CT225 50 hours - change hydraulic fluid?

[rus_geek]

Manual says change the oil. Dealer says just change the filters. I didn't get a response to a request I sent to Bobcat online.

This is probably as bad as a Ford/Chevy pickup debate, but should I or shouldn't I change the fluid? I think I can get the fluid for about $120 so maybe just cheap insurance?

-rus-

 

[Mrb94]

I just had this same conversation with my Dealer.

His response was that they do not change out the hydo fluid until 1000 hours - that the job of the 2 filters is to remove the debris. They will do it if asked.

They do change the gear lube in the front axle, though, since it is not filtered.

 

[rus_geek]

I got another call from my dealer about an hour after I posed this question yesterday. Seems Bobcat had gotten around to forwarding my question to him. From a warranty standpoint, he said I should replace the fluid. Theoretically, if there was a problem that should be covered under warranty, and the oil not being changed could be a contributing factor, etc. etc. It's cheap enough to just replace.

From a "need to do it" perspective, he stated that as long as the fluid that you see while changing the filters appears to be fine, it probably is. Once it out of warranty, there isn't nearly as much concern about changing the fluid frequently.

-rus-

 

[dfkrug]

I just had this same conversation with my Dealer.

His response was that they do not change out the hydo fluid until 1000 hours - that the job of the 2 filters is to remove the debris.

Why would you trust what the dealer says over the owner's manual?
Especially after he says something like that? 1000hr!!!

All the new tractors I bought (3 Kiotis and 1 Bobcat) came with some
unknown straight hyd fluid in the trans and front MFWD axle. You need
to use a THF in the trans and gear oil in the axle. And the change interval
for the trans is 400 hr, even if you don't have HST.

 

[Canada_CT230]

I've read the manual on my CT230 and it is said to change (at 50 hr) the following:

- engine oil
- engine oil filter
- front differential fluid
- hydrostatic filter
- hydraulic filter
- hydraulic/transmission fluid

Now, I did my own 50 hr service. It was easy. A bit time consuming for the front diff with the numerous top ups but if you can change the oil in your car then you can do this.

You need a large oil pan. I used a storage bin from Wal-Mart that goes under the bed. It is low profile and large enough to catch all the hydro fluid.

The fluid needs to be Bobcat from what they told me. Now, I don't believe that they can force you but for the $50 difference I'm not taking that chance (while under warranty). I read some where that Bobcat puts a tracer additive.

1000 hrs is not good. 500 is the interval after the forst 50 hr change.

 

[rus_geek]

I've read the manual on my CT230 and it is said to change (at 50 hr) the following:

- engine oil
- engine oil filter
- front differential fluid
- hydrostatic filter
- hydraulic filter
- hydraulic/transmission fluid

Interesting. My CT225 manual lists engine oil & filter, hydro/hydra filters, but then lists "Hydraulic (Trans / Diff) Fluid" at 50 hours and then every 400, but "Differential Oil" only at every 400. I'm assuming that means hydraulic at 50 and 400, but front diff only at 400.

-rus-