Dump Trailer Fluid

[CurlyDave]

Yesterday, I went to the dump and dumped a load of debris with my dump trailer.

When I went to lower the bed, I could not get it down. It is single acting cylinder type, with a battery powered hydraulic pump to raise and a solenoid valve to allow it to lower under its own weight.

I managed to get it out of the active dumping area at the landfill and over to the side of what passes for a road. I didn't want to drive it too far because I saw a danger of tipping over.

Anyway, I ended up loosening a fitting on the hydraulic hose, which allowed the hydraulic oil in the piston to leak out onto the ground (who, me, polluting the dump?). This lowered the bed and I was able to get it home safely.

The original instructions are long gone, and I am wondering what type of hydraulic fluid to put back in it.

I am not sure it makes a whole lot of difference, because it seems like a light duty application to me, but I would hate to ruin the pump by putting in too low a grade.

I only need 2-3 gallons, so price is not an issue.

Right now, I am thinking of just getting a few gallons of WalMart's tractor fluid and using that. Anyone have a better suggestion?

 

[oldnslo]

Dave,
I would suspect any good tractor hydraulic fluid would work.

As a suggestion for future use. Can you install a needle valve in the cylinder line and plumb it back to tank? This way you would have a manual over ride or emergency lower system when the electric version fails.

Roy


P.S. Remember "Give a Hoot, Don't pollute"

 

[20 20]

most of them pumps use autotrans fluid.

 

[CurlyDave]

most of them pumps use autotrans fluid.

The original fluid was red -- just like most of the transmission fluid I have seen.

 

[wirenut]

The original fluid was red -- just like most of the transmission fluid I have seen.

I called the supplier of the hydraulic pack for my trailer (SPX Stone) and they could not (or did not) directly answer my question as to the right oil. He said something like " transmission fluid or tractor fluid or mobil 1 or power sterring fluid" (not exactly his words, but close). I hung up the phone more confused than before I called them.
I therfore concluded, ATF should work fine.

 

[MF1552]

If you remember the manufacturer, you may be able to find an owner's manual on line to determine the proper fluid. I checked my owner's manual on a Load Trail dump and it calls for hydraulic fluid.

 

[Soundguy]

any utf, even the cheap 303 accell fluid will be fine in a hyds only application. accell 303 fluid is even cheaper than aw32 .. etc.

ps.. is that a piloted check valve in theat dump bed.. if so..perhaps the pilot or check valve is avting up and not letting it dump..

soundguy

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Since it is a single action cylinder, it is probably the solenoid valve that went if your remote control is not defective. The only papers on type of fluid is from KTI, one of the makers of the pump packs. Look on this page under hydraulics.

PJ Trailers - Support

http://www.pjtrailers.com/downloads/KTI_Hydraulics.pdf

Quote from the manual

KTI recommends using top-quality hydraulic fluids with ISO VG 22 68 (19.8 74.8 cSt, 97 347 SUS at 40ｰC) to
ensure optimum performance and system life. Fluids should have anti-wear properties, rust and oxidation inhibitors. If
using synthetic fluids, consult the factory for alternative seal material requirements.

Fluid Temperature Range ISO Viscosity Grade (ISO VG)
-5ｰF to + 140ｰF ISO 22
-21ｰC to + 60ｰC

+5ｰF to + 170ｰF ISO 32
-15ｰC to +77ｰC

+15ｰF to + 190ｰF ISO 46
-9ｰC to + 88ｰC

+30ｰF to +210ｰF ISO 68
-1ｰC to + 99ｰC

Do not operate Power Unit above recommended Fluid Temperature Range.
Premium hydraulic oil with proper ISO Viscosity Grade and additives such as Chevron EP, Mobile DTE 10, DTE 20 series, or Shell Tellus would be acceptable.





David Kb7uns

 

[wdchyd]

Dave,


As a suggestion for future use. Can you install a needle valve in the cylinder line and plumb it back to tank? This way you would have a manual over ride or emergency lower system when the electric version fails.

Roy


P.S. Remember "Give a Hoot, Don't pollute"

This is a great idea for the next time.....you probably have a 12vdc solenoid burnt up or just an electrical problem......

If you use this in the winter conditions then use hyd oil for elec/hyd plow pumps...it's good for -50 and will work great all year round....otherwise any good transmission or tractor oil is fine.....

 

[tawilson]

I've had to take my controller apart and clean the contacts a few times.

 

[paulwestski]

I added an extra set of momentary contact buttons/switches to my dump trailer frame. Comes in real handy not having to plug in the pendant remote everytime.

 

[20 20]

The original fluid was red -- just like most of the transmission fluid I have seen.

YEP, all the ones I have or have used took ATF:thumbsup:

 

[Redbug]

Mine uses ATF.

I have wondered about my trailer staying stuck in the up position, also. Could a manual valve be installed where it could be lowered and not losing any fluid?

 

[Soundguy]

Mine uses ATF.

I have wondered about my trailer staying stuck in the up position, also. Could a manual valve be installed where it could be lowered and not losing any fluid?

if it is a piloted cyl it would have to be between the cyl and pilot.. but yeah.. a dump valve to tank, rated for pressure, etc, would work.

also.. for most of these lil self contained systems.. just about any oil would work.. even 10w30

soundguy

 

[wdchyd]

The only problem with the heavier oil is that the OP'r is from Oregon.....It gets cold up there and during cold temps it'll starve the pump....

 

[Mighty Dodge]

Mine calls for plain old Dexron.

 

[Redbug]

Thank you SoundGuy. I will look at it when I get home and see about adding one.

 

[Soundguy]

The only problem with the heavier oil is that the OP'r is from Oregon.....It gets cold up there and during cold temps it'll starve the pump....

if atf works.. I doubtr 10w30 would be an issue... atf should be darn close to a 10w base oil.

soundguy

 

[wdchyd]

if atf works.. I doubtr 10w30 would be an issue... atf should be darn close to a 10w base oil.

soundguy

Don't know about Oregon but in NH even 10w is too heavy for 12vdc power units outside.....I've done many a repair on these units in winter when all they needed was an oil change to something thinner.....that includes hyd tailgate lifts, dump trailers, plow power units, dock levelers, construction lifts ect.......anything that has a 12vdc power unit that sits out in the cold and has to go without any warm up instantaneously........

below zero it's hard to get 10w to flow enough for hydraulics on units that don't circulate and warm up.........IIRC atf is thinner than straight 10w......Yes..No..??

I think the climate is the determining factor here.....otherwise not an issue....

 

[CurlyDave]

Well, I finally did what I should have thought of to start off.

I called the dealer and they said: "If it is red it is Type F auto transmission fluid, if it is clear it is hydraulic oil."

Mine was red, so it will be Type F for me.

I am in Southern Oregon, at an altitude of about 1400 ft, so it doesn't get really cold here. Now if you go out to some of the higher elevations in eastern Oregon, it will get COLD.