Hydraulic change at 50 hrs. unnecessary?

BobCorazza · Oct 3, 2005

Before you rely on the stock filters to catch everything you may want to consider the filter specs... I was only able to confirm (1) filter at 60 microns and nominal (50%) at that!
The new lingo for that spec is B60=2.
I couldn't find the spec of the transmission filter on my Kubota L3410. I have gone through several add-on filter systems on my machine, but have settled on a Donaldson return line filter that is B3=1000, which means it catches 99.9% of all particles 3 microns and larger.

Definetly change the fluid and filters at 50h.

rberg · Oct 4, 2005

I'd change out the fluids and filters at 50 hours, especially if you've got an HST or any electrohyraulics. The guys that make the big machines estimate that +75% of hydraulic failures are due to contamination. These guys have put a lot of effort into getting clean machines off of the assembly line. Theyare using a lot of electrohydraulics and HST's to increase the productivity and efficiency of the machine, and these generally require a cleaner hydraulic system. It's been a real culture change for them and their suppliers. You need clean parts, clean assembly procedures, and clean oil for a clean machine. New systems are usually pretty dirty unless a manufacturer has really worked with his suppliers and assembly people.

Oil tanks are part of contamination control. Stuff that's too big to move readily through the pumps and filters will settle in the bottom. The best way to remove it is to drain the system.

Bob is correct about filter ratings. The Beta ratio is the ratio of particles of a certain size or larger at the inlet of a filter to the number that make it through the filter. The B60=2 means that for 60 micron and larger particles 1 out of every 2 at the inlet of the filter will make it through (50% efficiency). The B3=1000 means that 1 out of every 1000 3 micron and larger particles at the filter inlet will make it through. Anybody seen any filter suppliers for CUT filters provide this info?

LBrown59 · Oct 4, 2005

( Is the 50 hour for just the 1st time or is that a regular maint? )
 It's a one time thing.

Boomerang1 · Oct 5, 2005

Then, after all of this worrying about changing the fluid, we start up our tractors and all of the "contaminated" fluid left in the cylinders works its way through the system and we end up where we started. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

LBrown59 · Oct 5, 2005

( Then, after all of this worrying about changing the fluid, we start up our tractors and all of the "contaminated" fluid left in the cylinders works its way through the system and we end up where we started. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif )

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Yeah but; don't changing the fluid dilute the contamination?

Soundguy · Oct 5, 2005

The soloution to pollution is dilution. 16oz of 'old' oil in 5 gal of 'new' oil is way better on the system than just 5 g of oil oil.. etc.

Soundguy

wvhillbilly · Oct 5, 2005

My dealer told me it wasn't necessary to change UDT in my L3400 gear at 50 hrs. He said 100 hr change would be sufficient. I asked him about warranty and he replied there would be absolutely no problem with warranty issues. Looking in my site level glass, the UDT looks as clear as the day i brought the tractor home. I currently have 92 hours on and plan on changing it at the 100 hour mark. Doubt if I use UDT. I will probably use Rotella tractor fluid.
Dave

JeffRey30747 · Oct 6, 2005

From my own personal experience, the fluid will look a lot cleaner through that sight glass than it does after you drain it into a five gallon bucket. You know how something like tea will look clear when you spill it on the table and then you put it in a glass or a pitcher and can see the actual tint that the liquid has. And yes, it may be as clear as the day you brought it home, but I think that most of the moisture was already in my fluid by the time it left the dealer's lot.
Jeff