Mini-Ex in Water: How deep is OK?

[drivadesl]

I'm looking at a small job removing silt build up in a stream bed and the only way to get it done is to get my tracks wet to some extent. The stream gets deeper but where I would be working looks like 6-8". Can I work my kubota U-35 in that depth of water without any ill effects on the drive or track mechanism? How deep is acceptable? . I'm not looking to go submarining here just want to know what the limitations of the machine. Thanks for any advice.

 

[Bob Rooks]

To me it looks like 6" - 8" should be fine, although I'd want to grease up the track rollers and idlers pretty good first. Afterwards I'd check the final drives and hydraulic reservoir for water with some Kolor Kut.

 

[drivadesl]

Thanks. I don't want a 500$ job turn into a $2500 repair!

 

[Localmotion]

You'll be fine upto the base of the cab - but as Bob says, be sure to greese all the track components, ring gear and also boom (which will obviously also be getting wet) well before and after the job, to force out any water from the pivot points.

When working in salt water, we also spray a coat of wax oil over the machine to protect it from rust... :thumbsup:

 

[boggen]

if ya dealing with a stream.... get your permits. before ya get nailed and owner gets nailed.

streams can be much like driving into a lake. ya it might seem like firm ground. but as soon as you get some weight, you just keep sinking like quick sand.

streams need good erosion control. make sure you have enough large size rock errr i should say boulders. to place in area. to keep wash outs from happening.

as far as how deep... make sure muffler outlet, air filter (inlet) stay above water, and keep any electrical connections above water. and keep them from shorting out.

if non of your levers / joysticks / pedals have electrical connections. and pure hydrualic valves with some links beteen levers/joystick/pedals and valves. you are ok.

if you have lights on machine that are low, you might want to pull the fuse to the lights. and tape up around the light covers. to help reduce amount of mud that gets into the light housings.

double check any wiring harnesses connections, and make sure they stay high and dry.