hydraulics on loader slow in cold weather

[jgtools]

any way to keep hyd fluid warmer? would it help to put a cover of some sort partially blocking the lower front grill, > ? kubota l 3240. thanks,jg

 

[Tooljunkie]

Dont know when your oil was changed last, or what you are running for oil.
If it at all is questionable, new sudt2 and filters will help.
Its kubota synthetic and works well in low temps.
The tractor i was using to clear snow had just udt in it, was ok til it hit extreme cold, then had to work it for an hour before oil loosened up. Rad was 100% covered and made absolutely no difference.

Warming it may help,but to heat oil means geating a giant piece of cast as well.

 

[jgtools]

thanks, changed oil this summer, not with the sudt2, i hate to dump it, but may have too, and try what you say/ thanks/ i would need apx 12 gallons, how costly?

 

[Tooljunkie]

Double what generic tgh oil is worth.
Up here think was 85/5 gals.

Not suggesting this, but kerosene was a popular additive to hydraulics in extreme cold. As it warms up, it evaporates out.
Would do it in my prehistoric stuff.

I have a can of sea foam in the shop, will give it a read tomorrow,possible it may work to help thin your oil a little.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

On newer tractors SUDT2 is the only choice, anything else is too thick.

 

[jgtools]

Sudt 2 it will be, will pick some up today. Can I save the udt fluid I put in this summer, and reuse it next summer? Or probably a bad idea? Thanks jg

 

[Tooljunkie]

I always reuse my saved hydraulic oil in summer. Makes great chain oil for my powersaw. Once sudt2 is in, leave it there. You will benefit from it. Less wear.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Sudt 2 it will be, will pick some up today. Can I save the udt fluid I put in this summer, and reuse it next summer? Or probably a bad idea? Thanks jg

No don't swap it back, just put the SUDT 2 it in and leave it in.