Hydraulically transmitted diseases

jmc · Nov 14, 2003

Just ordered a new compact loader and plan on keeping it a long time. Wondered if there is any risk in renting a hydraulically driven attachment, like a stump grinder, which would have oil in it from the last user. Seems like it could contaminate your whole system if the oil was old or whatever.

John

slowrev · Nov 14, 2003

Yes it seems like it could degrade the oil in your current system if not fully compatible. You could blow the old oil out of the attachment and then use it. Of course you might have to bleed something on it or not ?? after you hooked the attachment to your tractor. PTO driven attachemnts might be best to rent for this reason.

PineRidge · Nov 14, 2003

John thats a valid point. I was thinking of the very same question a couple of days back but I really don't have an answer. Maybe someone with more knowledge will jump in here and educate us both on this subject.

JerryG · Nov 14, 2003

Take the end or quick connect off of one hose, plug the other hose in. Apply pressure to the connected hose. Drain the open hose, before putting the QC back on.Then switch hoses and apply pressure again, then drain. By doing it this was you are using new oil to flush out the old.

PineRidge · Nov 14, 2003

Does that qualify as a tractor transfusion? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

That makes perfect sense, thanks for the easy remedy.

jmc · Nov 18, 2003

Thanks for your replies. Jerry's solution seems reasonable. Maybe instead of removing the connector I could just plug in a (extra) bare mating connector as a drain.

I plunged in to this compact loader business without having hands-on knowledge of the maintanance, hydraulics, operation, etc. If anyone wants to share their thoughts on the subject, I'd want to hear them. The first thing is finding reasonably priced quick attachments.

John

thcri · Nov 18, 2003

John,

I will throw one more thing in here for you to think about. When using Hydraulic appliances you have to watch for oil temperature. Typically Good Hydraulic appliances that use a lot of oil will need coolers. Example I want to purchase a sweeper. Most sweepers that I ran into require a cooler. If you get into some mowers and saws you will need it. Log splitters would not need a cooler. My best advice if it is worth anything would be to stay with PTO driven devices.

murph