How to deal with 11 gallons of hydraulic oil

[ThirdHand]

Howdy! I'm wondering if anyone could help me figure out how I can drain my own hydraulic oil. Primarily I'm worried about how to actually catch it all. My Kubota l3560 has about 11 gallons of hydraulic oil in it, I don't have a lift or anything fancy like that and I'm wondering if there's a better solution than having a bunch of oil pans that I have to fill up. I've had the dealer do this maintenance in the past but finances dictate that I ought to do it myself this year

I will have to do the same to my Kubota bx25d, Kubota u30 and Bobcat 323 here in the near future so I'm not opposed to investing in the right tools I just don't know what they are. Any help will be appreciated!

-William

 

[RjCorazza]

I use a Tupperware style storage container, maybe 1' x 2' x 8" deep. I drain from the center drain first, fill the container about 1/2, empty, repeat. The final drives in my L4060 can be done in one drain.
It's not difficult putting the drain bolt back in, plus it's easier handing the fluid in 3 separate loads.

 

[user.69169]

Maybe best idea you SUCK most of de oil out from de top just like you put it in.

Works on septic tank, hydraulic oil walk in de park.

 

[Jstpssng]

I had enough room to put a 5 gallon pail under each drain plug.

 

[Seven Gables]

I had the same dilemma of what to use for large quantities of drain oil also so a few years ago bought 58qt Hopkins drain pan , think I got from Amazon . Bout 90 bucks but worth every bit .

 

[kennyd]

I use this:
https://www.amazon.com/Mityvac-7300...d=1613171972&sprefix=fluid+ext,aps,164&sr=8-8

That way you can manage the fluid on your terms, once close to empty you can pull the plug and complete the service. Really handy for brake fluid flushes too on your vehicles.

If you don't have a the air compressor for it, you can get this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Mityvac-7201...d=1613172117&sprefix=fluid+ext,aps,164&sr=8-6

 

[Captain Dirty]

. . . I've had the dealer do this maintenance [drain hydraulic fluid] in the past but finances dictate that I ought to do it myself this year . . .

Welcome to TBN.

A drum I beat often: Hydraulic fluid leads a much easier life than crankcase oil. Paying around $30 for an analysis may show you don't need to change the hydraulic fluid. With your fleet, the savings should allow you to buy several oil drain pans for when you do need to change the fluid.

 

[RickB]

Plug a hose with no fitting on one end into a rear remote coupler or one of your FEL quick connectors. Hold the open end of the hose in an empty 5 gallon pail. Start the tractor, run it at an idle while stroking the valve. Release the valve when the bucket gets full, repeat with another empty pail. Shut the tractor off immediately upon the first sign of pump noise or cavitation. Drain the remaining oil from the appropriate drain plug/plugs.

 

[Wagtail]

I use a Tupperware style storage container, maybe 1' x 2' x 8" deep. I drain from the center drain first, fill the container about 1/2, empty, repeat. The final drives in my L4060 can be done in one drain.
It's not difficult putting the drain bolt back in, plus it's easier handing the fluid in 3 separate loads.

That's sort of how I do it, although I just get a large storage container from the local 'dollar store' to sit under the tractor. Also buy a good funnel from an auto parts shop that will fit the 'fill hole'. I open the bottom plug/bolt up first and then the top 'fill' plug; let it drain over-night. Seeing as the container comes with a lid, you can 'duct-tape' the lid down/around to transport it to either your local tip or use the old oil to weatherise wood fence posts. (a Mate with a large property loves a donation of old hydraulic oil for this purpose)

Your Owner Manual will state how much oil (you say 11 gallons) the hydraulic tank holds BUT this is when the tractor is new and hasn't been wetted-up. I recommend putting in 10 gallons and then start adding quarts/pints until the dipstick indicates full. (Note: write that amount down, in pencil, in your manual for future reference) The next day, or soon after, re-check the dipstick level and top up as required.

 

[PILOON]

Yep, even dollar store plastic storage bins, old 5 gal pail cut back to fit or whatever,
For my CUT I kept my wife's discarded roasting pan, just right capacity.
I have HD cleaner's gloves that they use to clean toilet bowls just for oil changes that I wipe down with fuel after each oil change.
I tried mechanics gloves but always ended tearing them, hence 'toilet gloves'.

Once drained I pour the old oils back into the store container for disposal and rinse out my pan.
If I have any fresh oil left over I store in cleaned quart screw top containers for top ups.(clearly marked)
I'll add that I generally carry one quart on my tractor all the time as leaks do occur.