Grinding from the driveline

[aintnonamesleft]

Hello all!

I just inherited a kubota m4700 that’s been sitting for 5+ years. I change s all the fluids, filters, and put a new starter on it. She fired right how. However, within about 10 minutes of use I noticed a grinding sound coming from behind the tractor and the wheels kinda seemed to lock up. The hydraulic fluid was a creamy color and so I changed it out for the second time and replaced those filters again hoping it would alleviate the issues. After about 10 more minutes the same thing happened - grinding and creamy fluid.

Is this a more serious issue than some water in the fluids or should I change the fluids and filters for a third time? This is my first time owning and working on a tractor so all help is appreciated

 

[aintnonamesleft]

Posting a reply in case it helps someone else in the future. Problem solved - probably temporarily.

Turns out the brakes and e-brake somehow got stuck. I took a BFH to the linkage and freed it up and she runs smoothly for now.

 

[RCW]

Oh good!
I would definitely continue to get the water out.
It’s not going to do you any favors....


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[aintnonamesleft]

Will do! I have read some people use diesel fuel or ethanol to flush the hydraulic fluid and water out to start fresh. Which is more ideal and is there a certain period of time I should wait between that flush and refilling the hydraulic fluid?

 

[Roadworthy]

I'd probably work the hydraulic system as it is to get the fluid really warm. Perhaps that way some of the water will evaporate out of the mix. Then drain the fluid when warm. I have no idea what you could put into the system to flush out the water. I would worry about brake fluid or alcohol eating the seals and diesel won't mix with water any better than hydraulic fluid.

 

[greenacresnorth]

Will do! I have read some people use diesel fuel or ethanol to flush the hydraulic fluid and water out to start fresh. Which is more ideal and is there a certain period of time I should wait between that flush and refilling the hydraulic fluid?

ive used a water block filter and filter head from tractor supply with a small electric gear pump circulating the oil, the filters are expensive but cheaper than hyd oil.