Low Hydraulic Fluid

[JBob5555]

Hi everyone. I am new here and would like your thoughts on a situation with my new 8540. I only have about 5 hours on it but the other day I noticed hydraulic fluid on the floor in the barn. It looked like one of the hydraulic hose connections was leaking. I checked the fluid level and it didn't show on the dipstick at all. I added two quarts and that only brought it up to the bottom fill line. So I called the dealer and they sent out the repair man to fix the leak which he did. But the suprising thing was he said he had to add a little over two GALLONS of hydraulic flluid. Needless to say I was not happy that my new tractor was that low on fluid. (Sorry for this long post.) My question is does anybody think there would be any damage to the transmission or anything else from running the tractor with the fluid this much below full? Thanks for your help.

 

[art]

If the hydralics were not starved then you have not got a problem. The capacities figure for steep hill's as well as the heat from full time operation of the hydraulic system.

I'd say you were still vary safe.

 

[JBob5555]

If the hydralics were not starved then you have not got a problem. The capacities figure for steep hill's as well as the heat from full time operation of the hydraulic system.

I'd say you were still vary safe.

How do you know if the hydraulics are starved? I was also very concerned about any damage or premature wear on the transmission since they both use the same fluid. It really irks me that a dealer would deliver a new tractor with the hydaulic system over two gallons low.

 

[sevilla]

If I understand well you might have been leaking oil for a few hours. Thit may explain why the level was low. The level of the trans fluid should be checked with the hydraulic pressure relieved and the cylinders in. Also when just added, the fluid contains some air that is eliminated in a few hours with a consequent reduction in fluid volume.

 

[E/S]

I had the same problem with my new M8540 in June.

I had checked the fluids before going out to mow for 6 hrs, came back and noticed a leak under the loader. I tightened the fitting and added 2.5 gal. of fluid.

25 hrs latter I developed a leak on the top link and lost 2 gal. that time.
I learned from experience that a SMALL leak can loose a LOT of fluid (also that they do not do a very good job tightening fittings on assembly).

I don't think you did any damage.

E/S

 

[dcosto]

had the same issue with my tractor, but didn't have a leak. dealer thinks that after loader was installed, no additional fluid was added to supplement the volume of the loader. dealer assured me that there was no damage caused by this, and was very upset/embarrassed that this had happened.

 

[JBob5555]

You'd think on a thirty some thousand dollar piece of equipment, they would make sure the fluid level is full! I mean where I bought mine, the same guy does all the assembly and pre-delivery stuff and still missed the hydro fluid level. It's not brain surgery! I'm hoping that the fluid mainly accumulates in the transmission so it is protected even though the level is low. Wear on the trans was my main concern.

 

[art]

It does happen from time to time that a tractor doesn't get enough oil added to the hydraulic system to fill the system with attachment additions. Every dealer wishes he wouldn't have this type problem.