Oil & Fuel MF 1423 Hydro - Need help with hydraulic fluid

[congo]

Hi Everyone,

I just got my first tractor. It's a 2002 Massey Ferguson 1423 Hydro with a 1462 front end loader.

I haven't ran it much because I want to get all of the fluids and filters changed first.

I can't for the life of me figure our how to check the hydraulic fluid level.

I ordered the service manual and it has an arrow that shows "Transmission oil level" which looks like it would be right in front of my seat, but I don't see anything on the tractor.

Here is the page from the manual:


Here is a picture of the tractor right in front of the seat:


The other issue that I'm having is figuring out what type of hydraulic fluid do I put in it.

The manual says "Permatram III, 821XL or SAE 80 GL-4"

I went to O'reilly's and they gave me "GL-5 SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil".

So my questions are...

1. Does anyone know how to check the hydraulic fluid level on one of these tractors?

2. Did O'reilly's give me the right kind of fluid? - It doesn't say anything about hydraulics on it

3. Any maintenance tips on what I should do to make sure the tractor is in good running order?

I'm completely new to tractors and very limited mechanical experience (changing fluids, filters and tightening bolts).

Thanks in advanced for any help that you can give me!

 

[32 chev]

Permatran III is for the hydrostatic transmission it is totally different than SAE 80. SAE 80 might be used in the manual transmission. You can get Permatran III at NAPA. See if there is a dipstick for the transmission behind the seat, by the 3 point lift arms.

 

[ray66v]

The manual is correct. Mine says the same thing. You can use hydraulic transmission oil, (Permatran equivalent grade), OR- SAE 80 GL4, which is gear oil. They are both the same basic product. Lightweight gear oil. The transmission oil has an additive package, the gear oil doesn't. And it's an package you want. It will help keep your brakes, and pumps quiet.

Things have changed a lot since your manual was written. The gear oil recommendation has given way to strictly using a Permatran equivalent.

The gear oil costs more, and won't perform as well, so it's a no brainer.

Permatran is a very good premium product. I would suggest that, or the Kubota SUDT, or the Case transmission fluid. They are all in the same spec.

The other option is to use Amsoil synthetic. It's costly. But, a very good product too.

I don't recommend "Cheap" or generic fluid. Some have had no issues. Some have had issues with it. It's not that much more money to use the good stuff.

 

[congo]

Thanks for the replies!

I'll take the SAE 80 back and go to NAPA to get the Permatran III.

I'll check for a dipstick by the 3 point lift arms and report back.

Thanks again for the help

 

[32 chev]

Napa sell Tractor hydraulic transmission fluid # 85-405 on the back of the 5 gallon container it says Permatran III .

 

[mapper]

There may be a sight glass on the rear end of the tractor or on the side of the gearcase to check the oil level rather than a dip stick.

 

[mguitas]

I can show ya . It's on the right side of the seat. the dip stick. I can show ya a picture , when I get out to the tractor .

 

[congo]

I can show ya . It's on the right side of the seat. the dip stick. I can show ya a picture , when I get out to the tractor . View attachment 543187

Thanks mguitas! I'll check in the right side of the seat in the morning.

 

[mguitas]

Here is some pictures congo. First picture you can see the knob.

 

[jeepcj7]

DO NOT use 80/90 gear oil. Use Universal tractor hydraulic transmission fluid which can be found at any farm supply store. Oil container will generally state if it is compatible with Permatran III or 821XL .

 

[congo]

Thanks jeepcj7 I'm definitely going to take it back and get the Permatran III.

I looked under the right side of my seat like mguitas suggested and I found something but it doesn't look like a dipstick to me but maybe it is. I can't pull it up or turn it by hand but I can turn it with a wrench.

I didn't turn it too far because it starts to get tight no matter if I turn it to the left or right and I didn't want to break anything.

Here is a pic of what I found. Anyone know if this is it?

 

[congo]

View attachment 543283View attachment 543284Here is some pictures congo. First picture you can see the knob.

Thanks for the picture mguitas! I didn't see this post until after I made my last post.

I'll go inspect it in the morning now that I have the picture.

 

[congo]

I found it!!!!

Thanks to everyone that helped. Especially mguitas for the pictures.

My dipstick is black instead of red and it was hiding under some wires.

 

[mguitas]

Glad you found it, an welcome aboard the :tractor:bynet.

 

[def38]

I'm using Wal-Mart house brand tractor oil, Supertech brand. The specs say equal to Permatran III. About $40.00 for a 5 gallon pail. I would stay away from GL-5 gear oil. Your transmission or hydraulic system may contain some yellow metals and therefore, API GL-5 gear oil may not be the best option.