Changing Hyd/Trans Fluid, had some questions

WNY Tony · Feb 4, 2011

I am planning on changing the Transmission Hydraulic Fluid on my Mitsubishi MT180D. Transmission and rear hydraulics use a common reservoir. Here are my questions:

1. Should I get change it out warm, possibly after running the PTO, or is it better to drain after everything is settled to the bottom of the reservoir?

2. If I want to make sure that I get the most fluid out as possible, so I am assuming that means my three point hitch linkage is in the down position, correct?

3. What should I use to refill? I need 4 gallons. Locally, I have found in order of cost lowest to highest ... Shell Rotella THF, Mystik JT-5, Kubota SUDT, Kubota SUDT2, and a whole bunch of generic fluids. I want something that has good corrosion inhibitors, will work well in my Mitsubishi, but does not have to be the best of the best.

4. How frenquently (in terms of hours) should I plan on replacing this fluid? I am just looking for a good rule of thumb.

Thanks for your patience on what are most likely newbie questions. I tried finding most of these answers via the search tool, but thought I would just ask to confirm.

Thanks.

Soundguy · Feb 4, 2011

change warm. might add a quart of diesel to it 3m before change to get it really flowing when you pull the plug.

find a utf fluid that matches your makers specs when it was made. likely ANY universal tractor fluid made today will.. ie walmart, tsc, napa.. etc.

soundguy

RalphVa · Feb 5, 2011

Our local dealer here in Virginia recommends the low vis formulation of their JD hydraulic fluids. The low vis fluid flows freely even cold. So, I had no trouble draining it out. What didn't come out through the 2 drains would come out when I withdraw the hydraulic filter.

JD's fluid change interval is 200 hours after the initial 50 hour change. Think this is mainly to protect the filter (not to have it fill up and collapse) rather than for fluid longevity.

I would not put kerosene in it to get it to drain. If you can, wait for warmer weather to change it out so it'll flow freely.

Ralph

Soundguy · Feb 5, 2011

i really doubt a lil fuel oil will hurt those oil rated seals.

since tractors have been around fuel oil has been used as an oil flush or thinner.

I have a vintage jd manual that states to add tvo or kerosene to the trans/hyd oil during the winter

probably every tractor I own has had fuel oil used as a flush for a sump when needed.

havn't had one blow up or spontaniously disintegrate yet..

soundguy

DEWFPO · Feb 5, 2011

I agree, if you use the equipment in the winter I'd suggest the lo-vis fluid as well. You don't have to warm the equipment up near as long and your chances of busting a hose are lessened.

DEWFPO