Hydro Fluid Icing

   / Hydro Fluid Icing #1  

Dataway

Gold Member
Joined
Aug 10, 2005
Messages
376
Location
Greenfield TN
Tractor
Ford 1715, BX2200
During very cold weather, below 20 degrees to minus 20 now and then my BX2200 will lose all hydraulic power to drive and ports. This happens even with a block heater on it, I think moisture in the fluid is icing up and clogging the suction screen. Usually if it sits there and warms up for ten minutes it will start to work. About two years ago during a very cold winter this started happening and I drained and replaced the fluid, the filter, and cleaned the suction screen. Yes I saw some water in the fluid. Tractor lives outside so I'm sure it's probably condensation buildup.

What I'm wondering is if there is a way to totally drain the sump ... seemed to me like when I drained it via the suction screen bolt that it wasn't really at the bottom of the sump and some water/mung remained. Before I go crawling around underneath .. is there a drain plug in the very bottom of the sump that I could use to drain off the settled water? Any additives that can help prevent this?

I'd like to pull it in the shop and change the filter, clean the screen and drain the water without draining all the fluid since it's not that old. Tractor see plenty of use during the summer months ... would have thought most moisture would boil off in use.
All advice appreciated.
 
   / Hydro Fluid Icing #2  
There is a drain at the bottom of the transmission.
 
   / Hydro Fluid Icing #3  
Take off the fitting with the screen on it in the left wheel well it is about the lowest point in the transmission.

David
 
   / Hydro Fluid Icing #4  
If you need help, there is a TBN thread on how to remove a drain plug.
 
   / Hydro Fluid Icing #5  
What oil do you use? Kubota Super UDT2 and UDT can handle the water that condenses in a hydraulic system. Super UDT2 is preferred for cold temperatures due to its cold flow ability. Many members here talk about how much better their tractor performs once changing to Super UDT2.

Mobile equipment oil is made to disperse up to 1.5% water. Industrial hydraulic oil is made to separate water so it can be drained. Remember every time you use your hydraulic system you pump large quantities of air with its moisture in and out of your hydraulic system. This water can settle out and freeze causing equipment damage.
 
   / Hydro Fluid Icing #6  
Sounds like perhaps the same issues we had with our fire department ladder trucks. The filter screen is such a fine mesh that the cold fluid would not pass through. Instructions were to never let it get that cold and if it ever did to run it until fluid warmed. It also had an indicator light to show insufficient fluid flow.
 
   / Hydro Fluid Icing
  • Thread Starter
#7  
Thanks guys, next fill I will use the Super UDT ... (synthetic I think right?). Last change, probably three years ago .... I did NOT use Super UDT. And I did not see these problems before I changed the fluid. So you guys are probably right. I've been draining via the suction screen port because it did appear to be the lowest point. Come to think of it, since I changed the fluid a few years ago I've been seeing some sluggish behavior in very warm weather after operating for an hour or so. To be honest, I probably filled it with what ever hydro fluid I found at the tractor store that claimed suitable for use with Kubotas.
 

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