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Metal filings in the hydraulic tank usually come from the pump. It's normal to see a small amount of very fine metal filings (which are picked up with a magnetic dipstick on my machine), but larger, coarser filings are a sign of severe/abnormal pump wear. It may be that the filings have come from the pump currently on the machine, or from the previous one that was destroyed from the circulating dirt, rocks and filings (which were not being filtered out due to the failed filter). The rocks, grass and dirt in the tank were probably put there by vandals. The proper way to deal with it, is to thoroughly flush every single bit of the system out, which usually requires at least some disassembly of the hydraulic circuit (according to my loader manual anyway). All metal and rubber lines, valves, cylinders, filters and tanks must be scrubbed clean of all debris. And a pump in good working order, with no more than an acceptable amount of wear should be used. Then the system should be refilled with a clean charge of the proper grade of hydraulic oil. That's the right way, the realistic way may be a bit of a compromise depending on your situation and budget. But at an absolute minimum, the oil should be drained, the tank thoroughly cleaned out, and all new filters should be installed. Then after running for a short time, the filters should be checked again to see how much crud is still circulating...clean and/or replace filters as necessary. Get a magnetic dipstick or a magnet on a chain that can sit on the bottom of the tank and see what it collects. good luck
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