Fluid lines bent; opinions please

[cdover73]

The other day I was moving some dirt around my pond with my 4530 and box blade when the scarifirers caught the root of a small tree (about 6" x 30') and caused it to uproot. When I tried to back off the tree, the root and stump was tall enough to hang up under my tractor. I called myself looking as I was backing up, but the roots caught and bent the toolbox mounted on the side as well as the power steering lines just above it. The lines are not broken, but the bracket that holds them is bent and one of the lines is bent slightly. This isn't enough to really worry about, but I can't leave it like that. What I am wondering is would it be okay to change out the hard lines to the power steering with hydraulic hose so I can tuck them closer to the frame instead of them being stuck out in the open. I know I would have to use the same i.d. to keep the flow rate the same. Also, has anyone attempted to fab a set of skid plates to protect the underside? Pics?

 

[indigob]

Hi cdcover73,

This is funny. I have the same exact issue (also on a 4530), except the roots ripped my right side ps line off while clearing some heavy brush.
A skid plate would be nice. A little side issue that I have come across
in resolving this problem is, the crankcase is a shared tank for hydraulics/
power steering/and transmission.

The owners manual calls for a SAE 80w UTTO oil with API GL-4 and EP ratings or a multi-function hydraulic fluid such as Chevron 1000 THF (this is on the new chart on the Mahindra USA website). Problem is, my oil distributor says that these are different classes of products and that API GL-4 products are
no longer available. He suggested the Chevron 1000 THF as did the Mahindra online support people, but the Mahindra shop I deal with suggests the New Holland 80w-90 API GL-5 oil that they carry. Also, I had seen on a couple of other websites, that using GL-5 in place of GL-4 can be a problem because the 5 is too slippery for gears vs. the 4.

To top all that I am concerned about topping off with one vs. the other because I can't seem to tell what is in the crankcase originally. I guess,
I am going to have to fully drain and refill with all one kind.

Do you or anyone else have any suggestions or clarifications?

Thanks in advance - indigob