ALF_HMC
New member
I had a conversation with a co-worker who owns a Kubota.He was told to extend the FEL when checking the Hydraulic Fluid. Is this true with all makes with FEL???????
Hydraulic Fluid/Transmision Level Check
- Thread starter ALF_HMC
- Start date
- Views: 13505
I am guessing that he has some weird notion that the volume of hydraulic oil in the loader cylinders is SIGNIFICANT to the volume in the total system.
I seriously doubt that it is, but on his theory one would raise the loader and ALSO fully dump the bucket - and of course if there is a hoe on the back operate all levers to get all cylinders to maximum extension.
Unless he has an eenie weenie tractor with a LOT of LARGE cylinders on equipment and an unusually small hydraulic capacity - I'd say the guy is way out in hypothetical land.
Figure it; the volume of the cylinder RODS are the net difference between extended and contracted.
Then figure somewhere between 8 and 12 gallons of hydraulic fluid in the rest of the system for a typical Cat 1 compact or small utility tractor.
OP
ALF_HMC
New member
My 3440 w/FEL is 8.9 gallons.I usually check it as I parked it. FEL down, bucket pointing slitly down to allow moisture and water runoff,3point restting down.
brandoro
Platinum Member
My sister and BIL recently bought a Montana tractor so I have been doing a little reading here to see if there are any interesting things I should pass on to them.
I am on my third Kubota and I check the fluid level with everything 'at rest', lowered to the ground. If I thought the change in cylinder volume mattered very much I would still do it that way as I would rather the reservoir be slightly low, still between 'add' and 'full' on the stick, than overfilled. Just my opinion there, if you are very concerned about it I would suggest checking it both ways and decide if it is enough to matter. Be careful about leaving the FEL or 3pt up if there are any others around who could be at risk should anything drop or be lowered unexpectedly. Another reason to check fluids with attachments 'at rest' no surprises.
I am on my third Kubota and I check the fluid level with everything 'at rest', lowered to the ground. If I thought the change in cylinder volume mattered very much I would still do it that way as I would rather the reservoir be slightly low, still between 'add' and 'full' on the stick, than overfilled. Just my opinion there, if you are very concerned about it I would suggest checking it both ways and decide if it is enough to matter. Be careful about leaving the FEL or 3pt up if there are any others around who could be at risk should anything drop or be lowered unexpectedly. Another reason to check fluids with attachments 'at rest' no surprises.
It cannot matter, since the volume of all the cylinder rods is trivial compared to the capacity of the oil system.
I don't understand your aversion to an "overfill" - within reason.
It isn't a pressured system, there is no risk of "blowing seals" or escape of excess oil onto a clutch.
Kukje tractors (Branson, etc, soon to be Montana) recommend in the owner's manual to fill to the sight glass when level AND to ADD another gallon from the top of the sight glass if prolonged operation on slopes is anticipated.
The EXACT wording is;
"Note: When operating tractor on slopes for extended periods of time, increase transmission oil level 1 gallon above the top of the sight glass."
{That is on a 37 quart system, the O/P quotes his as 8.9 gallons.}
A 10% or so "overfill" for operating on slopes seems reasonable to me.
BTW, they don't all pick up at the lowest point, which in an ideal design would probably be the bottom of the pumpkin.
OP
ALF_HMC
New member
When I put my new 3 point speeco log splitter on I (assumed) the cylinder was already full.I didn't think the lines would take much fluid.I ran the splitter long enough to test it then shut it down.The next morning when I checked the fluids to run the tractor, the hydraulic wasn't showing on the stick.It took a little over a gallon.The next morning it was showing toward the low mark and I put alittle to much in I thought at the time(a litte above the full mark)The next time I checked it it was a little below the full mark.It must take awhile to purge the system and and fill all cylinders.I check everyday for leaks on the tractor and everything is dry.
