hydraulic fluid smell normal?

[fatnfur]

Hey guys, when running a l2501 doing clearing work, rpm's @ 1500 i have noticed whiffs of hyd/ trans fluid when working hard is this normal?

 

[Paystar]

If you don't see any leaks I wouldn't worry about it. Even my big Cat wheel loader vents the smell of hydraulic oil when you are working it.
My little B2620 will give you the occasional whiff too.

 

[LD1]

Agree, no worry if no leaks.

The trans/rear axle case/sump is vented to atmosphere. So as things heat up....you will occasionally catch a whiff if the wind is just right.

 

[old and tired]

I assume with 1500 rpm's that you are using a manual / Gear drive tractor and not a Hydro-static Drive (HST).

 

[fatnfur]

I assume with 1500 rpm's that you are using a manual / Gear drive tractor and not a Hydro-static Drive (HST).

no, hst, i usually use around that rpm because i prefer the way the machine reacts to inputs (not jerky). Is that a bad practice?

 

[zzvyb6]

Smell & color usually go hand in hand. Brown is bad (from overheating). Check your trans radiator for clogging.

 

[Henro]

When my tractor was new I used to sense that smell sometimes. I guess I’m so used to it now that I don’t notice it anymore. Remember when cylinders are extended fluid is removed from the sump. Air is sucked in. When cylinders are retracted fluid is returned to the sump. Air must therefore go somewhere so it is expelled. Takes a little vapor with it which we smell. My seat of the pants assessment anyway.

Myself I often run my tractor 18~2000 RPM mostly, A bit slower when using the backhoe or maybe just moving between points, and full out if using the brush hog. And near idle often with the PHD.

 

[LD1]

no, hst, i usually use around that rpm because i prefer the way the machine reacts to inputs (not jerky). Is that a bad practice?

Your fine.

Some people have a misconception that a HST needs run at WOT all the time.

 

[old and tired]

Your fine.

Some people have a misconception that a HST needs run at WOT all the time.

Not wide open throttle but if you are working it, more than idle. At least this is what my dealer said. Since this is the only HST I've used, I trust his judgement (but then again, he is out of business....)

So my rated PTO is 2580 RPM's, he said if you are just moving it from here to there, 1500 rpm's are fine but you want to be above 2000 if you are doing any work. It heats up the oil and can not cool it off enough. Can Anyone confirm or refute that???

To the OP, you are fine, since I think your rated pto is 2200 rpm...

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

Hey guys, when running a l2501 doing clearing work, rpm's @ 1500 i have noticed whiffs of hyd/ trans fluid when working hard is this normal?

Only when accompanied with smoke.