Where does the hydro fluid go?

riptides · Oct 19, 2008

I am between service intervals.

I noticed my FEL was a bit jerky, then on high speed turns, my steering gave me a lot of feedback.

When I got to the barn, I let the B7800 sit, and checked the fluid. I was beyond low.

Not good.

I park in the same spot all the time, under cover.

So where does the fluid go? Does it burn off as it is getting hot? I have operated approaching red line a few times this summer. I have always backed off, cleaned it up and resumed the tasks a few hours later.

I don't think this much fluid missing in 50 hours is normal. I put in over 3 quarts.

Ductape · Oct 19, 2008

I'm afraid your tractor has a hollow leg.

LazyBoy · Oct 19, 2008

Kubota builds in a secret oil passage that pumps hydro oil into the engine where it's burned off, forcing you to go buy more of their expensive UTD.

JPinnell · Oct 23, 2008

Must be leaking somewhere? Smell anything when running?

You'll lose a few teaspoons when swapping the loader connections on and off. Over time that adds up.

I had one of the metal lines on the loader arm up front dripping at the fitting just after I got it. Tightened it up, no probs since. That took a while to find since SUDT is almost clear.

What attachments do you use on the rear and do you have hyd remotes on the rear? Dump Trailer or Wood Splitter could have had low cylinders (that your tractor filled) or were leaking during usage?

The hyd overload valve will puff a little out when you lift something to heavy with the loader. Have you noticed that when lifting with the FEL?

There are 4 drains plugs underneath maybe it only leaks when under use? Crawl underneath and check them. 2 in the rear under the axles - 3 bolts right together and it's the one in the middle. There's a drain in the mid PTO output, and one at the very front of the transmission.

If none of that shows go to an Auto Parts Store and get a UV Dye kit. Should be less than $50 for the dye and the light. Put the dye in the fluid, run it for awhile, and it'll show the leak under the light.

riptides · Oct 24, 2008

Excellent advise on the dye.

Unfortunate, but I think my last service interval at 200 hours, they negelected to fill it.

I have no leaks, and no smells. I have a hog on the back, and do not take the FEL off.

After I topped it off, err filled it, I ran it for a while. and it stays at a constant level now.

I seems smoother and is a lot more quiet.

I am sort of disappointed I did not check it earlier.

LBrown59 · Oct 24, 2008

In the tranny

BigD23 · Oct 25, 2008

riptides said:
Excellent advise on the dye.

Unfortunate, but I think my last service interval at 200 hours, they negelected to fill it.

I have no leaks, and no smells. I have a hog on the back, and do not take the FEL off.

After I topped it off, err filled it, I ran it for a while. and it stays at a constant level now.

I seems smoother and is a lot more quiet.

I am sort of disappointed I did not check it earlier.

When we take things in for service/parts it seems we always trust the work to be done correctly...A friend of mine took his Suburban in for a new battery to stay ahead of the game, paid for it and yep he was way out in the woods huntin, came back and click, click, click, no juice...The folks had charged him for a battery, but neglected to install one...It's a very reputable local firm too...Murphy's alive and well.

Don

have_blue · Oct 26, 2008

riptides said:
Excellent advise on the dye.

Unfortunate, but I think my last service interval at 200 hours, they negelected to fill it.

I have no leaks, and no smells. I have a hog on the back, and do not take the FEL off.

After I topped it off, err filled it, I ran it for a while. and it stays at a constant level now.

I seems smoother and is a lot more quiet.

I am sort of disappointed I did not check it earlier.