What type hydraulic fluid in a Gehl 4500?

Jim 1944 · Jun 20, 2010

I had a few hoses (5 to be exact) burn and after I replaced them I can't get the bucket to return after dumping. The fluid looks like red tranny fluid and I'm guessing type "F" ford but don't want to add anything until I know what I need to use. This is a 1979 Gehl 4500 and I finally found the owner/operator manual but haven't received it yet; mine is on back order.. I don't have anything showing on the dipstick and figure that is the source of my issues. I did find out one thing. Don't get a used skid steer on a hill without checking out the gas tank to see if it leaks.:ashamed: After mine stalled it leaked on top of the starter and when I cranked it I saw a pretty blaze as I bailed. Could have been serious but wasn't; just a big mess for me to repair.

Another question is do I have to bleed the tilt cylinder after I fill up the tank with fluid? I think it should force fluid thu and more or less bleed itself, am I correct. I'm an old car buff but new to this type of equipment. I did install all new hoses to replace those burned.

mmurphy · Jun 21, 2010

OOOOH! That sucks. It will bleed out on its own. If you are getting fluid from a farm store, check on jugs for an 800 number. I have done that with cenex products before and they were pretty helpful in determining what I needed.
If you have QD's (quick disconnects) maybe unhook and rehook afew times to make sure they are seated right.

art · Jun 21, 2010

They do take hydraulic fluid not type F!!!!

J_J · Jun 21, 2010

My case trencher, says to use either ATF, or Hy-Trans. . Our Power-Tracs, use 10W-40 motor oil, and they have used that or similar for about 20 years.

Case 1845c skidsteer also uses 10W-40 with a qt of Case additive, or Hy-Trans.

J_J · Jun 21, 2010

On the bucket not returning, you might need to take the valve apart and clean debris/crud from the burnt hoses.

Jim 1944 · Jun 21, 2010

Thanks for the replies. I did have an older Case-Davis trencher with a backhoe attachment as well as the blade to push dirt. The factory manual did say to use type "F" tranny fluid. I'm always in the dark without a manual but I do know that I can buy Hydraulic fluid ($47.00 per 5 gallons where I had new hoses made) a lot cheaper than the tranny fluid about 4 bucks a quart. The fluid that sprayed me was a pretty red stream and did smell like used transmission fluid. Matter of fact I'm a proud owner of a now pink t-shirt but the slick hair is gone. Wife said it would mess-up the pillows. :laughing: I'm hoping a Gehl owner can enlighten me if he had the same model. I do have a manual for a Gehl 4525/4625v which says use Mobil DTE 15M or equivalent which is not tranny fluid. I always get in trouble when I buy something cheap. Seems I generally get it completely fixed for more than it would have cost if no repairs were needed. But I love to tinker and life is always a learning curve. My plans are to flush the system and replace the filter as I think everything is probably contaminated from when the hoses were burning. I'll try some of the suggestions and the 1-800 number will be number 1 on my list. Thanks Guys.