maintenance

[Runs With Scissors]

I suppose that it kind of brings up a good point.

Is there a "configuration" that you need to be in to check the fluid?

I.E. In the owners manual of a certain car (back in the day) the instructions were specific as to "Vehicle must be at normal operating temperature, in Neutral with wheels chocked before checking the trans fluid"

Or something similar to that.

Is there a configuration that a tractor needs to be in?

Huh....never thought of it till now.......

 

[fried1765]

I suppose that it kind of brings up a good point.

Is there a "configuration" that you need to be in to check the fluid?

I.E. In the owners manual of a certain car (back in the day) the instructions were specific as to "Vehicle must be at normal operating temperature, in Neutral with wheels chocked before checking the trans fluid"

Or something similar to that.

Is there a configuration that a tractor needs to be in?

Huh....never thought of it till now.......

Yup.....tractor should be parked!

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Yup.....tractor should be parked!

Hahaha...yea kind of figured that.



But would/could the loader cylinders or backhoe...etc configuaration change the level on the sight glass that significantly?

For instance checking the level with the backhoe fully retracted and the loader cylinders all fully compressed.

Then the next day checking it with the backhoe extended and the loader cylinders fully extended.

In my mind, I suppose in theory that should change the level in the sight glass. ....Right?

Just a "Thought Experiment".......

 

[grayseals734]

appreciate all the good suggestions. Tractor coming back tomorrow and I will get some dye and hopefully find out what is going on. Thanks for all the support.

 

[armylifer]

The hydraulic fluid level should be checked when the tractor is shut down for the day because the oil level will always be higher when the engine and transmission are hot, than when the engine and transmission are cold.

 

[Alfred_2345]

The hydraulic fluid level should be checked when the tractor is shut down for the day because the oil level will always be higher when the engine and transmission are hot, than when the engine and transmission are cold.

I understand the logic but the Operator Manual says to check before operating ("Pre-Operations Check") with the intent that you verify fluid levels before starting the engine. I would image the manufacturer took into account oil expansion when deciding where to mark the dip stick.

 

[GeoHorn]

The hydraulic fluid level should be checked when the tractor is shut down for the day because the oil level will always be higher when the engine and transmission are hot, than when the engine and transmission are cold.

I would see it differently…. (surprise surprISE SURPRISE, Sgt Carter!)… because overnight the oil would be drained back down to the sump…while Hot, the oil would still be up inside the machinery.

 

[The Evil Twin]

I would see it differently…. (surprise surprISE SURPRISE, Sgt Carter!)… because overnight the oil would be drained back down to the sump…while Hot, the oil would still be up inside the machinery.

I see it even differently. Lol.
Most engine manufacturers say the oil level should be checked at operating temp (for expansion) , and the engine shut down for 10-20 minutes (for drain down). I know we are talking HST not engine here, but I would assume the same applies.
Bottom line is there is a range for either dipstick or sight glass. If it's mid range I'm OK with it either way.

 

[Countrylife]

Hahaha...yea kind of figured that.



But would/could the loader cylinders or backhoe...etc configuaration change the level on the sight glass that significantly?

For instance checking the level with the backhoe fully retracted and the loader cylinders all fully compressed.

Then the next day checking it with the backhoe extended and the loader cylinders fully extended.

In my mind, I suppose in theory that should change the level in the sight glass. ....Right?

Just a "Thought Experiment".......

Yes, it could. There is a volume difference between a retracted and extended cylinder. The transmission oil is used to power the loader, depending on the size of the hydraulic cylinder, you could easily have a quart or two in the cylinders.

For example: a 2x20 cylinder has 125 cu in of volume and you would have 2 (one on each side) with 231 cu in in one gallon. That will be when the cylinder is extended, when retracted, that will be pushed back into the hydraulic sump and the opposite side (with the rod) will be filled. It will take less volume to do the retract because the rod takes some of the space. Depending on the rod diameter as to the difference in volume between the extend and retract positions. - and you have 4 cylinders on a loader.

 

[mcmxi]

Hahaha...yea kind of figured that.



But would/could the loader cylinders or backhoe...etc configuaration change the level on the sight glass that significantly?

For instance checking the level with the backhoe fully retracted and the loader cylinders all fully compressed.

Then the next day checking it with the backhoe extended and the loader cylinders fully extended.

In my mind, I suppose in theory that should change the level in the sight glass. ....Right?

Just a "Thought Experiment".......

I made that point in post #3 because it does make a difference, in addition to the temperature, a point I also made in post #3.