Oil & Fuel Oil and tractors

[Rob-D]

A couple of things about oil changes and plugs for all tractors.

When I changed the oil on my 2320 after the first 50 hours I changed out all the fluids even the front transaxle.
I used Amsoil synthetic but I'm not sure I'll use it in the tranny with my new machine when it comes in next week.
I noticed a couple of things that didn't seem to show up when I had the hydro oil from Deere in it.
Once and awhile I noticed my hoses were tight and I couldn't unhook the quick connects. I had to loosen the joints and let out some oil to get them off. I may be wrong but I think the Amsoil hydro oil was expanding and contracting more then the Deere oil did because I never seemed to have that problem in the first 50 hours and my dealer never saw it either.
Also if I remember, the Deere oil gave me more power to the back hoe although I don't remember if the bucket was any better or worse.
I'll probably run the Amsoil in the engine because it did help with cold starting but Deere's oil is very good although I don't know who makes it for them.

Here's a tip:
When I change the oil for the first time I drill the plugs and put in small round neo magnets to catch the metal that runs by. I've been doing this since I built race cars years ago. It's cheap insurance and if you see lots of metal on your magnets you have a headstart on problems that may arise.

 

[JMynes]

My experience with Amsoil hydraulic oil has been very favorable in my Massey 2310. With oil as delivered, on a cold day I had to let it run 10-15 minutes before the FEL would fully wake up. Oh, it would move, but it was groggy. I replaced the hydraulic oil with Amsoil's ATH and get good, smooth response from the FEL immediately on comparably cold days. I don't want to break it, so I still avoid putting a hard load on anything until things are thawed out some, but the difference is very noticeable.

 

[AKfish]

Here's a tip:
When I change the oil for the first time I drill the plugs and put in small round neo magnets to catch the metal that runs by. I've been doing this since I built race cars years ago. It's cheap insurance and if you see lots of metal on your magnets you have a headstart on problems that may arise.

How do you secure the magnet to the drain plug? Type of glue, etc?

Thanks.

AKfish

 

[Rob-D]

Hi AK,

I use the round 1/4" L x 1/4" W magnets and I put the plug in my lathe and drill a 1/4" hole in the end of it the length of the magnet. I guess you could do it in a drill press if you're careful. Usually the 1/4" drill is good enough but if the hole is too small with the 1/4" bit I use the next size up. (It's ok if the magnet is a little loose). I usually use an epoxy (JB Weld is good) and cover the magnet so it is easier to clean off when I change the fluids.
I think Radio Shack might sell small magnets but the ones I use come from a magnet supplier. (I build my own windmills and alternators with them too)

You can google NdFeB. The small ones cost under a buck and I usually have ten or fifteen lying around here for my oil plugs.

All those little specs of metal you pick up aren't running around your engine and box anymore so it's a cheap easy benefit.

 

[Rob-D]

My experience with Amsoil hydraulic oil has been very favorable in my Massey 2310. With oil as delivered, on a cold day I had to let it run 10-15 minutes before the FEL would fully wake up. Oh, it would move, but it was groggy. I replaced the hydraulic oil with Amsoil's ATH and get good, smooth response from the FEL immediately on comparably cold days. I don't want to break it, so I still avoid putting a hard load on anything until things are thawed out some, but the difference is very noticeable.

Don't get me wrong. I love synthetics and use them in my cars and bikes too although my Subaru has CSK and makes a racket when it starts during cold weather. (Mobil 1, haven't tried Amsoil in it but I should)

Whose oil were you using before the Amsoil?

I'm wondering if the Deere guys get it with Deere's lubes because I never experienced it myself but I did switch out before it got to zero F and below here. Anyone?
Deere might run semi-synthetics if i remember.

 

[thatguy]

I changed the transmission/hydraulic fluid on my 2320 at 50ish hours and went with the Amsoil and have had no problems at all.. I am also running it in the front axle and it will go in the engine next oil change (right now I have M1 in it)

I have read posts, but never been able to confirm the the Low Viscosity Hy-Guard John Deere Hyro fluid IS a synthetic... Can anyone confirm or deny this?

Brian

 

[190carr]

i have been using Amsoil products in all my vehicles for several years,now being a new john deere owner it will get amsoil fluids and filters upon the first changes.I have experiencedbetter cold weather starting in my diesel truck and the mustang i picked up 3 miles to the gallon in fuel economy.I do use it in the transmission on my truck and the rear end,I liked the oils so much i became an independant dealer a year ago.The Amsoil website has a lot of good info and they do have comparison tests done by independant labs.Check it out!

 

[Rob-D]

Again, I think the Deere oil is a semi-syn.
Amsoil is good stuff and I did run it in my 2320 but I,m still perplexed by the problem of getting off my quick connects. Has anyone had this problem?

I won't be doing as much switching around with the new machine because I gave up the MM deck. Too much of a pain and it didn't work with the BH. I had to take off the the front hoe clamps to get the deck on. OK it only took an hour but I'm going with a rotary cutter and a zero turn for the grounds. I'm tired of switching the deck and the quick hitch with a rotary is a much easier transition.

I'm getting to be an old fart so I figure I deserve the zero!.... But then I figured I deserved the new tractor too. We can always justify our machines!

 

[JGY]

... I,m still perplexed by the problem of getting off my quick connects. Has anyone had this problem?

Rob-D,

Do you relieve the pressure on the system before you try to disconnect the hydraulics?

Joe

 

[Rob-D]

Rob-D,

Do you relieve the pressure on the system before you try to disconnect the hydraulics?

Joe

I run all my hydro levers back and forth until nothing moves. Am I missing something else?