Sight Glass on Kubota SVL75-3

[TNcycling]

I cannot see the level of the hydraulic fluid in the sight glass of a SVL75-3. The machine has fewer than 10 hours on it. I think that the hydraulic fluid may have been partially drained in the machine when I put on an attachment that had hydraulic hoses that were incompletely filled with hydraulic fluid. If I put hydraulic fluid into the machine, will I be able to see a bubble or ball rise in the sight glass? Is it possible for the hydraulic fluid to be so clear that the level is hard to discern? I don't want to overfill the hydraulic fluid.

 

[old and tired]

John Deere offers a hydraulic oil dye, MT3668, to make it easier to see the fluid level in sight glasses or on dipsticks, especially in machines with clear hydraulic fluid. It can be ordered or picked up at a dealer... I used 1/2 bottle but I think 1/4 of a bottle would be enough. It's RED dye...

 

[TNcycling]

That is a good option. The local John Deere Dealer has it in stock.

 

[McMXi]

That is a good option. The local John Deere Dealer has it in stock.

Is there any way you could take a photo of the sight glass as it currently is, then after adding the dye but before adding hydraulic oil if it's needed?

 

[TNcycling]

On closer inspection, there is oil in the pan beneath the engine. A hose that is coming off what I believe is the hydraulic tank is also oily. The dealer is sending someone out tomorrow to take a look.