Oil & Fuel HYDRAULIC FLUID

[phil burckhalter]

that's still plenty of snow, yes, we get more but usually average 100+'' the sooner lake erie freezes the better, two weeks ago the lake was 52 degrees with 15 degree winds going over it, it picked up the snow like a sponge. looks like the next week or so the weather will be rather mild, feels like we already had our winter already. my wife doesn't want to go, but i am ready to move to south carolina. tired of the cold weather and taxes in new york

 

[dambuster]

I did not post this correctly, but was directing it to the gentleman, IrvingJ" in NH.....I see a offset "tube" on your photo...that seems to extend the hydraulic fluid fill location to a useful and practical level! Did that come on your 2310?, did you make it or buy it? If so, where???? The process of removing the cap and filling fluid with backhoe mounted is not convenient on my 2007 2310.

Also, where do I check the hydraulic fluid levels? People refer to a viewing tube, which I can not seem to locate or see?

 

[irvingj]

That "extension tube" came with my 2310, so it must be a factory part, I guess. I'll look in my books to see if I can find it. Done-- see pics. Looks like parts #27 through #30, plus a couple of extra pieces. See second pic for M-F part numbers.

Checking hydraulic fluid level is done by looking in the fluid window to the left of the rear PTO shaft stub at the back of the tractor. That should be checked with the engine running and hydro. fluid warm, but it's quite hard to see it if it's totally full. I've heard of some people adding a dye to the fluid to make it more visible, but I just make sure it's full when I change the fluid. That should do it, providing you don't get any large leaks. I try to leave it with a small bubble at the top. BTW, that one window shows all the fluid in the tractor --transmission, 3PH, etc-- except for the front axle.

Even with that extension tube on the fill port, it's still very tricky to get fluid in --or check fluid level-- with the backhoe on. I bought a metal funnel with a long, flexible (spiral) metal discharge tube for just that purpose.

 

[irvingj]

Here are a couple of better pics of the window and the fill tube extension: (Anything to help out a Maineiac! :laughing

 

[dambuster]

Thanks, Interesting. Mine 2310 TLB did not have it! But I use the same funnel you do!...Getting the cap off the fill hole is interesting...I use a 1 1/8 socket on a long, flexible ratchet...gets it done...viewing tube on mine is hard to see...I just fill until I see it dribble out the fill hole. A little messy....

 

[irvingj]

I had figured that tube extension was standard, but that extension is NOT shown in the photo in my operator's manual showing the back end there. Must be a royal PITA to get at it without that! I can totally see why you might be interested in it; you should be able to order those parts form a dealer.

 

[AxleHub]

Dambuster,

If you are filling hydro fluid until it comes out the fill hole, you are filling it way too much. The fluid site glass is inches lower than than your fill spot or tube area.

 

[dambuster]

Interestingly, the dealer gave me a price of almost $300 for all the parts needed to make up the tube...and as Axlehub said, I am currently filling too much hydraulic fluid....but I cannot see the fluid sight glass!with the backhoe on and all of the 3 pt hitch assembly....I'll have to find some way with mirrors or something. If anyone has suggestions, I am certainly open for ideas!

 

[irvingj]

If you have three 24" hydraulic hoses made up, you can put them between the tractor and the backhoe (I leave mine connected to the BH). That will allow you to FAR more easily drop and re-mount the BH. I don't use the BH a lot, but even with minimal "practice" I'm now at a point where I can drop the BH in about 6 minutes and hook it back up in about 8 minutes.

Those hose extensions make a huge difference, allowing you to maintain enough space to get in there between the tractor & the BH to hook up the hydraulics, and then use them to position the BH for re-mounting; then just back up the tractor to the BH.

With the BH off, adding/checking the fluid becomes much easier, and the tractor becomes much more maneuverable, too. The extra hose length easily tucks into the space beneath the BH, both for storage and during operation.

If you bought the M-F fill port adapter (part #27 in the drawing), I bet you could find a radiator hose with the right curves and make up your own fill tube -- maybe taller so it would be even easier to use- 300 bucks is a bit much!

 

[dambuster]

Absolutely correct! I have considered it and found that I can make tube just as you described....but would like still overfill without good access to viewing window...I also will be extending the hydraulic hoses for the backhoe to make attaching & detaching easier....I am definitely not at the 8 minute re-attach point yet...I am "all thumbs" in that arena. Outside & in the cold (or not) with the arthritis....