Swapping attachments with hydraulic fluids? Any concerns?

[dbchaplin03]

Would there be any concerns about cross contamination of hydraulic fluids by using grapples between a Kubota tractor (M4/M5) and a Kubota skid steer (SVL 75-2).

What about between same tractor and a JCB skid steer?

I’m active duty military in Germany currently so I can’t just go to a local dealer to ask the questions and I appreciate all of the knowledge shared on here!

Preparing for retirement and moving back to our family farm and researching new equipment. Planning to start a part time business along with our small farm.

 

[mikester]

I would be less worried if I knew the history of the attachment ie. one owner who uses the same hydraulic fluids you do and doesn't abuse his/her equipment.

I wouldn't hook up without purging the attachment's lines thoroughly. You may be shocked by the condition of the fluid coming out.

Is a few minutes of indiscretion worth a lifetime of regret?

 

[npalen]

It would seem even more critical with a hydrostatic drive that shares body fluids with the hydraulic system.

 

[MHarryE]

I do it frequently sharing attachments between my L6060 and SVL75-2, particularly grapple. Dealer told me Kubota specifies no more than 10% mixing but how to determine that I have no clue. I have 3 different Kubota fluids that kept cross mixed due to implement interchange. The SVL75-2 uses AW46; the L6060 uses SUDT2, and the M7 uses a Kubota fluid unique to the M7 series - UDT-HD. My grapple has been on all 3, snowplow between the smaller units, and various farm implements between the tractors. It would be nice to have different implements for each but not practical. I have all Kubota and have the oil interchange with which to contend. Think of larger farmers who might have 3 or more different brands.

 

[Grandad4]

I do it frequently sharing attachments between my L6060 and SVL75-2, particularly grapple. Dealer told me Kubota specifies no more than 10% mixing but how to determine that I have no clue. I have 3 different Kubota fluids that kept cross mixed due to implement interchange. The SVL75-2 uses AW46; the L6060 uses SUDT2, and the M7 uses a Kubota fluid unique to the M7 series - UDT-HD. My grapple has been on all 3, snowplow between the smaller units, and various farm implements between the tractors. It would be nice to have different implements for each but not practical. I have all Kubota and have the oil interchange with which to contend. Think of larger farmers who might have 3 or more different brands.

It would seem even more critical with a hydrostatic drive that shares body fluids with the hydraulic system.

Agreed. The farmers I knew would often use equipment on loan from their co-op or a neighbor and didn't worry much about fluid contaminations. Not many hydrostats out in those fields though. I would not do that with my HST tractor.

 

[BeezFun]

I share equipment with a neighbor. When I hook up an implement I attach the high pressure side and put the return line in a 5 gal pail and operate the valve until I either see a change in fluid color or estimate the right amount of fluid has been purged. Some implements like a post pounder go right to tank so you won't need an adapter on the end of the return line. Other implements use a quick disconnect. I made a stub quick disconnect that just has a short length of hose attached, I use that to drain the return line.

 

[dbchaplin03]

This was my thoughts exactly. I’ll most likely buy new unless I find a deal I can’t pass up when the time comes. Same with most of the attachments.

I used to do the same thing with my HST tractors. Sold my L6060 when we got orders to Germany I bled all the fluid from the lines before connecting.

Thanks everyone!

 

[ovrszd]

This was my thoughts exactly. I’ll most likely buy new unless I find a deal I can’t pass up when the time comes. Same with most of the attachments.

I used to do the same thing with my HST tractors. Sold my L6060 when we got orders to Germany I bled all the fluid from the lines before connecting.

Thanks everyone!

It's inevitable that you will cross contaminate your fluids.

As for buying new. The first time you hook up you will push any contaminate in the new hoses and cylinders into your tractor's system.

 

[Smokeydog]

I’ve seen them make hoses at a couple different places. Cut the hose with an abrasive saw, insert the ends and crimp. I now blow out new hoses before installing.

I have not let some neighbors borrow some attachments because of questionable maintenance and fluid contamination. Flushing out not easy or cheap. Wasn’t so particular with the old gear tractors as with the newer HST models and fancier hydraulic equipment.

 

[aclarke]

Came here to research this same question and hopefully this thread isn't too old to resurrect. I just bought 2T small farm dump trailer. Have a Kubota L3130 (FST) and John Deere 1025R (HST) and I'd really like to be able to use the trailer between both tractors.

I'm always a little suspicious of the "don't mix fluids" voodoo the dealers give, because they want to sell you their overpriced green or orange fluid. But maybe I'm being naïve. I could clean out the hoses between switching tractors, but with multiple operators as well I can't guarantee that would always happen. Seems like my options are:

1. Don't worry about it. I at least know the maintenance on both tractors.
2. Use the same hydraulic fluid on both tractors. Not sure if I can do that or not.
3. Buy a battery pack, self-contained system.
4. Only ever use one tractor.
5. Always flush when switching tractors.

Clearly #1 is the easiest choice, at least until I potentially damage something. Am I safe to do this? It's hard to find knowledge that is based on science and experience, not just what the manual says.