Does Hydrostatic Fuild Wear Out?

[awlchu]

Hello,

If your hydrostatic drive fluid does not get contaminated by moisture, dirt, etc. will it wear out?

I have examined (visually) the fluid and it does not appear 'milky' or clouded etc. Appears to look just like the new fresh stuff in the bottle.

Apart from appearance, are there operating characteristics that I need to look for to indicate the fluid needs to be replaced?

My owners manual (Honda) indicates 5yrs or 500 hrs between changes. I certainly have the time but not the operating hours on my tractor.

Your thoughts?

thanks, Brian

PS. Can you dispose of hydrostatic fluid like motor oil - reclaim station?

 

[ronjhall]

<font color="blue"> are there operating characteristics that I need to look for to indicate the fluid needs to be replaced? </font>

If the brakes are on while using a HST tractor the oil can overheat. Then other hydraulic function will not operate properly.

Changing oil and filters will correct the problem.

Don't ask how I know this. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

<font color="blue"> My owners manual (Honda) indicates 5yrs or 500 hrs between changes. </font>

My manual states: Whichever comes first.

 

[DocHeb]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( My owners manual (Honda) indicates 5yrs or 500 hrs between changes.

My manual states: Whichever comes first. )</font>

Not hammering you on this, but just a comment. Using a time interval for changing oil has always bugged me. If you were to put brand new oil in the engine, and then never used it, that would mean in 5 years the oil would be unusable. Just doesn't seem logical to me. If the oil is so sensitive that exposure to air for 5 years ruins it, what would interengine stresses do?

 

[ronjhall]

Chris
If I changed the oil in my tractor then did not use it for 5 years. I would not change it again. If I used it 50 hours each year for the 5 years I would probably change the oil. More worried about condensation than anything else.
I wish it was easier to check oil quality than having to get a kit, then mail it in to get results. Should be able to stop at closest Auto Store for a quick check.

 

[sneaky_pete]

It wears out from use; the long-chain hydrocarbon molecules that give it its desirable properties break down with heat and shear stress.

Oil and hydraulic fluid are refined from crude oil, and contain aromatics that will evaporate over time (albeit very slowly) even if not used. I have torn down old motorcycle engines that were left sitting with oil in them, and the oil is now like tar. Why take a chance on an expensive piece of machinery for a few dollars of new oil or hydraulic fluid? Are you willing to bet that you know more than Honda about their equipment?

Pete

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

If you were to put brand new oil in the engine, and then never used it, that would mean in 5 years the oil would be unusable.

My philosophy (which may or may not be correct) has always been to change the oil in everything once each year at minimum. I do this to guard against moisture which may have condensed inside the pan over time. Oil is a cheap insurance policy.

 

[awlchu]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Are you willing to bet that you know more than Honda about their equipment?
)</font>

nope! I'm going to change it just for the piece of mind. In my hydro drive, Honda does not provide a filter as part of teh drive system.