Run with tranny fluid way low - potential damage?

Jay4200 · Dec 15, 2005

Ugh - I keep finding more and more nasty things with this used L4200 tractor purchase of mine...note: dinged piston shaft post elsewhere...

When I got the tractor, there was a leaking hose on the attached BH9000 backhoe - one of the lateral movement criss-cross hoses. I replaced the hose today - the new one incidentally was made too long by the dealer and now rubs against another line when I swing the 'hoe past about 45 degrees left - which is why it wore through and leaked in the first place - so eventually I'm going to have to do it again. Pshaw. Oh well, I want to change them all eventually.

The tractor seemed a little loud around the PTO area, and sounded a little thumpy, which I guessed was the pump running with low on fluid. I didn't dare do anything with it until I fixed the line and topped it off.

The hydro fluid was below the site glass by about an inch or two (very unscientific measure via piece of wire as a dipstick). It ended up taking over 2-3 gallons (!!) of fluid to get the level up to the middle of the site glass.

Since the old owner did absolutely no maintenance for 300 meter hours, and the hose leak was very slow, I can assume that the machine ran a couple of gallons low for a long time. The pump/PTO area did seem to quiet down a bit once it was full, but I did hear a distinct and fairly loud "thunk" while I was listening to it - just one though. It had only run for a minute or less - maybe just air getting pushed through (I hope)?

Question: How severe is a 2-3 gallon low condition? What if it was run a gallon or three low for 100 hours? Should I panic?

Thanks - Jay

RoyJackson · Dec 16, 2005

I wouldn't panic..but I'd sure get that fluid level up right now!

The fluid is used for cooling as well as transmission of power. One could burn up the transmission...
I wouldn't be too worried...just get the fluid up to the proper level!

Jay4200 · Dec 16, 2005

( I wouldn't panic..but I'd sure get that fluid level up right now!)

It's up now! I topped it off after I changed the leaking hose, and didn't work the tractor (other than to warm it up for an oil change) before fixing the leak. I'm glad I got cheap and bought the 5 gallon bucket of fluid though - I was going to get just a gallon, but the fluid was twice as expensive that way, and I figured I was going to change it out eventually/soon anyway. I was quite suprised when the machine sucked up over half of that big bucket before reaching site glass level. Scary.

The previous owner didn't do any PTO work - he ran the backhoe mostly, and used the tractor only to plow snow for the last year. I would guess that both of these applications are easy on the tranny, so I suppose that's good news.

Thanks - Jay

kensfarm · Dec 16, 2005

"was made too long by the dealer and now rubs against another line "

Splice some heater hose and attach it on the section of hydralic line that rubs.. you can use tape or those plastic ties.. then you won't need to worry about it.

rambler · Dec 17, 2005

This summer I spent $4000 to get my big tractor repaired - a tranny hose burst & 12 of the 15 gallons of fluid leaked out - real fast. Stuff happens, what could I do?

I also spent $800 to repair the pto gears & bearing on a tractor that has a seperate oil compartment for that. My bad. Oops.

But, the $2300 I spent on another tractor for the pto clutch was just simple wear, no fault of mine or the tractor.

Been a spendy year.

How much does the tractor hold for oil? If it holds 8 gallons or so, a couple low wouldn't worry me.

--->Paul

Jay4200 · Dec 17, 2005

( How much does the tractor hold for oil? If it holds 8 gallons or so, a couple low wouldn't worry me.)

It holds a little over 10 gallons. I checked the oil bucket again, and it took closer to two gallons than three, so I suspect I'm OK. *Ouch* on your repairs, BTW.

Jay