Fluid Leaking on new BX1860

[bp fick]

On Saturday morning, I noticed a 2" puddle, well, spot really, of fluid under my BX parked in the shop. Cement floor makes seeing such things easier and with a new machine, one's eye is really dialed in for stuff, I guess.

Wiped it up. Took a mag light and couldn't really see the source, but the Hydro lines exit/enter right behind the back wheel. Was it merely blowing off excess fluid? Cleaned everything and waited a day.

Did a few chores, then parked on a new spot in the shop and within an hour, sure enough, a nickel sized spot appeared. Well, that was enough.

Taking the back wheel weight off, rear wheel and tire. Now we can see and feel.
Found a fitting that was loose as a goose. Not even finger tight, but rattling loose. It's a wonder to me that fluid wasn't everywhere, except that it MAY be a low pressure line. I would think so.

Third line, the very bottom line in the photo attached.

Tightened it up. Good snug, like brake line, I guess. Going to test it over the next few days. Will keep you posted. Stuff like this Shouldn't Happen, but does happen. Wondering how this got by Inspector #9.

 

[radioman]

good catch and good eye. Glad it was a realatively an easy fix too.

 

[bp fick]

got a follow up: Strange as this may sound, and perhaps a hydro savvy guy might be able to say why, but tightening the loose coupling on the hydro line reduced the annoying HST whine considerably, no make that, a ton!!!

 

[dodge man]

It may have been sucking air? Just guessing.

 

[Tim12659]

Most likely was suckin air and causing bubbles in your Hydro system....I am seeing quite a few factory misses from different people who hve bought new equipment in the past few months...I have a spindle nut on the MMM that was cross threaded. Dealer had to replace the entire spindle (threaded part) just due to some one on the assembly line not paying attention. No doubt there are some issues on the assembly line that Kubota is not aware of or not addressing the way they should be.
This Loose hydro line could have been VERY COSTLY to Kubota or you the owner if it had not been caught in time. If I were you I would make it known to Kubota USA. T

 

[bp fick]

Radioman, thanks. It wasn't hard to spot the spot!! Just had to find the source. Wish I had pulled that wheel off three days ago.

Tim, I don't know if any harm was done, but I am sure gonna keep an ear for any unusual effects to the HST this many have caused. Yes, I reported this to my dealer and posted it at Kubota. Other than canned responses, I don't expect much. We'll see.

24 hours now and clean and dry. That alone makes me happy.

 

[bp fick]

Update:

Heard from Kubota. Thought that was pretty quick. Less than 48 hours.

Then, got a call from Ginop's Sales. Nice conversation. The tone, at their end, was a bit touchy and defensive at first but I spoke quite calmly and matter of fact about the hydro line fitting found loose.

The service tech suspects it was a suction or return line. He also feels that the filter, being right there, would have "caught" any dirt that it might have sucked in. He also felt that the o ring might have been damaged or even sucked in.

Anyhow, they asked if I could bring it in, and I declined and suggested that they pick it up, at their convenience, and they agreed. Keep you posted.