Hydraulic oil

Matt2796 · Oct 26, 2021

My hydraulic fluid is clear when my tractor is idling and turns cloudy when I drive or run the hydraulics. Is this normal? Transmission is Hydrostatic.

KennyG · Oct 27, 2021

No that is not normal. Is it cloudy or foamy? What is the color? How many hours on the machine and the fluid?

Matt2796 · Oct 27, 2021

There is 240 hrs on the tractor and fluid was just changed.

LD1 · Oct 27, 2021

WHat type of fluid did you use?

That almost looks like water in the oil. Water mixed with oil turns milky

Matt2796 · Oct 27, 2021

LD1 said:
WHat type of fluid did you use?

That almost looks like water in the oil. Water mixed with oil turns milky

Shell spirax hydraulic and hydrostatic transmission fluid, dealer changed oil twice with same issue

Matt2796 · Oct 27, 2021

KennyG said:
No that is not normal. Is it cloudy or foamy? What is the color? How many hours on the machine and the fluid?

240 hrs on tractor and fluid was just changed

Matt2796 · Oct 27, 2021

Matt2796 said:
Shell spirax hydraulic and hydrostatic transmission fluid, dealer changed oil twice with same issue

The oil returns to a clear color after sitting

ljjhouser · Oct 27, 2021

What did the dealer say about the oil. Were both changes done with the same Shell oil? Wondering if the oil comes in bulk. If so, kinda wonder if others they changed show the same. (i.e. problem with the oil). Sounds like a powder contaminate in the oil. Or foaming. Could be water, but don't know where from.

240 is low time for a change. Was it changed BECAUSE it just turned white? If so, it is a problem with tractor, and not oil. Probably water from somewhere. But I don't think water settled out. How long does it take to clear up after shutting down.?

With 240 hours, I think I would take it to the dealer to see what they find - especially if under warranty.

Matt2796 · Oct 27, 2021

Tried oil from 2 different places, same issue...it takes 30 min to an hour for it to clear out

ljjhouser · Oct 27, 2021

Has the tractor been running enough to get good and hot - up to operating temp. I would think moisture would clear up if it is condensation. Sounds like it may be picking up water somewhere.