Metal in my hydraulic fluid

[DG 225]

Help. I bought my first tractor about a year ago. I bought a CT225. I love it and it has always performed great. Today I started to complete my first 50 hour service. I change my air filter, oil filter, and oil without issue. Then i started on my hydraulic fluid. I removed the back 2 drain plugs with no issues, but when I removed the drain plug on the mid pto, I found a piece of metal the size of my index fingernail stuck to the magnet with a bunch of tiny shavings. Is this normal? Like I mentioned, I have not had any issues with the machine, but the metal in the fluid scared me.

What should be my next step? I have not replaced the fluid yet because I am a little confused. Any helpful comments would be appreciated.

DG

 

[galaxie428]

The small metal shavings are normal, the large one I am not sure about. Someone more knowledgeable than me will chime in on it though. I would say you are ok, just clean off the magnet real good and refill.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I think you are fine. The large piece of metal have been on the magnet from the get go. Next drain will tell the tell I expect.

There is a way to remove a drain plug and no oil to come out using a shop vac if you want to know before the next change.

 

[milkman636]

It might be wise to talk to your dealer. Maybe email some pictures and see if they might be able to provide some insight. Save the piece.

Bobcat also has hydraulic oil analysis kits at their dealers. Collect a sample and send it in to see if they can identify what is in the oil. A few bucks for a test could provide some piece of mind, and possibly a point of reference for a future warranty claim if there is something in there sacrificing more metal than it ought to be.

 

[Lockport]

Metal in the frirst chasnge is normal and is why the break in change of fluids is a fraction of the time frame of the next one. Change your filters, put in fresh fluid and there is nothing wrong with checking with your dealer for his opinion. That and/or an analysis by Bobcat wouldn't hurt but there will be a high degree of metal in this one, anyway, as it is the first change out.

 

[VictorW]

The first hydro oil change always seems to have the metal shavings. They must not clean the parts well after machining and prior to assembly. Same for me on the first change but the second was only a little metal dust on the magnet. Some have even found e-clips or retainer rings on the magnet. During assembly it must have been oops I dropped it but oh well, I get another. I'd let your dealer know but you should be fine.

 

[SSdoxie]

Take a pictureof the larger piece and email it to your dealer service manager, then put it in plastic bag and save. If you do have a problem show up you will still have the piece for the dealer & Bobcat to see. If everything is running fine and no unusual noise, I don't think it is an issue so refill everything and start running again.

 

[kco]

I found a couple of small shavings in my Kioti DK35 HST at the 50 hr service and from what I've read on these forums that is to be expected. I guess that's why they have the 50 hr service.

Everything is probably fine and the 50 hr service did its job. I thought about taking apart my filters to see what was in them but didn't bother. But I imagine there would be particles in them. That's what filters are for.

 

[powergod1]

I think your fine, when i did the 50 hr on my CT225 had the same issue. Talked to several mechanics I work around they all agreed, metal on the first one is normal, now on the next one thats a different story

 

[KWentling]

I agree with the others that metal is going to be present on the first change. But. Is the larger piece a metal shaving from the manufacturing process, or is it a piece of a hard part? Could it be a piece of a gear tooth, bearing roller, bearing cage, etc? I would want to know before saying everything is fine.

Kim