TC40D hydraulic fluid; the real sump quantity

[Tractorganic]

I'm doing a 600 hr transmission, rear axle, and hydraulic system oil change on my TC40D, with 758C backhoe attached, as per the manual. The fluid I drained out of the two sump drain plugs (transmission and rear axle) only came to about 8 gallons although the level was up prior to draining. I bought 11 gallons to replenish the drainage (as per the manual) and, even with some spillage, only was able to get 8 gallons in the hideously inconvenient filler plug opening, and now the level is a half inch over the high mark! Manual says DO NOT FILL ABOVE THE DIPSTICK FULL MARK. Great, now back under to bleed some off. I'd just like to know the right quantity ahead of time. I also want to know how to transfer oil from 5 gallon drums into the filler hole efficiently because slow pouring into a funnel while standing on tiptoes and trying to hold a 40 lb. 5 gal. oil pail is very hard. My dirt driveway now needs a lot of sand.

 

[jinman]

You have my complete sympathy and empathy. That is a tough job with 5-gallon tubs. I decant my fluid into a large 1-1/2 gallon plastic pitcher or use an empty 2-1/2 gal container from a previous change. The quantity you reported is exactly my experience. I would check the fluid with all your cylinders extended on your FEL and BH if attached, plus the 3PH at the raised position. I surely would not worry about 1/2" over the full line.

 

[Tractorganic]

Phew! Thanks Jim. I thought my fluids were shrinking. Especially glad not to have to worry about fluid too high on stick. By the way, I have the same prob to a proportionally lesser degree with the motor oil: it only takes 6 qts. Is there some pump that would work well with oil of this viscosity. I used a small had pump for boat oil change but what a pain that was. Took over an hour bent over in the bilge! Using 2.5 gal. jugs would be better. The bottle neck is the funnel neck. Because of the overhanging fuel tank and the nasty top link hanger bracket in the way a funnel has to have a long flex neck and still tilts rearward and overfills quickly and spills. Any funnels out there with a wide bore and a sort of scoop shape rather than cone?

 

[stuartshomepc]

I had a similar experience on my 1620. It said that it took 23 quarts and after I put 20 in it was right to the full mark on the dipstick. I did not think about the amount of residual fluid in the FEL or the 3 pt lift. The fluid volumes in the book are probably for a fully drained system.

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

I pour my hyd. oil into a 2.5gal fuel jug with a flex spout. I don't have to use a funnel because the spout fits into the fill hole.It is the only easy way I have found to refill the hyd.
Bill

 

[jinman]

I don't have a picture, but the last time I filled my hydraulic reservoir, I pushed a rubber hose about 1' long up over the spout and then dropped it down into the fill hole. The toplink hanger on my tractor is loose so I can move it left and right. I managed to sit the funnel snout into the hanger and let it hold it in place while I poured the fluid. I also removed the dipstick so air could escape there instead of only back up around the fill hose.

I'm due a change soon, so maybe I can get some pictures of how I do it. The flex snout gas can that Hooked_on_HP mentioned sounds like it works well too. The time factor is something I don't have an answer for. I still get impatient holding my 5-gallon cans of diesel fuel while they drain into my fuel tank. I even get frustrated with gas stations with slow pumps. Adding transmission oil to my tractor is just a practice in patience.

 

[Tractorganic]

Thanks Stuart and thank you Bill! I really like the idea of a 2.5 with flex spout. Guess I'll try the ubiquitous Napa for a screw on flex spout. Any ideas on a drill and screw-in vent so as to stop glugging?
Now regarding the residual oil in the hoe and FEL. I use them both to push the tractor up in the air to get 6 ton jack stands under the frame in the rear and the front axle. It's the only way I'm comfortable sliding under and I need the clearance for my 260 lb. body. Heck I can hardly turn my head under the frame in some places to perform grease jobs. I do take the pressure back off the hydraulics before changing the fluid; but I wonder, how would fully extending the hoe, stabilizers and FEL affect fluid volume? And is there any way to bleed the old, or recirculate old to new the fluid within the cylinders and lines ? That would give me a truer quantity reading and would really change all the fluid.

 

[stuartshomepc]

I was at Miejer's one day and found a pump that was intended for 5 gal Kerosene heater containers. It is powered by 2 "D" size batteries, the body is long enough to sit in the bottom of a 5 gal pail, and has a 2 ft flex hose on it.

I set the pail of hydro fluid on a milk crate so that the hose would reach the fill opening on my tractor and turn it on. It's not real fast in pumping but I just turn it on and walk away for about 15 minutes.

It sure beats trying to pour a 5 gallon bucket.

And I don't think that no matter how hard that you try that you will get all of the fluid out. If you are putting in the same type, and are changing the filter(s) then I think that you will be good.

 

[jsheern]

I'm doing a 600 hr transmission, rear axle, and hydraulic system oil change on my TC40D, with 758C backhoe attached, as per the manual. The fluid I drained out of the two sump drain plugs (transmission and rear axle) only came to about 8 gallons although the level was up prior to draining. I bought 11 gallons to replenish the drainage (as per the manual) and, even with some spillage, only was able to get 8 gallons in the hideously inconvenient filler plug opening, and now the level is a half inch over the high mark! Manual says DO NOT FILL ABOVE THE DIPSTICK FULL MARK. Great, now back under to bleed some off. I'd just like to know the right quantity ahead of time. I also want to know how to transfer oil from 5 gallon drums into the filler hole efficiently because slow pouring into a funnel while standing on tiptoes and trying to hold a 40 lb. 5 gal. oil pail is very hard. My dirt driveway now needs a lot of sand.

Did you include prefilling the filters. my tc40d actually took 9 gallons when including the filters. it is tough to fill. I actually use a gear lube hand pump. simply place it on the pale like you do a gear lube pump (i actually used my gear lube pump after pumping a quart or so to clear out old fluid). it takes some extra time to pump it this way;but is a whole lot easier to do than pooring it through a funnel.

Does your hydrostatic drive whine loudly when going down the road and clutches chatter when under strain? Mine used to make me want to get rid of it because it was so bad. I found all-purpose trans & torque fluid from local specialty oil salesman. It is awesome. It is like a totally different tractor. the whine is gone out of the transmission and the clutches do not slip and chatter when i use the scoop!!! give me a call and i will hook you up with him 618-534-5231. the trans & torque fluid is rated for 5,000 hours.

 

[Hematite]

CNH markets a 14" pour spout extension for quart, gallon, and 5 gallon containers. This item does have an air vent for fast pouring along with a cap. Part# MC3250.

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No picture but the 14" clear tube has to be a big help. I bought one but won't use it now till the Spring.