Hydraulic Oil looks like chocolate milk

[Rodent]

Looking through the sight glass of my l4200, the hydraulic oil looks like a light brown chocolate milk. Is this ok, or should I think about an oil change?

 

[6869704x4]

What's it taste like?
That's typically a sign you got water in it. So, to answer your question, yes change the oil.

 

[old and tired]

I would investigate how the water got in there first. Buy some cheap oil to do the first flush. Maybe even the first two flushes....

Gear transmission? Look for cracks in the shifter boot...

If it's HST, I wouldn't run it until it's changed...

 

[Ripp]

Looking through the sight glass of my l4200, the hydraulic oil looks like a light brown chocolate milk. Is this ok, or should I think about an oil change?

water in it-- change it out and clean the filters

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

This could also be the result of cheap hydraulic fluid used.

 

[Bearcatrp]

How many hours on it since last oil change?

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

how does the oil look when not viewing through what could be a 30 year old sight glass?

is it clean off the dip stick if you have one or out of a filter, other???

if so then its a stained sight glass.... otherwise time for a oil change.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I agree, that it needs to be addressed before damage is done, and the "root cause" should be looked at.

I would start with a complete 'flush and fill" with filter changes using Kubota fluid.