How to Check Hydraulic Fluid on New Holland Tractor

Farming equipment is becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it essential to familiarize yourself with ways of protecting vital engine parts and keeping the machine running efficiently. Part of this involves investing in the right fluid and lubricants for the equipment. The hydraulic oil, which is an important part of your equipment, allows you to accomplish a considerable amount of work with less effort. Apart from transferring energy into the hydraulic system, this also lubricates the moving parts of the system. Lubrication helps to reduce friction and extend the working life of the different parts. In a nutshell, always ensure that there is enough fluid in the system, making sure it is changed regularly to promote efficient performance.

 

How Can I Tell I Need New Hydraulic Fluid?

Even well-maintained hydraulics oil will wear out over time. As such, you should be ready to change your hydraulic liquid when required. However, rather than changing the fluid just because you think you should do so, there are a number of instances in which you will need to change it. Below is how you can tell you need new hydraulic oil for your New Holland tractor:

 

Contamination

Your fluid is bound to get contaminated after some time, a factor that will compromise its performance. Once you notice that there is more bad stuff in the liquid than you can reasonably remove, this is a clear sign that you need a change. Contamination may happen if water got mixed in, or you mistakenly added the wrong type into your reservoir. Sometimes, contamination will happen naturally as the system does its job. However, this still makes it necessary to change the liquid before it causes damage.

 

Heat

If your liquid gets too hot, it tends to break down and will not be as effective as it should be. Mostly, you will know when it gets too hot if it becomes darker in color and has a strange smell. There could also be a warning light on the dash to alert you about the same issue. In addition, a sample analysis will help you to figure out if it gets too hot, giving you the green light to replace it with a new one.

 

Degradation or Additive Depletion

It is important to remember that this oil will degrade over time, especially as it works within the system. If you perform routine analysis, you will be able to spot degradation and depletion before they become big mechanical problems. Once you determine that it is degraded or there is additive depletion, you should buy new liquid.

 

Harsh Working Environment

You will need to check your fluids more often if your equipment is working in extreme environments. Be sure to check the level to ensure there is enough in the reservoir to keep your tractor working as expected and protect it from damage. One of the signs that your tractor has low hydraulics oil is noises coming from the machine.

 

Hours of Use

Another factor that will determine when you change your fluids is the number of hours of use of your tractor. Generally, it is recommended that you change your hydraulic liquid and filter after every 1,200 hours of using your tractor. In case you run the equipment for an average of 40 hours every week, this will be after about 30 weeks. In the end, the best way to know when to make a change is by performing regular oil analysis. Regular oil analysis allows you to make changes only when they are essential, making sure it is neither too late nor too early.

 

How Do I Check the Hydraulic Fluid?

There is no doubt that one of the most important tasks when it comes to maintaining your New Holland tractor is to check the fluids. However, there are a few things you will need to be mindful of when doing this. Make sure that the liquid is already cold and that the bucket cylinders and boom are retracted to avoid damage and get accurate readings. In addition, wearing proper eye protection and earplugs will help to ensure you are safe as you operate the engine-powered machine. The first step is to park the machine safely and on level ground and turn off the engine. Proper parking not only ensures that the equipment is in a good position but also helps to keep you safe as you check the reservoir. You will also be in a better position to get an accurate reading. Carefully remove the cap from the reservoir, remove the dipstick, and wipe it clean using a dry piece of cloth. Put it back and draw it out again to read the level of the liquid. The dipstick should have two notches that will help you to determine the level, with the oil being at the maximum mark in an ideal situation. Essentially, if it is at the right level, you will not need to add oil. In case the fluid is below the recommended level, you should add more for an excellent performance. If you need to add liquid, you should start by cleaning any debris and dirt that may have accumulated around the dipstick tube. Pull out the dipstick and use a clean funnel to fill the reservoir with new oil and in the needed amounts, making sure you do not overfill the reservoir. Once it is at the right level, install the dipstick and the cap. In case you plan to use a different or new option from the one that is currently in the equipment, you should drain the old liquid before putting the new one. Be careful not to mix different types of fluid in the reservoir. If it is low, wait until it is at the prescribed level before starting the engine.

 

Professionals You Can Rely On

Now that you have the knowledge of how to check hydraulic fluid and when you need to change or add more, you will be in a better position to ensure the proper maintenance of your tractor. At Sapphire Hydraulics, we provide comprehensive hydraulics repair, maintenance, and emergency service to keep your tractor running efficiently. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help address your needs.