5 gallon hydraulic fluid containers help

[itsmatt]

I *finally* got all the hydraulic oil and the filter today from the dealer. And in anticipation of doing my oil changes this weekend, I'm trying to think ahead so that I don't do an "uh-oh, I wish I had..." midway through the work.

One thing I concerned about is handling the 5 gallon buckets of hydraulic oil. I am wondering how easy it is going to be to manage them when refilling the fluid. I expect I'm going to be doing this solo as there's nobody around to help me out with this. Does anyone have a trick for managing those buckets or do I just have to stick a funnel in there and try not to dump the fluid all over the place when pouring the buckets?

Thanks,

Matt

 

[sneaky_pete]

I got one of these from Northern Tool and it works pretty good for $8.

 

[itsmatt]

Thanks - I think I'll see if tractor supply has something like that. I had visions of me dumping gallons of this stuff on the ground and as expensive as it is, I'd rather not have to buy any extra!

Matt

 

[kozak]

You can buy these type of pumps from TSC or any farm supply outlet. Will be cheaper !!

Sorry, when I read your response the first time I thought you said Tractor Dealership. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Not even close eh.....those OT hours are really starting to show that my comprehension levels are at all time low. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[casingbill]

I just bought one of those from TSC, it wasn't cheap!!....$30 for that stupid little plastic pump. I needed right away so I bought it. The one from northern tool seems to be the best way to go.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I didn't think the 5 gallon buckets were that heavy (actually, they felt lighter then I thought they should). Anyway, it is not hard to pour out of them. Stick a solid funnel (not one of those flexible ones unless you can tie it up) into the fill port and pour the oil out of the spout on the bucket slowly to allow air to flow in as the oil comes out in a steady flow. If your tractor is a little high then you can set a platform where you need to stand or work off the back of a truck. You might have a few drips come down but unless you drop the bucket you should not spill any amount by going slow.

 

[MikePA]

I did the same thing Robert did. A funnel that stays put and poured right from the 5 gallon container.

 

[jinman]

Matt, unless someone owns a Class III tractor, they don't realize just how hard it is to get a funnel into the reservoir opening and make it stay there while pouring fluid. On our tractors, the filler is tucked away back up under the rear fuel tank and even a long funnel is tilted at such an angle that you have to pour slowly or the funnel fills up and overflows. Holding the 5-gal bucket long enough to pour slowly is sure to bring on arm fatigue and probably spillage.

I like the pump that Sneaky Pete suggested, but I think there is a cheaper solution even to that. I just use a cheap plastic pitcher to decant the 5-gal bucket and pour it in that way. Wal*Mart has a huge plastic pitcher that sells for about $1. I'm sure it holds over a gallon. Some dollar stores might also have something cheap and large. You can use a 2-gallon gas can also as a decanter, but you'll have to use a funnel to pour into that. I like the pitcher because I can remove the lid and pour directly into the pitcher.

The last time I changed my fluid, I bought the 2-1/2 gallon container instead of the 5-gal ones. I don't remember it being that much more expensive. I do know they were much easier to handle.

 

[OhioGuy]

Hi Matt,
You may already have considered this. What do you put under the tractor to collect the five gallons you're removing. I think the typical drain pan is two gallons at best.

I don't have a good solution, I used an oversized drain pan and a squatty 3 gallon pail I had and did one exchange.

I always put a poly tarp under any vehicle I'm changing fluids on, they're easier to clean than concrete or you could just toss them. Harbor Freight has the 8x10's for $1, when they're on sale.

Good Luck!
Curt

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I would imagine you have as much trouble getting a funnel into a Class III Boomer that I have getting it into the 1920 with cab or the TN. Either way, the funnel will fill up quick but if you work off a good platform (tailgate of a truck) then your arms will not fatigue. I changed all the fluids in both the 1920 and TN at the same time without any problem. But for $8 he can try the pump and see how it goes.

As for draining the oil, best thing I have seen is the large oil pans on wheels with a long handle to position it. Just put it under and pull the plug. The good oil pans have a pump built in them to pump the oil back out. Otherwise, you just have to swap buckets rather quickly. Keep the new bucket next to the full one as you slide them both at once so the oil will go from one to the other with minimal spill.