Better fluid level indicator??

[Sarge338]

This is going to sound like a stupid question, and it probably is, but is there any kind of an aftermarket gauge that can be added to a tractor to show hydraulic fluid levels… like a fuel gauge?

I have a Mahindra 2555, and I recently changed the PTO seal. Afterward I refilled the fluid checking the dipstick after every operation of the hand pump. I stopped pumping just shy of the high-level notch of the dipstick. Fast forward a few weeks, and I was cycling all of the hydraulics (self-contained) of a new backhoe attachment when I noticed several places on the rear end of the tractor that looked wet. I knew I had cleaned everything after the PTO seal replacement, so the only thing I could figure was the fluid was being pushed out through the seals. I checked the dipstick and it is WAY high… above the flat area of the dipstick. 1) I don’t know how it’s twice as high now as when I filled it, and 2) if I can’t rely on the dipstick to give me an accurate reading, how do I know what’s in there?

On a side note, anyone know of a good way to have a controlled drain of excess fluid? Dropping the drain plug tends to drain more than I want, unless I’m doing a full fluid change. And given the above scenario, I’d rather not end up in a cycle of draining and refilling.

 

[chim]

I bought something like this on Amazon. For what you want to do it would be nice. I always remove drain plugs when doing fluid replacement because I don't trust the tube to get it all. It is useful when transferring oil, fuel and hydraulic fluid.

Amazon.com

 

[ptsg]

This is going to sound like a stupid question, and it probably is, but is there any kind of an aftermarket gauge that can be added to a tractor to show hydraulic fluid levels… like a fuel gauge?

I have a Mahindra 2555, and I recently changed the PTO seal. Afterward I refilled the fluid checking the dipstick after every operation of the hand pump. I stopped pumping just shy of the high-level notch of the dipstick. Fast forward a few weeks, and I was cycling all of the hydraulics (self-contained) of a new backhoe attachment when I noticed several places on the rear end of the tractor that looked wet. I knew I had cleaned everything after the PTO seal replacement, so the only thing I could figure was the fluid was being pushed out through the seals. I checked the dipstick and it is WAY high… above the flat area of the dipstick. 1) I don’t know how it’s twice as high now as when I filled it, and 2) if I can’t rely on the dipstick to give me an accurate reading, how do I know what’s in there?

On a side note, anyone know of a good way to have a controlled drain of excess fluid? Dropping the drain plug tends to drain more than I want, unless I’m doing a full fluid change. And given the above scenario, I’d rather not end up in a cycle of draining and refilling.

Pull one hose of a cylinder and put it in a bucket. I would say probably on of the curl cylinders on the loader might be the easiest. Then just run the tractor and actuate that function to fill the bucket.

As to check the level, always check the lever with the loader on the ground and 3 pt lowered.

 

[LHF2019]

I have a Mahindra 2555, and I recently changed the PTO seal. Afterward I refilled the fluid checking the dipstick after every operation of the hand pump. I stopped pumping just shy of the high-level notch of the dipstick. Fast forward a few weeks, and I was cycling all of the hydraulics (self-contained) of a new backhoe attachment when I noticed several places on the rear end of the tractor that looked wet. I knew I had cleaned everything after the PTO seal replacement, so the only thing I could figure was the fluid was being pushed out through the seals. I checked the dipstick and it is WAY high… above the flat area of the dipstick. 1) I don’t know how it’s twice as high now as when I filled it, and 2) if I can’t rely on the dipstick to give me an accurate reading, how do I know what’s in there?

I'm guessing the backhoe wasn't on when doing the pto seal? The backhoe is where all your extra oil came from or if like my NH I can have a low reading then next day have a normal reading. Just the way tractor built. No loader or anything else on NH.

 

[Sarge338]

Thanks for the input, everyone! I’ll follow your advice for draining the excess fluid. I’ll keep looking for a better way to gauge the fluid level.

 

[bdhsfz6]

The hyd. fluid level varies quite a bit on my Kubota as well. I use this fluid extractor / dispenser to adjust the level. It works by inserting a tube in the dipstick hole.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SR7TC?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_10&th=1

I also use it to extract most of the hyd. oil when doing an oil change.

 

[Sarge338]

The hyd. fluid level varies quite a bit on my Kubota as well. I use this fluid extractor / dispenser to adjust the level. It works by inserting a tube in the dipstick hole.
View attachment 4644215

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SR7TC?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_10&th=1

I also use it to extract most of the hyd. oil when doing an oil change.

Awesome!! Thanks for the info!

Yeah, the measured hydraulic levels in a 3 week period were WAY different. There has to be some kind of value/formula out there somewhere for determining what volume cold fluid will take up when it gets hot. I have to assume that’s why I now have extra fluid.

 

[oldnslo]

In what position are the back hoe cylinders when checking fluid level? Generic rule of thumb is estimate 15-20% volume difference on extended cylinder vs retracted.

 

[Sarge338]

@oldnslo, my backhoe’s hydraulics are self-contained. Its hydraulic pump connects to the PTO of the tractor. Other than not being able to fully drop the pt hitch, the backhoe shouldn’t impact the tractor’s hydraulic levels.

I only mentioned it, because that’s what I was messing with when I discovered all of the wet spots on the rear of the tractor.

 

[oldnslo]

@oldnslo, my backhoe’s hydraulics are self-contained. Its hydraulic pump connects to the PTO of the tractor. Other than not being able to fully drop the pt hitch, the backhoe shouldn’t impact the tractor’s hydraulic levels.

I only mentioned it, because that’s what I was messing with when I discovered all of the wet spots on the rear of the tractor.

Sorry missed the part about being self contained in original post. Not sure what would cause being over filled other than running PTO will heat the oil from splash and gears turning which should not cause excessive over fill. Any chance the vent or breather for the transaxle is plugged?

 

[Sarge338]

Sorry missed the part about being self contained in original post. Not sure what would cause being over filled other than running PTO will heat the oil from splash and gears turning which should not cause excessive over fill. Any chance the vent or breather for the transaxle is plugged?

At this point, I think just about anything is possible. The difference from fill date to over-filled date is ridiculous.

I really wish this thing had a gauge, or at least a sight glass, for the hydraulic level rather than that tiny little dip stick.