Hydraulics at 5 deg F

[oldballs]

The FEL on the Kubota B2620 seemed really slow compared to its usual response. It worked okay moving the deep snow, but I'm wondering if hydraulics work slower at these low temps. I ran the machine for about 4 hours, operating at about 2000 rpm or less. I figure the tractor was as warm as it was going to get. Or maybe it just seemed that way, since my hands and feet were so cold.:laughing:

 

[oldnslo]

What fluid are you using? UDT or Super UDT? After 4 hrs it should have warmed up even if you didn't

 

[oldballs]

What fluid are you using? UDT or Super UDT? After 4 hrs it should have warmed up even if you didn't

Thanks, oldnslo. Yeah, I changed the HST/hydraulics/filters at 150 hrs last fall, using Super UDT. Have about 210 hrs on it now.

 

[Fallon]

Try pouring your fluid at frosty temps vs room temps, you'll see the difference. Just imagine trying to pump the cold thick stuff vs the thin warm stuff.

Try pointing an IR temp gauge at something like the thin metal on the filters to get an idea of the temps. Probably not getting that warm in this cold. Heck probably barely even warm to the touch... If you had feeling left in your hands.

 

[oldballs]

Thanks, Fallon. The next time I'm out at a low temp, I'll feel those filters. It make sense to me that the fluid might not be that warm after all.

 

[oldballs]

Any other members experience similar slowness in their hydraulic attachments...at least in a similar machine?

 

[npalen]

Certainly noticed the slower than usual on the FEL hydraulics when first using it at about nothing Fahrenheit. This was after running the tractor and hydraulics using the rear blade to warm up the hydraulics. The loader speed increased after getting some warm(er) fluid circulating thru it's system. Kubota B9200 (old timer)

 

[oldnslo]

I believe the "B" series Bota's have an oil cooler on them probably in front of the radiator. You could try limiting the amount of air flow across this cooler and radiator. I use an old dog food bag on mine. It bends to the contours of the grill, easy to cut out for head lights and was available when needed.

Only problem I had with my Branson was the HST filter worked loose and blew the seal at -8 in the neighbors yard.

 

[oldballs]

That radiator cover is the cure, I'll bet. According to the temp gauge, this model B never raises temp in the summer even when being pushed real hard at mowing. My BX used to run on the hot side when pushing it in the summer. I don't think that I even looked at the temp gauge while moving this last big snow at 5 deg F. When working the FEL, lifting and looking for a place to dump; and then dropping the RB etc., I think I forgot to notice the gauge. Thanks, everybody.
Cheers,
Mike

 

[npalen]

I believe the "B" series Bota's have an oil cooler on them probably in front of the radiator. You could try limiting the amount of air flow across this cooler and radiator. I use an old dog food bag on mine. It bends to the contours of the grill, easy to cut out for head lights and was available when needed.

Only problem I had with my Branson was the HST filter worked loose and blew the seal at -8 in the neighbors yard.

That's a great idea! Thanks.

Edit: Might be good place to put a "blanket" heater. (on the oil cooler radiator) Would that cause the warmed oil to circulate before starting?