I recently bought a Kubota M5400 with 1100 hours. Is there a way to tell how old the hydraulic fluid is? I know that I should assume that it needs changing. However it looks clear as glass. I hate to throw it away for nothing. The filters are not new.
How old is the hydraulic fluid
- Thread starter Edmund
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JASTN70D
Gold Member
I would check with a Dealer I know that fluid can be analyzed. I Have no idea of the cost though.
I have never seen used hydraulic fluid look anything but new on a machine even when it is time for a change. Kind of the nature of the use. I guess if you had a serious problem like water or air it would show up by looking at it but for just used I doubt very much it will look much different than new.
I have never seen used hydraulic fluid look anything but new on a machine even when it is time for a change. Kind of the nature of the use. I guess if you had a serious problem like water or air it would show up by looking at it but for just used I doubt very much it will look much different than new.
thcri
Elite Member
My experience with hydraulic fluid is that it always looks clean. Don't take a chance on it. Change it unless you have documents stating it was changed at such and such a time.
just my opinion.
murph
just my opinion.
murph
jrlichina
Platinum Member
Blackstone Labs does oil analysis. You can send them an oil sample from your engine as well. Their tests will let you know if there are any internal problems or possible concerns. Well worth the $20 bucks. As for the hydraulic fluid I'd probably just change it and the filter just so YOU know what's in it and when it was last changed for sure.
Soundguy
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The fact that the filters are old would be reason enough for me to change the oil. You have no idea whether the previous owner went cheap and put straight hydraulic jack oil in ( clear ) or paid twice as much for the correct universal transdraulic oil... much of which is light honey colored...
Get rid of the old filters... I'll bet the filters cost more than a 5 gallon pail of oil anyway.... They do on my NH.
Soundguy
Get rid of the old filters... I'll bet the filters cost more than a 5 gallon pail of oil anyway.... They do on my NH.
Soundguy
Deerlope
Veteran Member
It makes great bar oil for a chainsaw. So in a sense your would be recycling it.
Slamfire
Veteran Member
I've been usin' recycled vegtable oil on my chainsaw, figurin' it'll break down in the enviornment. Don't cost nothin' either. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
jinman
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</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I've been usin' recycled vegtable oil on my chainsaw )</font>
...so when you're out there cuttin' firewood, does your chainsaw smell like french fries when it gets hot? /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
...so when you're out there cuttin' firewood, does your chainsaw smell like french fries when it gets hot? /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
art
Super Member
If it doesn't look milky then it probably is fine to use. I would pick a time when the weather is consistant and condisation would not be a consideration and change it and filters then.
herbenus
Gold Member
So that's what I can use that old bacon grease for.
PineRidge
Super Member
Hold on there! I wouldn't use Bacon grease as it turns to a solid as it cools. Your chain oiler may quit as a result and you could loose a chain and bar in the process. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
If you are looking for a way to dispose of it my wife takes the old bacon grease and mixes it with birdseed. Once it solidifies she then puts it out for the birds and they love it. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
If you are looking for a way to dispose of it my wife takes the old bacon grease and mixes it with birdseed. Once it solidifies she then puts it out for the birds and they love it. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
MikePA
Super Moderator
<font color="blue"> Once it solidifies she then puts it out for the birds and they love it. </font>
So do dogs! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif My wife was looking out a window watching the birds eat, a calming and enjoyable activity during the winter months. When, out of the corner of her eye, she saw a large black object. She turned her head to see our lab walking into our front yard. Not all that unusual, until the lab stopped at the Cafe' Suet and started munching!
So do dogs! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif My wife was looking out a window watching the birds eat, a calming and enjoyable activity during the winter months. When, out of the corner of her eye, she saw a large black object. She turned her head to see our lab walking into our front yard. Not all that unusual, until the lab stopped at the Cafe' Suet and started munching!
PineRidge
Super Member
Mike I built several contraptions for my better half using old miners pans suspended by small chain. She puts the suet in the pans so the varmints can't get to it. Don't know if squirrels are attracted to it or not but the birds all seem to love it. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
normde2001
Elite Member
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So....back to the hydraulic fluid....I agree with Soundguy, if the filters look old , it should be changed. It probably has an internal pickup screen like the Yanmars. I would be sure and clean that too.
