Grapple Hydraulic Fluid

[JLH4]

I just installed a new grapple on my FEL and it uses AW32 fluid which I got at Lowes, of all places. My problem is that the fluid is clear and I can't see the level on the dip stick :confused3:. Is there anything I can put into the fluid to give it some color and not mess up the fluid?:confused2:

 

[davrow]

Deere sells dye for that purpose, yes.

 

[ruffdog]

Roughing up the dip stick with coarse sand paper should help you see the liquid line.

 

[oosik]

Clean the dip stick with a dry rag. Reinsert - hold dip stick up to the light - squint real hard - Ah, Ha - there is the almost invisible line on the dip stick.

 

[goeduck]

I just installed a new grapple on my FEL and it uses AW32 fluid which I got at Lowes, of all places. My problem is that the fluid is clear and I can't see the level on the dip stick :confused3:. Is there anything I can put into the fluid to give it some color and not mess up the fluid?:confused2:

What fluid are we talking about? Your Grapple is not run off of the tractors hydraulics?

 

[oosik]

That was my thought also, geoduck. But there is the chance to learn something new here. I await an answer.

I certainly hope he didn't change all the hydraulic fluid in his tractor just to satisfy the weird-a*sed needs of a new grapple.

The one or two hydraulic cylinders on a grapple will function on any acceptable hydraulic fluid. The tractor hydraulics may not.

 

[JLH4]

This is a grapple with a completely separate third function. It's from BucketSolutions.com The grapple is independent of the FEL's hydraulics. Works nice I just need to see the fluid level. I've tried ruffing up the dip stick, looking at it in the bright sun, marking the stick with magic marker and other stuff, nothing works very well. Davrow, what is the name of the stuff from Deere?
Thanks

 

[RNeumann]

Supercool TD8 Automotive Accessories, 8. Fluid_Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008PKWH6C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ez.mDbPQTM356

Their are several options.

Operator error on a 1-10 scale.......11.

 

[ruffdog]

The hydraulic squid and grapple:

Grapple and Squid Combo

 

[ruffdog]

Here is the Deere Dye MT3668:

https://www.ebay.com/p/John-Deere-Original-Equipment-Hydraulic-Oil-Dye-mt3668/1052411518

 

[oosik]

Hmmm......learned something new. Interesting implement. I've tried, successfully, to determine oil level in this manner. I used a wooden chop stick. Hold it up against the OEM dip stick. Mark the "low mark" - mark the "full mark" - mark the "depth of insertion". Now - go ahead and insert the dry chop stick up to the "depth of insertion" mark. The oil level will easily be seen on the dry chop stick.

 

[davrow]

Here is the Deere Dye MT3668:

https://www.ebay.com/p/John-Deere-Original-Equipment-Hydraulic-Oil-Dye-mt3668/1052411518

Thanks ruffdog! I've never actually used it, so I couldn't answer the question.

 

[tractorcrazy]

I just installed a new grapple on my FEL and it uses AW32 fluid which I got at Lowes, of all places. My problem is that the fluid is clear and I can't see the level on the dip stick :confused3:. Is there anything I can put into the fluid to give it some color and not mess up the fluid?:confused2:

I'm just doing a test reply

 

[JLH4]

Thanks Guys
I'll try the chop stick method first, if that doesn't work I'll get the JD dye. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[oosik]

When you use the "chop stick" method - some hints. Stand up the chop stick & the OEM dip stick on a flat surface. Hold them together. This way the marks you make on the chop stick will be an EXACT duplication of the OEM dip stick.

And, because there are several posts on TBN regarding this situation, for GOD'S SAKE - don't drop the chop stick into the "soup".

The "wet" mark on the dry, wooden chop stick will indicate the fluid level. NOW - wipe the OEM dip stick - make it clean and dry. Reinsert it into the hole - pull it out and compare it to the chop stick. NOW - can you see the oil level on the OEM dip stick. If you still can't - - I'd get several wooden chop sticks - go ahead and mark LOW - FULL and INSERTION LEVEL. Put the unused, marked chop sticks where you find them.

Man - all this chop stick stuff. I'm getting hungry for some good Chinese food.

I know this particular method sounds ridiculous. But I HAVE used it and it DOES work.

 

[ruffdog]

I'm getting hungry for some good Chinese food.

Same here....where are we all going?

 

[oosik]

It's even a fairly long drive for me - 35 miles to the North side of Spokane. There is a Chinese restaurant that has a fantastic array of delicacies. The way I am - I will try ANYTHING - once. And as God only knows - I've darn near burned my guts out more than once. They have four different types of Kim Chee and one is HOT beyond belief.

I might just have to fire up the Taco Wagon and take a trip. I'll pick up a tub of strawberry ice cream on the way back home. :thumbsup: :licking:

 

[YLee Kioti]

Hmmm who knew tractor talk would get one's appetite all lathered up...lolz...:laughing:

 

[JLH4]

I'm going Tex-Mex! Did the chop stick method with a 1/2" dowel, worked great. Cut notches at the max. and min. points and put red permanent marker in the groves, put black tape at insertion point, put a handle on it and hung it from the wall. 20min., 0$!
Now it's prayer meeting and Tex-Mex time.:licking:
Joe:cool2:

 

[YLee Kioti]

Well done...! go rewards yourself...ain't often a person can cheat TBN members out of spending your money....lol....:laughing: