Checking Hydrulic Fluid

[msmcknight]

Hi guys,

I'm a new tractor owner and am still learning. I have a B2601 and I've tried to check the hydrolic fluid at the rear of the tractor and in the front axle. But, I can't see it. It's like trying to see water against a yellow background.

Do you guys have any tricks you can share that will make the hydrolic fluid more visible against those yellow dipsticks?

Do they make colored hydrolic fluid?

Sorry if this is a silly question.

Thank you,
-Michael

 

[1970cs]

Re: Checking Hydrolic Fluid

On any type of dipstick, I use the feel from running my finger from the top down till I feel moisture! Of course wipe the complete dipstick down before re-inserting.

I would not suggest coating the tip with anything being that it could flake off.

Pat

 

[torch]

Re: Checking Hydrolic Fluid

Angle the dipstick and look for the difference in light reflection. Or touch the stick with a piece of coated white cardboard (paper is too porous and the oil will wick, giving a false reading).

 

[Daren Todd]

Re: Checking Hydrolic Fluid

Angle the dipstick and look for the difference in light reflection. Or touch the stick with a piece of coated white cardboard (paper is too porous and the oil will wick, giving a false reading).

Times two on this advice I

 

[st8yd]

Cheaters, it's time for glasses LOL

 

[Vacula]

Yup! Cheaters but............I found that a small powerful flashlight like the ones I use to look down the bore of a rifle, can show you the level.
Place the flashlight on an object the height of your hip or higher. (saw-horses, portable workbench), turn the flashlight on and lay it down on it. Next pull the dipstick and take the stick right over to the flashlight. A small powerful beam will easily show the level on the stick without saturating everything around it.
It's easier to check them in the winter when they are a tad more viscous. I use this method in the summer when I have a hard time seeing the wet from the dry.

 

[JB13502]

John Deere hydraulic oil dye.

 

[1970cs]

John Deere hydraulic oil dye.

Mixing orange tractor and green parts=brown. You know what is the same color?

Pat

 

[Bulldog]

Sorry if this is a silly question.

The only silly question is the one you don't ask.

At some point in time all of us were tractor newbies.

Hyd fluid is hard to see on any dipstick. Biggest thing is have the tractor sitting as level as you can get it then find the right angle and light source to see fluid on the stick.

 

[Stmar]

It definitely is hard to see, may take me a few times to get a good reading. Is this normal? You read it just in the good zone when cold but when you check after running the level is higher on the stick?