Checking Hydralic Levels?

[david54]

Greetings, I have this MF 1250 I bought used with a loader backhoe. It has been Great, Other day down in the woods I popped a leak on one of my bucket lines. I did not loose much and I do know where the dip stick is and where to add the Hyd Fluid, But do I check the fluid after the Tractor is warmed up is my concern. It only shows a little down on the stick cold, but I should be alot more down than that. Should not the oil be hot before checking just like on a automatic tranny in a car. And I probably should work the bucket and move the tractor around to get the fluid levels equal. Main question is does the hyd fluid have to be hot?
tks
david

 

[BubbaSam]

David54 asked: Main question is does the hyd fluid have to be hot?


Great question. I have several pieces of equipment... 30HP 4WD tractor, 25HP 52 inch cut Zero Turn, 18HP 42 inch cut Rider, push mower and more. NONE of those books state weather you check your motor oil or hydraulic oil levels when the oil is hot or cold. If you check at both temps the level is lower when hot due to drainage as far as I can tell. Sorry to be such as dunce but when is the correct to check the levels? I spoke to a friend of mine and we disagree. I say hot, he says cold.