I have a BX1500 on which I need to replace the middle hydraulic metal line. It sprang a leak and I tried JB Weld, some other epoxy, and finally tried splicing with a rubber hose but there's too much pressure and it just keeps leaking. By middle I mean there are three lines that run from the front to the back under the left side (as I sit on it) of the tractor and the damaged one is in the middle. Can someone tell me what line this is? Is it the return line or what? And do I have to replace with metal or can I use another type of material. Thanks for any help.
Hydraulic line identification
- Thread starter jMon
- Start date
jMon,
I'm not familiar with the BX, but if you could post a picture for those that are that could help narrow it down.
Most likely that line sprung a leak from chafing. Periodically I give my tractor a real thorough shake down for that exact thing. Seems every hydro line is always zero clearance next to something. Even the hard lines that do have a little clearance can get some grit in there and that will cause problems later on.
Even the flex lines will get up next to something and before you know it you are looking at some steel braiding that is in bad shape as the rubber insulation is gone.
I have had to fabricate a few stand off brackets to hold and support flex lines from my linkage underneath the tractor. In particular the brake linkage was taking stabs at some lines.
You can replace hard lines with flex lines if they are rated for the pressure. They will typically be larger in diameter and may not fit in some areas. Flex lines are normally installed in the areas that will see movement or implements for ease of install and remove.
If you want to replace with flex lines find a shop in your area that specializes in this. Aeroqip was one name that people are familiar with. For example here is a link to a shop I have been to in my local. Note that I have no affiliation with these people and there are no gains by supplying the link. But it just gives you an idea to what's out there.
Scott
Thanks Traildust, I will post a picture in a while. I can tell you that the ends where the line connects are marked orange while the other two have different colors (green and I cannot remember the other). What you described is what happened to my line. It chafed under a piece of metal designed (poorly IMO) to keep the lines in place.
Those lines sure do handle a lot of pressure! I tried several patches with rubber tubing around the piece I cut off. I joined the metal parts together inside the thick rubber tubing then applied several clamps. The sucker blew off within 10 seconds! I think today, since I cannot get a replacement anyway, I will go down to Home Depot and see if I can get a couple of compression fittings to splice them all back together.
Those lines sure do handle a lot of pressure! I tried several patches with rubber tubing around the piece I cut off. I joined the metal parts together inside the thick rubber tubing then applied several clamps. The sucker blew off within 10 seconds! I think today, since I cannot get a replacement anyway, I will go down to Home Depot and see if I can get a couple of compression fittings to splice them all back together.
I got the line fixed by using a couple of compression fittings. Still looking into the identification but I think I may just call the dealer tomorrow and ask.
Good job, nothing like haveing a little Mcgyver in you!
Just remember to considder this a temp fix and you should be ok.
If your like me sometimes that temp fix can become quite an extended one as other issues arrise
Scott
