New Kioti Tractor- Hydraulic Level 2+ Gallons Low...Transmission Damage?

[ldowney]

Hey guys. I bought a new Kioti hydrostatic NX5510 tractor 2 weeks ago. The owner of the dealership commented to the setup tech that the hydraulic fluid seemed low the day I picked it up. He was disregarded by the tech at the time reassuring him that the level was correct. After putting about 10 hours on the tractor, the hydraulics have never seemed quite right. The raise and lower of the FEL operates normal but the dump and curl functions seem to move very slow. Even my joy stick doesn't feel quite right. After reading several posts yesterday about slow hydraulics issues, I took the advice and checked my hydraulic fluid level today. I was EXTREMELY LOW. It took over 2 gallons to even register hydraulic fluid on the dip stick.

My question is...the two weeks I've operated this tractor with fluid levels 2+ gallons low, would this have caused any damage to the hydraulic transmission? I have an appointment to take the tractor in to the dealership next Monday. I am also having stiffness in the hydraulic joystick in the 3 o'clock position (dump function). The dual function of the lever would not lower and dump at the same time (4 o'clock position). Knowing what I know now, this may have been a result of the hydraulic fluid being so low. I've also asked the dealership to check the flow rate and pressure of the dump and curl functions of the bucket. They both operate very slowly. The dump is even slower than the curl.

Any advice or information you can provide is greatly appreciated.

 

[dadster4]

Best advice is to check your fluid levels before starting the tractor...30 seconds of your life well spent :thumbsup:

 

[MinnesotaEric]

I don't think so. The issue is so low as to capitate the pumps which sounds like a pigging sound. You will get this on start-up and if you immediately lift the loader (before the two pumps are fully primed and up to pressure), but that time is so small as to not cause enough heat to damage anything.

Remember you carry close to 13 gallons of hydro fluid, and if your reading was anywhere on the dipstick, I wouldn't be concerned.

 

[ldowney]

UPDATE- I went out this morning after placing an old white sheet under the tractor last night to detect any fluid leaks...I had a softball size hydraulic oil circle beneath where all the hoses connect. After looking closer, most of the hoses are covered in hydraulic fluid. This is the source of my leak. The gravel I park on under the shed is so dark, I just never noticed it before. I'm taking the tractor in next Monday for this issue.

 

[ldowney]

I don't think so. The issue is so low as to capitate the pumps which sounds like a pigging sound. You will get this on start-up and if you immediately lift the loader (before the two pumps are fully primed and up to pressure), but that time is so small as to not cause enough heat to damage anything.

Remember you carry close to 13 gallons of hydro fluid, and if your reading was anywhere on the dipstick, I wouldn't be concerned.

Thanks Eric. I think once I get this leakage issue fixed, this problem will be resolved.

 

[art]

Most tractors do have a good amount of oil to accommodate some loss. Being so low it wasn't on the stick with a gallon added is low, two gallons and it is at the proper level isn't that bad as Eric stated if you look at the total volume once again hoping you were on level conditions. I hope while you were operating it that it was on the level. Your valve issue was not do to low oil but is another issue with the valve linkage.

 

[ovrszd]

As to your leak. Most FEL quick couplers will seep if parked with no pressure on them. I ALWAYS release all pressure on my FEL when I park. My couplers have seeped since new.

I checked all my fluids when I got home with my new tractor. My hydraulics were low also. Don't recall how much but seems like it was more than a gallon.

 

[Zebrafive]

How does the joystick connect to the loader valve? It may be a cable or linkage problem for the 3 o'clock stiffness.
You may not have enough flow to run two functions at once, 4 o'clock problem. See if they have another tractor on the lot and if it will work in 4 o'clock position better than yours. If it does, then maybe yours is only needing an adjustment.

 

[ovrszd]

How does the joystick connect to the loader valve? It may be a cable or linkage problem for the 3 o'clock stiffness.
You may not have enough flow to run two functions at once, 4 o'clock problem. See if they have another tractor on the lot and if it will work in 4 o'clock position better than yours. If it does, then maybe yours is only needing an adjustment.

Very good points. If the joystick is cable operated the adjustment is critical to get smooth movement.

Also very good point about dual function. My previous L4400 Kubota wouldn't perform both functions at once. My M9540 will.

 

[Turbys_1700]

New tractors delivered with low hydraulic fluid from the dealer were typically low from the factory proir to FEL assembly. Once the FEL is installed another gallon or so is needed. If the prep did include topping out the fluid it is low. Fortunately the total capacity of the system is large enough to render no damage.