geyser of hydraulic fluid for 4-5 sec's

[sjr]

geyser of hydraulic fluid for 4-5 sec\'s

About 9 months ago, I purchased a Kubota L3010HST with front -end loader. It had about 320hrs on it. It now has about 370 hrs.
This weekend after about 4 hours of using a rotary mower, I had an event that I can only describe as a Geyser of hydaulic fluid spraying out the seam of the right side panel of the tractor. I initially thought that I snagged a hose on the loader & tore the hose. This lasted not more than 5 sec's but sprayed anywhere from a quart to a gallon of fluid. Everything is still running, the loader & 3-point hitch appear to be operational. The next morning, the fluid level was below the window in the rear transaxle. The loader still works but the tractor was running slower than it did before.
I am the typical "newbie" with no hydraulic experience.
CAn anyone tell me what may have happened?
I haven't been able to locate any visible signs of damage, like a broken pipe or hose. What should I be looking for? and or what needs to be fixed? Has this ever happened to anyone else?
Thanks for any insight,
sjr

 

[beenthere]

Re: geyser of hydraulic fluid for 4-5 sec\'s

Welcome to the forum.

1. I wouldn't run the tractor until I learned more about the 'leak'.

2. Apparently there is no 'visible' source but there must be a 'location' where the oil came from. There must be oil on something along that side of the tractor. Can you pinpoint a location?

3. Were you mowing with the FEL on? Any extra weight in the bucket? If so, did the bucket drop when the 'leak' sprayed oil?

4. Was it a fine mist of oil, or a gusher?

5. How much fluid did you add to get it correct in the window?

(just searching for some place to start)

 

[sjr]

Re: geyser of hydraulic fluid for 4-5 sec\'s

Thanks for the reply.
To answer your questions:
The approximate location of the geyser was behind the engine . Fluid "gushed" out along the vertical seam at the rear of the right side panel. It also spurt thru a hole in the operator platform. This was not a fine spray. The FEL was on but not loaded. I haven't added any fluid yet to get it correct in the window. There is oil all over the inside of the middle & bottom of the middle of the tractor but hardly any on the rear transaxle. There was no puddle of oil on the floor where I park the tractor (just a few drip marks). I was able to lift the rotary mower & drive back to the barn (about 600ft) after this happened.
Is there a pressure relief vavle that may have opened up?
Thanks for all your help, I hope this helps.

 

[wushaw]

Re: geyser of hydraulic fluid for 4-5 sec\'s

You have probably a hard line (steel) or flex line that has ruptured.
There is no pressure relief valve that dumps the hydraulic fluid overboard.
You will need to start operating things to find the leak again.
Wear safety glasses when checking for hydraulic leaks.

 

[btolle]

Re: geyser of hydraulic fluid for 4-5 sec\'s

Aha! You were bush hogging weren't you? Look under the tractor (WHILE WEARING SAFETY GLASSES, with the engine off). I will bet you will find that you a limb, stick, or who knows what has pulled the rubber return line off.

The return line (at least on the B7100 and B7100) is a low pressure, high volume, line. It is held on my hose clamps like on our radiator hoses. Hit is just right with a 1" stick and it could be pulled off the fitting.

Bill Tolle

 

[beenthere]

Re: geyser of hydraulic fluid for 4-5 sec\'s

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Aha! You were bush hogging weren't you? Look under the tractor (WHILE WEARING SAFETY GLASSES, with the engine off). I will bet you will find that you a limb, stick, or who knows what has pulled the rubber return line off.

The return line (at least on the B7100 and B7100) is a low pressure, high volume, line. It is held on my hose clamps like on our radiator hoses. Hit is just right with a 1" stick and it could be pulled off the fitting.
)</font>

And the rig will still operate and be driveable after that happens? That would be amazing to me. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif