Assistance with aftermarket loader

MelroseFred · 2025-10-20T20:26:22-0400

Hello all, new to the site and new to being an owner of a tractor with a loader.

I recently bought a Long 350 with an aftermarket loader. The loader apparently uses one of the uprights as the hydraulic reservoir. I would like to change and check the fluid but I’m not sure how to accomplish that? I’ve attached some pics that might help.

dougtrr2 · 2025-10-21T07:06:43-0400

I would be very surprised it that is being used for hydraulic fluid. If it is, there would have to be at least two connection points. Can you show more pictures of that upright?

Pull that fitting and see if there is anything in there.

Doug in SW IA

DJ54 · 2025-10-21T07:30:37-0400

Seeing hoses only going to the right side, I would assume there would be a drain plug on the bottom of the right upright. If not, the supply line to the pump would be low on the upright and that could be used to drain it removing the hose. Common sense would dictate there is a drain plug underneath that upright but could be wrong.

Eagle1 · 2025-10-21T08:30:05-0400

Here is a PDF for a Kwik-Way that may give you some ideas.
https://chipmanuals.gtcoa.com/pdf/Kwik-Way_Loader_LGR480-74_19751100.pdf

I know that Johnson Loaders used that setup and you can find some info for them...
https://www.wfmachines.com/threads/johnson-12-loader.135127/

MelroseFred · 2025-10-21T13:41:48-0400

dougtrr2 said:
I would be very surprised it that is being used for hydraulic fluid. If it is, there would have to be at least two connection points. Can you show more pictures of that upright?

Pull that fitting and see if there is anything in there.

Doug in SW IA

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I tried to attach pics of the bottom, but they were too large but I’ll try with this reply:

MelroseFred · 2025-10-21T13:46:06-0400

DJ54 said:
Seeing hoses only going to the right side, I would assume there would be a drain plug on the bottom of the right upright. If not, the supply line to the pump would be low on the upright and that could be used to drain it removing the hose. Common sense would dictate there is a drain plug underneath that upright but could be wrong.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. The only plugs I see is a square plug under the left supply line and the one that I posted the picture of. The square plug sure looks to be welded and the other plug appears to be some type of pressure relief fitting. I put a socket in it and gave it a little pressure but it appears to be in there rather tight (maybe loctite tight).

dougtrr2 · 2025-10-21T15:26:22-0400

I am probably just reaffirming what you already suspect or know.

Time to break out the penetrating fluid of choice and start dowsing the connections. I really think that square plug is a drain. Not saying someone couldn't have welded it in, but I would sure work on that one first.

If no luck with getting the bottom plug out, looks like you are going to have to break open some other connections to drain out the fluid. That upper fitting is most likely a vent/fill port. When you are ready to put in new fluid make sure all the cylinders are retracted to maximize the amount of fluid in the reservoir. Leave at least an inch two below the fill point. Hydraulic fluid does expand when it gets hot. (I spaced that off when I filled my log splitter and had a mess).

Keep us posted and we wouldn't mind seeing overall pictures of your acquisition.

On a lighter note keep this chart in mind as you are doing combat with those fittings.

Doug in SW IA