kubota B7100 HST are placed so no protection should be required!

Otherwise they would have protection!

 

[DiezNutz]

I hit mine around a year and 1/2 ago and it dropped quite a bit of SUDT on the ground. I was able to limp it to my shed for the repair without any damage. I've considered getting one of the Bro-tek skid plates for the BX1500, but just havent yet. I know I should, but just always forget to do it.

BX though, like you said... right?

 

[Gomer]

dieznut,
See pictures, if that isn't outside the frame rails I'll eat your hat.

 

[DiezNutz]

dieznut,
See pictures, if that isn't outside the frame rails I'll eat your hat.

Technically you win, I'll give you the two points. I shouldn't have explicitly said "frame". What I meant was there are other things that stick out to about the same degree as the filters. Take the suction filter for example (the one that points forward)... the suction line is pretty much right below it, it would be a miracle if you managed to destroy the filter without trashing that pipe as well.

Two things: (1) The filters don't hang low as on the BX, (2) Typically you'll hit whatever you're going to hit with the front axle first. Occasionally things "pop up" and cause damage but that's the exception not the rule.

I've got the perfect solution... get yourself a nice Woods BH with a subframe The subframe basically covers the filters from both sides.

 

[Gomer]

Aw DiezNutz just having some fun, don't take it too hard, but some good suggestions. I had to give it to you for ragging on me about screwing up the seat post.
Thanks
Gomer

 

[rdsaustintx]

I haven't busted one on my BX (yet), but two filter-bashing scenarios have been posted by others here:

1: They drove over something (like a protruding rock).

2: Their mid-mount PTO came off and nailed it.

Not sure if any skid plate could help with #2.

Russell in Texas

 

[chrisjbell]

I had a branch or something grab on to the drain valve for my radiator once, opened it up, and drained all my coolant. Haven't had a filter punched out yet, but I think mine are as well protected as Egon's.

It wouldn't be much worse than having a hose bust. Not that losing a hose is my idea of a good time, you know, but it isn't the world's biggest disaster.

Hydraulic fluid does kill grass pretty well though...

 

[john_bud]

Gomer,

I have a L3410 HST so there are 2 big filters under the tractor. I did have one stick (4" maple) attack me. I shredded over it, then got stuck forward and had to back up. It flipped up and stabbed the filter, slid off and jambed the floor board hard enough to dent it up so much the padding won't stay down. The edge trim also went missing. That all happened in about an eye blink. I didn't notice the crushed filter housing until oil change time. Never leaked. I spend a lot of time in the woods cutting trails and such and that was the first issue. If you don't change direction with a stick 1/2 way under the machine, it shouldn't be an issue.

jb