Roller oil leak

We have discussed the dangers of using equipment on fine turfgrass before, whether it be a hydraulic leak or a gas leak. Last week we had a transmission oil leak on several greens. We expect to make a full recovery, but it is currently unsightly and will be for some time still.

Our greens rolling machine was the culprit this time around. The leak happened on a rainy morning, which was both a blessing and a curse. The rain helped to wash the oil of the leaf tissue, which will help to minimize the damage. However, because it was a rainy, dreary day, the leak was very difficult to spot while it was happening. Often, when a leak occurs on a sunny day, the sun reflects sharply of the shiny, wet oil, and makes it much easier to spot, leading to a quick discovery and stopping the machine. But without the sun, the leak continued unnoticed for too long.

Looking closely, the back and forth
lines of the oil leak can be seen

Once the machine was back in the shop, our Equipment management team noticed the excessive oil on the machine during their routine inspection and were able to locate the issue. Inside of the transmission a bearing had worn out, causing the transmission shaft to wobble. More wear on the bearing caused more wobble of the shaft, until the bearing could no longer hold the shaft in place and the bearing broke, sending shards through the transmission and eventually breaking the oil seal. Once the seal was broken, oil began to leak out of the case and onto the green.

We hate it when these things occur, but unfortunately it is part of the maintenance of a golf course. We will continue to monitor the situation and make any repairs and adjustments necessary.

 

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

When parking your cart at a tee or green, please keep all 4 tires on the path.

 

Also, as part of a Golf Committee initiative to improve course etiquette, we have included links to videos teaching proper on course etiquette. Please take a moment to watch:

Ball Marks - How to properly repair

Golf Cart tips

 

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org