Mixed advice on checking HST fluid on BX25D

[swoop]

So I've gotten very mixed methods of checking the HST fluid, all of which yield different readings.
1. Owner's Manual states to lower loader, leave backhoe in its carry position, STOP engine, and check. This method shows oil half way up the cross hatching of dipstick.
2. Dealer told me to extend the backhoe and bucket (closing up the hydro cylinders), and check while engine is running. This method shows about .25" up on the dipstick.
3. Internet sources just say to check with engine running with no specifics about backhoe or loader position. This method (with loader on ground and backhoe in carry position) barely register on the dipstick.

My Question is, which is right? what is the benefit of checking while the engine is running if any? and although widely recomended, contradicts the manual.

 

[mgodsey6293]

I always follow the manual but I also think the best way to check is to make sure loader is down and any other attachments are down and engine is off. When you change fluid you don't fill it and check it with the engine running so why would would the dealer say that. It has me wondering about your dealer

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[ironpony]

Having a background in aircraft, do what the manual says, they wrote it for a reason. Lots of opinions and you know how that goes.
I would say
1. cylinders closed, showing on stick, can't overfill cylinders mostly closed
2. cylinders extended could overfill when retracted
3. not sure why I would think it would be close to 1.

 

[85Hokie]

Having a background in aircraft, do what the manual says, they wrote it for a reason. Lots of opinions and you know how that goes.
I would say
1. cylinders closed, showing on stick, can't overfill cylinders mostly closed
2. cylinders extended could overfill when retracted
3. not sure why I would think it would be close to 1.

Let me ask a question.......

ALL the cylinders on the the BX - (if not all machines) are double acting? Yes?
None of them are single action.........because they are double action - the cylinders are always full, if NOT on the front then on the back......

I do agree - check the fluid according to the manual!

 

[ironpony]

Good question.
they are double action but the fluid capacity can be different. the shaft side has less volume due to the shaft taking up space in the fluid.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Always check hydro level with the engine off, with the engine and pump running it will cause waves from fluid movement that will give you a false reading on the dip stick or window.

And like 85Hokie says, it really doesn't matter what position you have the loader of the backhoe in as they are double acting cylinders (yes they hold a little bit more extended than retracted) the amount in the sump will make up for whatever you need without starving the system.

 

[ironpony]

true, but at .15 gallons per cylinder, FEL 4 cylinders, backhoe 3 cylinders,
7 cylinders at .15 gallons = 1.05 gallons. Quite a difference in volume

 

[swoop]

Awesome guys, you all have echoed thoughts in my head on this topic. I really appreciate the advice from everyone.

Well it sounds like the best bet, is to follow the manual to-a-T, which as it stands gives me an acceptable reading, so I'm sticking with it. thanks again for the advice guys.

 

[85Hokie]

Awesome guys, you all have echoed thoughts in my head on this topic. I really appreciate the advice from everyone.

Well it sounds like the best bet, is to follow the manual to-a-T, which as it stands gives me an acceptable reading, so I'm sticking with it. thanks again for the advice guys.

Swoop,

the sad thing is, when you machine was delivered new.....it was ALREADY low!!! Almost everyone I have talked to has said - I replaced my HST filter and had to add more than I lost ...to get it back on the stick! I try to hit the middle of the stick's shaded area on level ground, I know I have enough no matter where the oil is located - extended or a retracted cylinder.