Mixing hydraulic fluid when using used attachments

   / Mixing hydraulic fluid when using used attachments #1  

hamdog

Bronze Member
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Jun 30, 2011
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98
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Is there an issue with potentially mixing/contaminating hydraulic fluid when buying used implements or borrowing used implements?
 
   / Mixing hydraulic fluid when using used attachments #2  
I use a pull type fertilize spreader from the company I buy fertilize from 3 or 4 times a year, but the cylinder is always retracted when I get it, I'm sure there is a little mixing from operating the cylinder but I have never had a problem or noticed my hydraulic fluid being any different.
 
   / Mixing hydraulic fluid when using used attachments #3  
I don't think you'll have much issue. There's not really that much fluid in a cylinder when it's retracted, unless it's a big one... Chances of someone having a tractor with such rancid fluid that it wrecks something in your tractor at a 30 or 30:1 mix ratio is pretty unlikely. If you notice the fluid change color drastically after using a borrowed attachment, do a fluid change a bit early.

And most oils used in hydraulic systems are compatible. Even engine oil or gear oil is going to be fine mixed with hydraulic oil in small quantities.
 
   / Mixing hydraulic fluid when using used attachments
  • Thread Starter
#4  
1stDeuce - that's what I was thinking, but didn't know if the same hydraulic fluid serving implements also serves the HST transmission. People do it all the time. I was just looking at used implements and borrowing my father in laws (dumpcart, harrows w/hydraulic lift). Thanks again for the quick reply
 
   / Mixing hydraulic fluid when using used attachments #5  
HST machines & most modern tractors have a common sump hydraulic system. All the fluid ends up in the transmission. Saves having to stock, check & change multiple fluids.

I haven't borrowed or rented any impliments yet, but the contamination concern has been in the back of my mind as well.

Plan B is to pull off the QDs or hoses & drain the hoses & cylinders into a bucket. I did that on the cylinder for my used 3pt trencher. Of course I needed to replace the QDs to fit my machine as well. May not have bothered if the QDs had fit, but it was good piece of mind.
 
   / Mixing hydraulic fluid when using used attachments #6  
Flush some from your machine through when you get started. Connect only one side and put a fitting on the other, operate the valve appropriately. Done
 
 

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