631G
Senior Member
We have a D61 with just under 2000hrs on it. We bought it new and have had the machine under KomatsuCare this entire time. My superintendent got on the machine and began to hear a creak and popping noise coming from below him. He being the knowledgeable man that he is immediately stopped to begin investigating. Thought maybe it was a lack of grease or the tracks needed to be tensioned but none of those solved the issue. The pivot pinion shaft was next up to check. After some cleaning he got the plug off and it was bone dry. We put in a call to Komatsu for the oil type topped it off and ran it to get through the rest of the day. We didn’t know for how long it’s been empty but there were no indications from the outside of a leak having been present. Once our mechanic was able to get there we pulled the cover to check for metal and sure enough it was full of super fine metal particles. It’s now sitting at the dealers yard for repair. They called yesterday to tell me they checked the other side, which did have oil, to tell me it was leaking too. So both sides have to be resealed. I’m going there Monday to get educated on where the leaks were originating from.
So here is my question. What could cause this to happen at such low hours? I’m hearing that there are updates for D51’s of the same vintage, which we also have, that are suffering from the same/similar problem with premature seal failure and have been getting extended coverage for the final drives. This 61 has been well cared for and has only had generally our best operators in the seat. What did we miss here? The men who have been running the machine aren’t so absent minded as to not notice and report a leak. There is concern Komatsu may not stand behind the work because it’s under in hours but just outside on time for warranty coverage. This is probably going to be pricey which I’m not too happy about if they don’t offer to at least help me out some on the bill. Which is unfortunate because up to now, they’ve stood behind their machines and we’ve had nothing but positive comments to make about their iron and service. This would tarnish that if they do indeed throw up their hands and say tough luck.
I just cannot understand how this happens on such a low hour and we’ll loved machine.
So here is my question. What could cause this to happen at such low hours? I’m hearing that there are updates for D51’s of the same vintage, which we also have, that are suffering from the same/similar problem with premature seal failure and have been getting extended coverage for the final drives. This 61 has been well cared for and has only had generally our best operators in the seat. What did we miss here? The men who have been running the machine aren’t so absent minded as to not notice and report a leak. There is concern Komatsu may not stand behind the work because it’s under in hours but just outside on time for warranty coverage. This is probably going to be pricey which I’m not too happy about if they don’t offer to at least help me out some on the bill. Which is unfortunate because up to now, they’ve stood behind their machines and we’ve had nothing but positive comments to make about their iron and service. This would tarnish that if they do indeed throw up their hands and say tough luck.
I just cannot understand how this happens on such a low hour and we’ll loved machine.