Foamy hydraulic fluid need expertise

[ck26]

Hello,

I just did the 50 hour service on my CK260. After doing the service, and ensuring I had the HST fluid at the right level, I noticed that it appeared to be foamy (see pic). The foam was on the dip stick after coming up to temp and checking it warm.
I stopped by my local dealer and they said if it's running fine, then it's fine. That it could be foamy just from use. I'm no diesel mechanic but I thought this was an indication of some problem (overfilling, air getting into it, etc).

What are you thoughts?

 

[oldnslo]

Did you replace a filter that is on the inlet side of the pump? If yes was it an OEM filter or some off brand? Some models of tractors are sensitive to filter used in that application.

Do you hear any growling sound from the pump if under load like lifting load on FEL? This would also indicate air leak or restriction from incorrect filter on inlet - suction side of pump.

 

[RandyT]

And don't forget that they can also be sensitive to certain THF oils. I did my first 50 hour service with Rural King branded oil and it immediately started foaming within a few hours. Switched it out for Rotella HD tractor fluid. Been fine ever since. But the Rotella T tractor hydraulic fluid is Spirax T4 TXM in a different tagged bucket.

 

[ck26]

Did you replace a filter that is on the inlet side of the pump? If yes was it an OEM filter or some off brand? Some models of tractors are sensitive to filter used in that application.

Do you hear any growling sound from the pump if under load like lifting load on FEL? This would also indicate air leak or restriction from incorrect filter on inlet - suction side of pump.

I did replace both filters (Hydraulic filter & HST filter) and they are OEM. I do not hear any unusual sounds. the machine seems to run fine. But from the little I know, I understood foaming to indicate an issue. I topped it off with Shell Spriax S4 TXM (dealer recommended). I did not do a full fluid change, just the filters.

 

[ck26]

And don't forget that they can also be sensitive to certain THF oils. I did my first 50 hour service with Rural King branded oil and it immediately started foaming within a few hours. Switched it out for Rotella HD tractor fluid. Been fine ever since. But the Rotella T tractor hydraulic fluid is Spirax T4 TXM in a different tagged bucket.

Interesting, I didn't know that. My dealer recommended grabbing a gallon of Spirax T4 and I used that to top it off. Now I'm wondering, what does Kioti use from the factory? I wonder if the top off is different fluid and maybe having a bad reaction...