hydraulic fluid level

[Stevebouck]

I went to my kubota dealer to get some supplies and ask the salesman, whom I brought my B2650 from, what is the best way to check the hydraulic fluid level? His answer was to make sure ALL the cylinders were retracted, including the backhoe, then check the dip stick. As it so happen on the way out of the store I ran into the service rep that I know and ask him the same question, His answer was the same except the backhoe should be in the travel position, which the backhoe cylinders would be extended.
What is the answer here? Salesman or service rep?

 

[D2Cat]

If the hoe was in the travel position wouldn't it be in the retracted position?

 

[Stevebouck]

If the hoe was in the travel position wouldn't it be in the retracted position?

Yes, the hoe would be retacted, but the cylinders are extended

 

[whitetiger]

Yes, the hoe would be retacted, but the cylinders are extended

Actually, the proper way to check the hydraulic oil level is with all cylinders in mid-stroke. Keeps the level at more of a constant level.

 

[100 td]

Personally, backhoe in travel position and FEL flat on ground, you know it's in exactly the same position every time. Can't go wrong.

 

[dirtydeed]

Can't see why it would make any difference whatsoever. There is fluid on both sides of the cylinders at all times.

Fluid that is pushed from the head end of the cylinder that would end up in the reservoir simply replaces the fluid that left the reservoir to fill the other side of the cylinder.

 

[100 td]

Cylinder volume either side is different, if you check when the cylinders are in the same position each time, there will be minimal variance. Temperature will slightly affect, as well as air, so if you do it same place, same position, before start up each time, less variation. YMMV

 

[torch]

Can't see why it would make any difference whatsoever. There is fluid on both sides of the cylinders at all times.

When the cylinder is retracted, the volume is reduced by the volume of the rod it now contains. Extended, the rod space is filled with fluid.

(It's essentially the same reason why a cylinder can exert more force extending than retracting at the same operating pressure -- although in that case it's the cross sectional area of the rod that makes the difference).

 

[RWey56]

If the hoe was in the travel position wouldn't it be in the retracted position?

No. The dipper and bucket cylinders are extended, the boom is retracted, and the swing is 50%.

 

[Stevebouck]

I went to my kubota dealer to get some supplies and ask the salesman, whom I brought my B2650 from, what is the best way to check the hydraulic fluid level? His answer was to make sure ALL the cylinders were retracted, including the backhoe, then check the dip stick. As it so happen on the way out of the store I ran into the service rep that I know and ask him the same question, His answer was the same except the backhoe should be in the travel position, which the backhoe cylinders would be extended.
What is the answer here? Salesman or service rep?

Alot of knowledgeable people came back with answers that were all over the board. Kubota says the tractor must be on level ground and the FEL needs to be resting flat on the ground and the backhoe must be upright in the traveling position, locked, with pressure off by resting it on the locking pin. Well, that's what i'm going to do. I want to thank everyone who responed to my inquiry