whiffs of HST odor while using tractor?

[BotaBX24er]

I've noticed this since the first time I smelled what HST fluid was like (after 50 hour service, but didn't think anything of it. Now that I've been educating myself on TBN, I'm wondering is it OK to get whiffs of HST odor while using the tractor? I thought that the HST was a completely sealed system ...is that an indication that I may have a pin leak somewhere? I haven't noticed any fluid on the lines, but then again my BX24 has been covered up in mud lately ...

 

[dex3361]

There are breathers on the case of the transmission and it is common to smell the odor of the fluid once in a while.

 

[jimainiac]

I know just what you mean. We have a different model, L3830HST, but I think it's the same deal. I was concerned, too, untill I figured out what it was. On ours there is a breather tube on the filler cap. When the 3PH or the loader goes up and down the fluid level rises and falls, so there has to be a way for air to come in and go out. When the air is forced out it smells like the HST fluid. The fact that the level goes up and down is why you're supposed to lower all attachments to the ground before checking the level of the HST fluid. Probably if you filled the HST fluid with the attachments in the air, it really would be fluid coming out, and you'd have more smell!

 

[BotaBX24er]

Randall, Jim,
Thanks for the response. Now that you say that, I did notice it more while using the BH and probably because I'm not moving as much either.

 

[pdowling1]

Another factor would be the HST temperature, which will be higher the harder you work the machine. The hotter the fluid gets, the more you will smell it. You will get accustomed to the odor, you may even grow fond of it! (Don't EVER dab it on the wife's neck, she won't understand)

 

[BotaBX24er]

(Don't EVER dab it on the wife's neck, she won't understand)

Is this from personal experience? c'mon...not even a little?

 

[_RaT_]

I know just what you mean. We have a different model, L3830HST, but I think it's the same deal. I was concerned, too, untill I figured out what it was. On ours there is a breather tube on the filler cap. When the 3PH or the loader goes up and down the fluid level rises and falls, so there has to be a way for air to come in and go out. When the air is forced out it smells like the HST fluid. The fact that the level goes up and down is why you're supposed to lower all attachments to the ground before checking the level of the HST fluid. Probably if you filled the HST fluid with the attachments in the air, it really would be fluid coming out, and you'd have more smell!

Actually, all the hydraulic fluid is common. The HST uses the same reservoir of hydraulic fluid as the loader, the 3 pt hitch, power steering etc., they all contribute to the heating of the hydraulic fluid and thus the volatility of the oil. All tractors vent the hydraulic fluid.