78 3600 hydralic fluid questions

[Zleviticus]

Have a Ford 3600. Had issue with lift this weekend. Seemed to be ok first part of day but put bush hog on and it would not lift. Suspect it is a pressure issue and plan to change fluid and filter. Have some questions. I have the IT manual but it is a little vague. Empty it takes 6 gallons (24 qts) of fluid? Any recommend fluid and filter? Also drain is? Under rear axel? Fill on top? Read that you drain with arms lowered? Check level with raised? Level Check is right axel middle?

Any advice? Should I change trans fluid at same time? First tractor not sure when fluids were last changed.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I use the next grade up from the 303 UTF like from Tractor Supply Company, etc in our 1980 Ford 3600. These tractors still have a basic lift system so they can get away with a lot of options but the cost difference between a $20 5 gallon pail and a $50 pail is nil it that for most of us it will be a ONE time event. Changing the filter from time to time is also cheap protection and adds back to the add package in the fluid. A tractor with really nasty fluid I may just use a pail of 303 and a gallon of Marvel Mystery Oil for a while before draining for the final fill. That is not offered as advice but just something I like to do. When the new UTF comes out really messy after bush hogging for several hours I am pleased that I flushed.

There is no need to do the transmission if it looks new but it is easy to do when you are in the middle of making a mess already. If the UTF looks like buttermilk I do a flush cycle on the transmission as well.

 

[Zleviticus]

I use the next grade up from the 303 UTF like from Tractor Supply Company, etc in our 1980 Ford 3600. These tractors still have a basic lift system so they can get away with a lot of options but the cost difference between a $20 5 gallon pail and a $50 pail is nil it that for most of us it will be a ONE time event. Changing the filter from time to time is also cheap protection and adds back to the add package in the fluid. A tractor with really nasty fluid I may just use a pail of 303 and a gallon of Marvel Mystery Oil for a while before draining for the final fill. That is not offered as advice but just something I like to do. When the new UTF comes out really messy after bush hogging for several hours I am pleased that I flushed.

There is no need to do the transmission if it looks new but it is easy to do when you are in the middle of making a mess already. If the UTF looks like buttermilk I do a flush cycle on the transmission as well.

I guess I値l grab a gallon and check levels in rear first or check levels and then add some or replace it. Maybe a full fluid change out will be a winter thing. Hope it痴 just low level issue don稚 feel like rebuilding anything right now. No time and I need the tractor right now. Lol.

Have other items that need work as well but those can wait to winter. Except the fuel leak. LOL

 

[Ultradog MN]

303 oil is Not, and never has been recommended for your Ford tractor.
Look for a good generic UTF (universal tractor fluid) that meets or exceeds Ford 134D specs. Two pails will be enough to change your transmission and rear end and have enough to change/ top off your power steering fluid as needed.
Don't forget to top off your lower steering box with 80W90 too.