yellowdogsvc
Platinum Member
Landshark,
I had the same thing happen in my s750. While the motor was out to replace the fuel tank, I had them install a welder's style blanket. It gives the hot embers something to smolder on besides the plastic fuel tank. My fuel tank had three 1 inch or so holes and the fuel was sloshing out and fed the fire. It was only minor damage because I caught it quick but it did start a fire.
I'd carry extra extinguishers (I carry a big one and one of those small aerosol style. I also plugged up some areas that were sucking debris into the engine compartment. If the 870 is set up like the 750 (I know the motor is the same) then the hot manifold is on back of machine. Material can fall through the opening where the radiator screen latches and land on that hot surface.
Do you have all the debris guards?
I also use cut to fit AC filters stuffed in the sides of the machine (under a/c filters). When fan is at full rpm, there is suction into the engine compartments on the M series. Material that is brought through the radiator can be forced into the engine compartment through small holes at the back of the fan cowling. I covered those with mesh, too. I also sealed the areas around the base of the radiator compartment with screens to minimize material falling into engine compartment (or being sucked in).
Flushing out the belt pulley often will help keep material out of the pulley (friction can start it smoldering too).
I wish these compartments were better sealed.. Seems it could be possible but they never will unless it's a dedicated mulching machine. I have lots of ideas but Bobcat never calls!
I had the same thing happen in my s750. While the motor was out to replace the fuel tank, I had them install a welder's style blanket. It gives the hot embers something to smolder on besides the plastic fuel tank. My fuel tank had three 1 inch or so holes and the fuel was sloshing out and fed the fire. It was only minor damage because I caught it quick but it did start a fire.
I'd carry extra extinguishers (I carry a big one and one of those small aerosol style. I also plugged up some areas that were sucking debris into the engine compartment. If the 870 is set up like the 750 (I know the motor is the same) then the hot manifold is on back of machine. Material can fall through the opening where the radiator screen latches and land on that hot surface.
Do you have all the debris guards?
I also use cut to fit AC filters stuffed in the sides of the machine (under a/c filters). When fan is at full rpm, there is suction into the engine compartments on the M series. Material that is brought through the radiator can be forced into the engine compartment through small holes at the back of the fan cowling. I covered those with mesh, too. I also sealed the areas around the base of the radiator compartment with screens to minimize material falling into engine compartment (or being sucked in).
Flushing out the belt pulley often will help keep material out of the pulley (friction can start it smoldering too).
I wish these compartments were better sealed.. Seems it could be possible but they never will unless it's a dedicated mulching machine. I have lots of ideas but Bobcat never calls!