Branson 3520h - Hydraulic level confusion

[ericm979]

Unlike engine oil, tractor fluid rating is approximate at best.

The Branson manual lists tractor fluids that meet Branson's spec. In mine it's Chevron THF1000 and one other that I can't remember now. You can probably get THF1000 locally. NAPA carries it, and at a good price. My local NAPAs could not get it or couldn't be bothered to get it so I have gone with fluids that match the specs Chevron lists for THF1000. These were Mobile 424 and Duraguard semi synthetic. There is some risk to this if you're under warranty as there may be differences that are not on the oil manufacturer's spec sheets. But it's worked out ok for me so far.

If you think the level is above the sight glass, jack up the rear or drive to where the tractor is pointed slightly down hill. Jacking with the tractor off would let you look at the level as the angle of the tractor changes, so you don't miss when the level is showing in the window.

 

[5030]

You have a hydrostat which is REAL particular about fluid so the TSC store brand 'Traveller' may or may not be compatible with the oEM spec fluid. I suggest you look in your owners manual (or shop manual) for the specification and then READ the label on the cheap fluid and see if it's compatible or not.

Be apprised that using a non spec fluid, if you have issues, your dealer may not honor your warranty. Tractors manufacturers are getting very particular about warranty issue and denying them for non compatible fluids. Believe me, if you have an issue, first thing a dealer will do is pull a sample and submit it for spectroscopic analysis or submit the manufacturer's approval before honoring any warranty related issues.

Not so critical with a gear drive unit, but VERY critical with a hydro.

You can put anything in there you want to but be aware that if you have issues using a non spec fluid, you may eat the repairs.

As a rule, even with my gear drive units, I don't use the cheap stuff, but then I work them hard in an agricultural setting. Cheap fluid is just that, cheap.

 

[5030]

In mine it's Chevron THF1000 and one other that I can't remember now. You can probably get THF1000 locally.

Actually, what I use in my gear drive, hydraulic shuttle Kubota', well, sort of. I use the Chevron THF (Tractor Hydraulic Fluid), All Weather Full Synthetic. Interestingly, it's dyed orange so you can actually see it on the dipsticks.

I get mine from my jobber in 5 gallon pails. I use 15 gallons a change x 2 for both tractors. I only change it when the oil analysis says I need to. I use Blackstone for my oil analysis btw. About ever 3 years on the average.

 

[pockman]

Y'all,

Thanks for the replies on this.

I went out and took a very close look at the sight glass and noticed that there is a very light golden solution that was just barely moving around. It is what everyone already knew - I overfilled it.

I am considering draining *some* fluid to get back in the sight glass to get back to work. I also have JD dye coming from ebay which I may save to use after i do a full flush.

 

[ning]

Just curious, but is there any chance of damage to the system for overfilling the hydraulic fluid? It strikes me that since the return lines just dump into the unpressurized tank, and that's open to the filler neck which has a breather on it, worst case you make a mess?

 

[5030]

Overfilling ANY transmission (or engine) can cause seal failure or leaking seals.

 

[ning]

Overfilling ANY transmission (or engine) can cause seal failure or leaking seals.

I'm not contradicting you, but I'd like an explanation of how overfilling an unpressurized vented sump can cause a failure?

I see this older post didn't get any real traction and asks the same question, with my guess of "a mess" as well there.

 

[5030]

Don't have to be pressurized. If the fluid is constantly sitting against a seal, eventually it will start to weep. That applies to anything. Why you have a sight window or dipstick. Overfilling accomplishes nothing. if it wasn't true, the manufacturer would just tell you to fill it to the top of the filler plug and be done with it.

it's yours, do what you want to. Like I said to one poster, I don't care if you pee in it. Not mine to worry about.

 

[ning]

Don't have to be pressurized. If the fluid is constantly sitting against a seal, eventually it will start to weep. That applies to anything. Why you have a sight window or dipstick. Overfilling accomplishes nothing. if it wasn't true, the manufacturer would just tell you to fill it to the top of the filler plug and be done with it.

it's yours, do what you want to. Like I said to one poster, I don't care if you pee in it. Not mine to worry about.

What seals are being abused with this no-pressure fluid by overfilling that don't have fluid on them if at the right level?

As far as I can tell, the manufacturer sets a capacity that is a minimum plus some too account for hookup loss, and not enough that it will be wasted in the system - just because there's a max fill doesn't indicate that there will be damage if exceeded, in this case I suspect it's to avoid spillage and waste.

Do you actually know that damage will occur, or are you guessing? We're talking tractors hydraulic fluid here, not engine oil which can get frothed if overfilled - and it's fine if you don't know, but I can speculate on my own, I'm looking for an actual answer that's got a strong reason or even a reference behind it.

 

[ptsg]

Ning, that was just a non sense theory that he came up with after his Kubota tech Dennis told him so. Turns out he may run his tractors without any fluid so the seals don't leak.

With an overfilled transmission, it will most like leak when working on hills through the vent, plus it has to have some room for when using loaders, backhoes, dump trailers, etc to accommodate for the variances in the fluid level, including expansion from heat.

Not at all.

That was from my Kubota tech (Dennis) at the dealership I deal with. Dennis told me the fluid level in the gearcase needs to be at the level of the rear PTO shaft seal but not above it, when the tractor is sitting and level in 2 planes because the seal isn't designed to seal a constant pressure from the fluid against it. Besides, the gearcase is lubricated by splash anyway.

Maybe yours is, yours is much newer than either of mine are. Mine are 2002 and 2004 M9's.

In my case, because I exchange pto shafts on my 2 speed (540 6 spline - 1000 21 spline), Having excess fluid in the gearcase only results in a mess when I exchange shafts anyway though I still back the tractor up on heavy duty ramps when I change them out.

No point in loosing expensive fluid on the ground, the fluid I use (Chevron All Weather THC Synthetic) is pretty expensive stuff. Last time I bought a drum, it was just over 100 bucks per 5 gallons and my units each take just shy of15 gallons on a changeout.

In reality I don't much care what you do. Just passing on my experience, nothing more.