My problem: the manual clearly states NOT to run the tractor with fluid below the lowest aspect of the sight glass. It also indicates that a fluid level anywhere between the bottom and top of the sight glass is operable. What the manual does not speak to, is how to deal with a fluid level above the sight glass... ?
My question: Is it safe to operate the tractor if the hydraulic fluid level is above the sight glass?
Here is what happened: I bought a new tractor from the dealer. After reading the manual, I go out to do a "daily inspection" and notice the sight glass is solid, opaque white. Not amber, not off-white, but solid white. I see no fluid level. There is no small bubble at the top of the glass. My first thought is that water is in the system and has steamed/foamed and covered the inside of the glass. I contact the dealer and I am told to drain and re-fill the system.
I did not drain anything. I got on YouTube and looked at three other L2501 sight glasses and they all had contrasting oil against a white background, with a visible fluid level. [Ahhh! a white background!] I used a flash light to better look for any indication of fluid now that I understand there is a contrasting white background in the glass. At this point, I am convinced the fluid level is low; and that I am looking at a white colored background, with no fluid in front of it.
I bought some UDT-2 thinking I would add one or two quarts and the level would become visible... Nope, this did not happen. So clean and white was the background, without a hint of amber, I was convinced I was looking at the empty sight glass, no fluid. Checking as I went, I added little by little, check all the way, until I had added the gallon and still could not see a fluid level.
At this point, I drove the front axel up onto ramps--effectively lifting the front end by about eight inches--and lo, and behold, a fluid line level was visible in the sight glass (maybe 1/4 way down from the top).
Okay. Now I realize I've got more than enough fluid. To drain excess? Or, leave it because it isn't hurting anything?
Please advise. Does anyone know if I'm at risk if I leave it as-is?
My question: Is it safe to operate the tractor if the hydraulic fluid level is above the sight glass?
Here is what happened: I bought a new tractor from the dealer. After reading the manual, I go out to do a "daily inspection" and notice the sight glass is solid, opaque white. Not amber, not off-white, but solid white. I see no fluid level. There is no small bubble at the top of the glass. My first thought is that water is in the system and has steamed/foamed and covered the inside of the glass. I contact the dealer and I am told to drain and re-fill the system.
I did not drain anything. I got on YouTube and looked at three other L2501 sight glasses and they all had contrasting oil against a white background, with a visible fluid level. [Ahhh! a white background!] I used a flash light to better look for any indication of fluid now that I understand there is a contrasting white background in the glass. At this point, I am convinced the fluid level is low; and that I am looking at a white colored background, with no fluid in front of it.
I bought some UDT-2 thinking I would add one or two quarts and the level would become visible... Nope, this did not happen. So clean and white was the background, without a hint of amber, I was convinced I was looking at the empty sight glass, no fluid. Checking as I went, I added little by little, check all the way, until I had added the gallon and still could not see a fluid level.
At this point, I drove the front axel up onto ramps--effectively lifting the front end by about eight inches--and lo, and behold, a fluid line level was visible in the sight glass (maybe 1/4 way down from the top).
Okay. Now I realize I've got more than enough fluid. To drain excess? Or, leave it because it isn't hurting anything?
Please advise. Does anyone know if I'm at risk if I leave it as-is?
