Hydraulic Fluid Smell when Using FEL?

[robertwhite]

Got a new to me, low hour CUT and when I used the FEL today, I kept smelling hydraulic fluid (gear oil). Since I have not used this tractor or the FEL before, the question that of course immediately comes to mind is whether this is normal?

There are no leaks and the temp needle is exactly between the dots on the gauge. FEL worked just fine, but I sure would feel better if I knew the smell was normal (if not, it is still under warranty)

 

[oldnslo]

Got a new to me, low hour CUT and when I used the FEL today, I kept smelling hydraulic fluid (gear oil). Since I have not used this tractor or the FEL before, the question that of course immediately comes to mind is whether this is normal?

There are no leaks and the temp needle is exactly between the dots on the gauge. FEL worked just fine, but I sure would feel better if I knew the smell was normal (if not, it is still under warranty)

What kind and model of tractor do you have. This may be normal for some models.

Best guess without knowing model is that the breather for hydraulic reservoir is situated in such a way that you are getting the fumes from the oil circulating.

Roy

 

[TripleR]

What kind and model of tractor do you have. This may be normal for some models.

Best guess without knowing model is that the breather for hydraulic reservoir is situated in such a way that you are getting the fumes from the oil circulating.

Roy

Agree, this was addressed on another thread, but I don't remember which one.

 

[Runner]

robertwhite,

You are describing two different things. You said you smell "hydraulic fluid (gear oil)". Gear oil smells nothing like hydraulic oil (to me). If you are smelling hydraulic oil, it is either from a leak or just that the system is "breathing" through the vent because it's hot.

If gear oil, it is coming from somewhere other than the loader/hydraulic system, like the front axle, mower gearbox, or something like that.

 

[Bob_Young]

I've noticed that on all of my Kubotas at one time or another. The UDT and SUDT I use does have a distinctive smell similar to gear oil. That's not surprising since it's used in the transmission.

Over time, none of my tractors have experienced any noticeable fluid loss. I think you're probably OK with the new CUT.
Bob

 

[robertwhite]

robertwhite,

You are describing two different things. You said you smell "hydraulic fluid (gear oil)". Gear oil spells nothing like hydraulic oil (to me).

It is a hydraulic fluid smell.

 

[robertwhite]

What kind and model of tractor do you have. This may be normal for some models.

Best guess without knowing model is that the breather for hydraulic reservoir is situated in such a way that you are getting the fumes from the oil circulating.

Roy

You know, when I think about it, the vent hole (which is on the end of the filler tube) is situated right in back of the seating area. Probably is just that.

Tractor is a Bobcat CT335

 

[Squeak n Itch]

Super UDT in my Kubota smells slightly "sweet" when I work the FEL to any great extent. Gear oil is generally loaded with high sulfur extreme pressure additives and smells like -- well, sulfur. Hydraulic fluid odor from FEL use is normal as far as I can tell. If this is not true I hope someone here can let us know.

 

[dex3361]

When I get my L4400HST warmed up and use it I can smell the SUDT and from what I have read it is normal.