Transmission screen.

Bota_Orange · Apr 5, 2006

I previously owned a BX2200 and when I performed my 50 hour service I noticed that there was no metal shavings on the transmission screen. Last month when I performed my 50 hour service on my BX2230 I noticed that the screen had quite a bit of metal shavings on it. Should I be worried about this or is this normal and for some reason my bX2200 was abnormal? I know the book says to not utilize the 'Rabbit' speed until several hours. I should say I know that now. I had forgotten this from my first tracto and I used the 'Rabbit' gear early on in the tractors life.

Ob1kubota · Apr 5, 2006

Bota get an oil sample to a Lab asap, There's something up with the 23s. I'm still trying to get my factory buddies to "fess" up and show me warranty failures. Kubota is great about standing behind the 'two year residential' warranty but I don't believe in the rabbit Vs tuttle warning. Also, put your Hydraulic filter in a bench vice and cut through it with a 'bi-metal' hack saw blade. See what's on your blade teeth and what's in the filter media. Use a bright light and a mag glass to examine particulate. Let me see your ISO read out and we will go from there. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

Bota_Orange · Apr 5, 2006

OB1: Where would I be able to get my transmission fluid sampled? I now have ~84 hours on my tractor and I think I am going to just wait until 90-100 hours and perform the maintenance again. If the filter has no shavings I won't sweat it but if it has any I am going to send a sample in as you suggested. Where would I be able to get my transmission fluid sampled? Thanks for your reply I hope it proves to be nothing.

Charliebrn · Apr 5, 2006

I had a boatload of shavings in my 2200 at the first change, a few in the second and none after that. Tractor ran like a champ until I sold her. I've go tm 2350 up to 25 hours now, I'll post what I find at the 50 hr mark...

Personally, I wouldn't sweat it.... /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

CampMan · Apr 5, 2006

This might help...
I have had three Kubota tractors, and the initial 50 hr service on each showed metal filings in the metal screen, thereafter, nothing and no problems.

AceDeuce · Apr 5, 2006

Try Blackstone Laboratories. They will send you a sample retrieval kit for free. You fill it and send it in. They analyze it and give you a pretty well detailed report.

http://www.blackstone-labs.com/

rosey · Apr 5, 2006

From all of the posts that I have read over the years and from my own personal experience.... perfectly normal to have some metal particles on the screen during the initial service due to the parts breaking in.

Ob1kubota · Apr 5, 2006

I use CAT Dealer labs because they supply you with a Kit and explain the findings in a chart form related to the size of the PPM they recover in your sample. If you are seriously going to keep your BX23 for a long time be cautious with what you find in your filter and screen. If you find large chunks of chrome on the case drain screen you could have a hydrostatic issue in your transmission. Your oil pump is a trochoid type positive displacement. It's reliable and if failing, actuation will just slow down. A kit is cheap assurance, let professionals determine your concerns with metal flaking. Some chatter is expected, but whining, buzzing and metal don't mix. There's something up with these 2004 & 2005 BX23's, just can't put my finger on it YET. I'm concerned for you because at my 50 hour oil and filter change I had very little metal on a hand held magnet I swished through the waste oil and only found three 1/16 inch chips of chrome on the screen. And like I said I don't believe in that 'turtle' thing.

Bota_Orange · Apr 6, 2006

Thanks guys for all the information. OB1- I didn't notice any metal flakes in my engine oil just my transmission screen. Thanks also for the lab info ACEDeauce and OB1. When I make the next change if there is any shaving I am going to send in a sample. Does anyone know whether I can just check the screen without changing the transmission fluid and if so how to go about it? If I can just check the screen then I'll do that this weekend.
Thanks again.

Ob1kubota · Apr 10, 2006

Hey Bota I just looked at your post again and when I find my digitals in this new 'stupid' HP program I will upload you pictures of an oil drain. In a word 'no' the minute you break the return line the oil flies everywhere. You simply have to drain the pan first unless your faster than me! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif