Wrong Hydraulic Fluid?

spanky350 · May 17, 2013

So I'm having all sorts of problems with my hydraulic system on my Bolens 1502H. As I'm pulling my hair out trying to figure this out, I keep seeing people are putting 80 or 90 weight gear oil in the crankcase/hydaulic system. I am just running tractor trans/hydraulic in mine, could this be the reason for my problems (3 point wont lift my mower, sparadic drive problems and lots of whining from the system) Should I drain the system again and go with a much heavier wheight oil??? Thank guys, I'm obsessed with getting this thing right!!

Xfaxman · May 18, 2013

If it requires motor oil or 80-90 weight gear oil and you are using light tractor trans/hydraulic oil, it will cause the problems you listed.

Why did you put tractor trans/hydraulic oil in it?

What does the manual say to use?

NHmitch · May 18, 2013

That probably should work. I changed mine, and I put 80w90 hydraulic oil in, and I eventually changed it out because the 3PT was lifting too quickly, and made a bit of noise. I ended up buying and using Xtreme® Tractor Hydraulic & Transmission Fluid from Tractor Supply, and it has worked great. I would also make sure to check you fluid, and ensure that it is not milky or white from water. Your tractor takes 13.7 liters/13 Quarts. Thats 3.4 gallons. Quite a bit. According to your manual, it could also be a worn 0-ring, or gasket. This is the hydraulic oil that I am using:Xtreme® Tractor Hydraulic & Transmission Fluid, 5 gal. - Tractor Supply Online Store

This is the manual if you don't have it:http://sonnys_bolens.tripod.com/iseki/TX2140-2160-OM.pdf

fxrs55 · May 19, 2013

Mitch
How long have you been using Xtreme® Tractor Hydraulic & Transmission Fluid?
I will be changing mine soon and I have looked at that fluid as a possible type to use.

NHmitch · May 19, 2013

I've had it in over a year, and it works great. No issues what so ever. The tractor seems to like it the best out of the other trans/hydraulic fluids that I have used.

spanky350 · May 20, 2013

I've always had skid steers and have used the same oil in them all. I will change to the heavier weight and I hope I'm all set......we'll see! Thanks for the help and I'll let you know.

LOTCP · May 20, 2013

I'm waiting to hear what happens. My Tx1300 isn't working anymore after I changed the old oil for Accel 303 craptor oil. I read some threads just now that it's bottom-rung oil. My 3pt and bucket are getting pumped mostly with air. It now takes me 5 solid minutes to lift the bucket to max height. With the bucket tilted halfway down I can grab it and move it through about 1/4 of it's total range, that's how much air is getting draw into the system. I loosened the feedline going into the controller and didn't see any air in the oil. Everything was working great before I changed oil. Now nothing works. I even overflowed when filling and had to drain it back down to the dipstick mark so that's not the problem. Did I trash my pump you think?

spanky350 · Jul 8, 2013

I just read your thread on this, you cleaned the log screened suction filter and the tractor is good now? I'm on my last leg with this thing, I'm going to pull that screen out AGAIN today and I'm hoping it's clogged but i'm positive it's not going to be due to that fact I'm on my 3rd hydro oil change this year....I'll let you know