Oil & Fuel 130 hours on 5055e, changing hydraulic filter

[Citydude]

"As long as the radiator is full to the top"
It only took a stepladder and the owners manual to find the radiator cap. And the radiator was full. Amazing how long it takes (me) to do seemingly simple things with a tractor.

I would venture to say that the vast majority of the TBN membership is here because of needed assistance for issues with our tractors. No one here was born an expert so your at the right place because we've all been where your at now. Hang in there.

 

[nancyk]

I do have the operators manual, I mistakenly called it the owners manual.
The hydraulic filter is now changed, my neighbor brought a filter strap and with a bit of muscle slowly got the filter off. He carefully put the o-ring/gasket on and the filter went on easily, he was very surprised. We had to add an additional 1/2 gallon(at least) of Deere hydraulic fluid. Kept checking for leaks, all looks well. Will walk down shortly and check for leaks and also the dipstick level. The level is very hard to read, I am having a hard time seeing the fluid on the dipstick. Any additives to add color to make reading that easier?
Off topic. When I engage the pto, is it best to throttle down and have the gears in neutral? I have been stepping on the clutch when I engage the pto, a neighbor told me that is a no-no.

 

[Plantation Paul]

The level is very hard to read, I am having a hard time seeing the fluid on the dipstick. Any additives to add color to make reading that easier?
Off topic. When I engage the pto, is it best to throttle down and have the gears in neutral? I have been stepping on the clutch when I engage the pto, a neighbor told me that is a no-no.

They make a red dye for the hydraulic fluid. I used it for years because of the confusion between the motor oil and hydraulic for some of my employees. But it is a lot easier to see. You may can just buy the dye and add it in next time you have to add some hydraulic oil.

Depending on the load as far as the PTO. A light load and it is no problem at low rpm. A very heavy load will kill the engine or slip the clutch too much. I like a mid throttle, and ease it in. The clutch doesn't matter on your tractor.

 

[Wagtail]

They make a red dye for the hydraulic fluid. I used it for years because of the confusion between the motor oil and hydraulic for some of my employees. But it is a lot easier to see. You may can just buy the dye and add it in next time you have to add some hydraulic oil.

Most people purchase the John Deere dye, even if they own another coloured tractor. It's very inexpensive.

Do not attempt to use food dye!

 

[nancyk]

I will get the John Deere dye, for sure.

 

[nancyk]

Update: Our 5425 was just returned from the Deere shop, turns out it needed a new(rebuilt) injector pump. I asked about the red dye, the service man said he had never heard about it, I asked him to look into it. I asked the man who delivered the tractor if he had heard of the dye, he had not, though to his credit he did call the Deere shop and asked about it, they had gotten some in for me but forgot to give it to the driver.
In going over the 5425(I asked them to change the engine oil & filter and the hydraulic fluid and filter) and changing the fuel filter, they also drained the fuel tank and said there was quite a bit of "sludge" in the tank and in the future I should use one of those fuel funnels w/a strainer in it(I have one for our zero-turn). A neighbor said they have funnels that also have a cartridge in it, which could be one step better. Any recommendations on what kind to buy? We do have a filter where the diesel leaves the tank but this must have missed quite a bit of debris.
Well, I decided to peruse this site to see if anyone had discussed funnels, they had, and I have just ordered a Mr. Funnel for the two tractors.

 

[texasranger556]

There is also an algae that can grow in diesel. Nearly impossible to "clean" it out, but there is an additive that kills it pretty effectively. Expensive stuff, I remember it being like $100 for a small can about 15 years ago, but cheap compared to a pump.

 

[nancyk]

The fuel has been delivered to our property by the local farmers co-op for the past many years, the tank is quite old and could be a cause of the problems(sludge in the tractors fuel tanks). A neighbor says he does not buy his diesel fuel from the co-op but as needed, he calls it road fuel, he feels it is cleaner. As I will not be putting that many hours on either of my tractors in the upcoming years, I may consider not using the stored fuel.
The big tractor is cleaned and ready to go, I am concerned about the 5055e(130 hours) I have, I would prefer it not go to the Deere doctor. Whatever I can do to keep it running smoothly, including straining the fuel, I will do.