Front Hub Seals (Am I Doing Something Wrong)

[Jam242ti]

I just replaced both seals on the front wheel hubs on my SA424 after 7 years and only 200 hrs. I use the tractor mostly for the hydraulics lifting stuff that I can't otherwise, the biggest job has been shifting dead Ash trees around my property for disposal (neighbor's outdoor furnace). I also mow a small pasture with a rotary brush mower 4 times a season, shift mulch, pull fence posts, pull out old shrubs with a chain and general property maintenance. I have never overloaded the front loader but it does get plenty of near capacity work. I have also had to replace two hydraulic filters due to damage, one I knew I ran over a hidden limb that bounced up and cracked the filter the other was a mystery. Should I expect to replace the front wheel hub seals every 200 hours or 7 years? I maintain the tractor with all Yanmar spec products and keep it in a garage when not in use. It runs great and performs really well it just seems like seals should last longer and the hydraulic filter should be better protected. The shop that replaced my seals also fabricated a filter guard for hundreds of dollars less than the Yanmar guard offered for sale. Any thoughts?

 

[freightboy]

When you are hauling the ash trees at "near capacity" if you are driving fast, the stress on the seals will be increased. I have had to change mine from moving concrete pipes that were "near capacity" on the upper side but found the seals last much longer when I slow down when I have a heavy load on the loader arms. Not saying this is the case with you, just sharing my experience. Good luck!

 

[ptsg]

The harder those loaders get used/abused, the faster the bearings and seals let go.

Those heavy loads bouncing up and down, will put way more weight on that front axle that it was ever designed to handle.

 

[Tinhack]

What those guys said.

shifting dead Ash trees

I just need to add, when I was speed reading your post, I had to reread that line several times before I got it right. My dirty mind took over, I guess.

 

[thclimer]

What are you using for ballast on your rear when you are doing heavy loader work?

Are your tires filled?

 

[5030]

Make sure the front axle breather isn't obstructed. If it is, the heating up of the front axle and the expansion of the fluid will cause the seals to weep.