DK-40 Hydro fluid/filter change: Methods

[Coyote machine]

Thinking out loud here. Want to change my complete hydro fluid and filter for a periodic change interval. Thinking of using my never used siphon pump to suck the hydro oil out then drain the remaining amount after the bulk of the +/- 10 gallons is removed. Seems it would make for way less possible mess, and then it would be easier to pull the drain plugs without a huge amount of fluid wanting to cover me and my shop with oil. I have dreaded doing this change, largely because I hate having oil spillage of any quantity, and the hydro holds so many gallons access with a container large enough to hold it all is near impossible under the tractor.

Thoughts?

 

[kco]

I use the bottom third of a 30 gallon drum to catch the hydraulic oil from my DK35SE. It fits under the tractor with a few inches of clearance and easily handles the volume.

 

[k0ua]

I use a 62 quart "tote" from the dollar store.
I have always wondered if sucking oil out of a sump is as effective at getting rid of sludge and particles in the bottom of the sump as using the drain plug.
My thinking on this is that when opening a huge drain plug like our Kioti's have causes a "tidal wave" of flow that may sweep out the particles out of the bottom of the sump.

I don't have any proof of this, but those are my thoughts.

 

[Coyote machine]

I use the bottom third of a 30 gallon drum to catch the hydraulic oil from my DK35SE. It fits under the tractor with a few inches of clearance and easily handles the volume.

I do have 50 gallon plastic barrels. I could cut one to do what you're saying you use. I had thought of cutting it in half vertically, but now that you mention it; it would work better just cutting it across the barrel, leaving enough clearance to fit under the tractor frame. I could even do it upside down so the bung/hole would be able to be used as a barrel drain, if there is room to place it on a wheeled dolly, and still get it under the tractor for draining the hydro.

I use a 62 quart "tote" from the dollar store.
I have always wondered if sucking oil out of a sump is as effective at getting rid of sludge and particles in the bottom of the sump as using the drain plug.
My thinking on this is that when opening a huge drain plug like our Kioti's have causes a "tidal wave" of flow that may sweep out the particles out of the bottom of the sump.

I don't have any proof of this, but those are my thoughts.

That's a good point. How much sludge have you seen in the sump/hydro draining you've done to date?
One theory as to why suction works possibly better, in some applications like oil pans, is that one is able to get all the oil/fluid out; whereas when allowing to drain from the plugs there is the area where the drain plug can't drain all the fluid due to the plug's machined opening being recessed into the pan and causing areas that retain fluid. With the suction tube, in theory, those remaining areas can be sucked dry by vacuum from the pump action, resulting in more complete removal of the oil/fluid(s).
I guess it depends on the shape/contours of the pan and how recessed the drain plugs are?
I may try a little of each. Suck out most and drain out the rest, finishing up with the suction pump to get the remaining amount, as possible.

 

[murphy1244]

CM, They do boats with a pump for oil. I bought a extractor but it only hold 3 gal of fluid. How many hours you have on it?

 

[Coyote machine]

CM, They do boats with a pump for oil. I bought a extractor but it only hold 3 gal of fluid. How many hours you have on it?

That's what I have. A West Marine tubular oil extractor, I bought for my Yami 225HP 4 stroke oil change(s). I haven't used it yet. I think it holds about 3** gallons? too. Thought I'd do my 1st hydro fluid pump out with the new syphon. This way I can take a look at the hydro fluid when it's pumped out to see the color, consistency and any particulate/metal matter.
I've got somewhere near 850-900 hours on it with just filter changes and top offs from various minor leaks.

**UPDATE: The West Marine extractor holds 6.5L/6.9 quarts, 1.71711834 US gallons.
The other oil extractor I have used for my generator: Smart Tool UG-188B holds about the same amount.

 

[murphy1244]

That's what I have. A West Marine tubular oil extractor, I bought for my Yami 225HP 4 stroke oil change(s). I haven't used it yet. I think it holds about 3 gallons? too. Thought I'd do my 1st hydro fluid pump out with the new syphon. This way I can take a look at the hydro fluid when it's pumped out to see the color, consistency and any particulate/metal matter.
I've got somewhere near 850-900 hours on it with just filter changes and top offs from various minor leaks.

I would drain the fluid from your BH too. What do you think?

 

[Coyote machine]

I would drain the fluid from your BH too. What do you think?

I agree completely. The hoe shares the hydro fluid with the tractor so there is really no way to get all of it out, unless you have some ideas on how to drain the hoe too - seperately?
I'm all ears on that one....

 

[roadhunter]

I agree completely. The hoe shares the hydro fluid with the tractor so there is really no way to get all of it out, unless you have some ideas on how to drain the hoe too - seperately?
I'm all ears on that one....

Just try to collapse all the hydraulic cylinders to minimize the amount of fluid that is not drained. Probably means laying the boom out straight.

As far as sucking out the oil that is done on boats out of necessity, not because it works better. Hard to beat gravity.

 

[k0ua]

I agree that retracting the cylinders will put a bit more fluid back into the tank, but just that volume that the rod displaces. Because the rod side of the cylinder fills with fluid as you retract. So you do gain some but not a whole lot