Bobcat E26 excavator needs some hydraulic oil

[EOD Retired]

I recently bought an older (2014) E26 with 2700 hours. The sight gage for the hydraulic oil indicated it was just above the low mark when I bought it. I installed a hydraulic clamp (thumb) which works perfectly and I've only put about 4 hours on it myself. Now the oil sight gage indicates low/add hydraulic oil which isn't a surprise since I added the thumb. I live "way out" and don't have any hyd oil in my shop. I'd like to finish this job with about 4 hours left before I move it back up to the shop and take a trip to the city. I dont have any hyd oil but I do have some motor oil. Can I safely add some 10W40 motor oil (or another weight) until I can get my filters and oil to change it all completely? I have no idea what hyd oil is in the system now so I though I'd change it all since I don't have any idea if its ever been done before or if so when and what. I can easily determine what Bobcat recommends and change it with the correct oil...I just don't know if that's what's in it now. Should I stop my job and go on an oil/filter hunt or what? Recommendations?????

 

[Fixastuff]

First thing make sure all the cylinders are in the correct position for checking the fluid. Big difference in hyd level if they all are extended vs retracted.

 

[tman1020]

As previously mentioned make sure all hydraulic cylinders are in correct position. Normally retracted when checking. As far as using non-recommended oil it’s up to you but these machines are awful expensive to be taking chances. I would probably use the correct oil.

 

[Omega Woods]

I wouldn’t do anything that involves putting non hydraulic fluid in the system. I’d run it at the low mark and keep am eye on it before I put motor oil in it.

As the others said, cylinder position matters when checking trackhoe fluid level.

 

[ddbackhoe]

dont have any hyd oil but I do have some motor oil. Can I safely add some 10W40 motor oil (or another weight) until I can get my filters and oil to change it all completely? I have no idea what hyd oil is in the system now so I though I'd change it all since I don't have any idea if its ever been done before or if so when and what. I can easily determine what Bobcat recommends and change it with the correct oil...I just don't know if that's what's in it now. Should I stop my job and go on an oil/filter hunt or what? Recommendations?????

“Bobcat recommends only using their very own oils.” HV46 (high viscosity 46). For short term, I would mix but I am old school, do what you gotta do to get the job done.

Can Engine Oils Replace Hydraulic Oils?

Some equipment manufacturers recommend using multi-grade engine oil in hydraulic systems for their mobile equipment. Viscosity index (VI) improvers extend the operating temperature range for…

www.machinerylubrication.com

 

[EOD Retired]

OK...I found a jug of Yanmar hydraulic fluid for my tractor in the shop that id forgotten I had so I added from it thinking that would be better. They add Red dye but no matter. So cylinders in the retracted position???? I've never known and always wondered - it makes sense that would show a higher level in the tank. I'll start paying closer attention to the positions from now on to see what that does.

 

[EOD Retired]

Any thoughts about a different brand of hyd fluid - Yanmar in Bobcat or reverse? I will stock up on Bobcat stuff ( ie. filters, etc) but do I need to spend double $$ just to stock Yanmar and Bobcat brands of hyd oil??? Seems like they should be ok with the same stuff. Is there a recommended other brand that can be used in both machines?

 

[EthanWilli]

Thanks for the advice everyone, I really appreciate it! Especially the tip about checking the fluid level with the cylinders retracted . I actually found some leftover Yanmar hydraulic fluid in the shop and topped it off with that . Is there any issue using a different brand like Yanmar in my Bobcat? I'd prefer not to have to stock two different fluids if possible. Maybe something like Eiffel lubricants hydraulic oil would work for both machines?

 

[laurencen]

given the cost to repair these machines stocking up on a jug of Bobcat oil is minimal, I do not mix oils on any machines unless it says a alternative.

my machine has a diagram where cylinders should be to check oil level, its also in the manual

 

[MaxHeavier]

It’s not worth the risk of mixing motor oil with hydraulic fluid, especially on a Bobcat E26. Keep working at the low mark, and monitor the level closely. If it drops too much, pause the job and get the right hydraulic oil before proceeding.