New TO-20 user, hydro problems

[Wendover]

I am a new owner of a TO 20.
The 3 pt. doesn't lift well, or not at all in the cold weather. Folks I have talked to say I should change out the hydro oil to get rid of any crud or water to see if that helps.
Is there a filter on the bottom, or is it just a screen to clean or something? Haven't done it yet and want to make sure I don't need a part.

I suspect it is more than just water though.
Maybe pump problems.

 

[Richard L]

W. if you are going to change the oil please go into the archives to see how it should be done properly so you don't waste money by having to redo it. Richard

 

[Wendover]

Thanks. Do I just do a search?
I was just there and saw an article on what oil to use. Looks like a combination Transmission/hydraulic fluid that conforms to the Ford M2C134D spec.

 

[Dan S (NY)]

You can use 15W40 motor oil for the hydraulics. There are several people on this forum including myself that have made the switch and it works well, especially in cold climates. If your tractor still has the original type GL1 90wt oil in the hydraulics, it will be very slow in the cold. I have a TO20 I haven’t switched over to the 15w40 yet and the lift is super slow in the cold (practically doesn’t move until it warms up at least 5 minutes) but works fine in the summer.

Dan
Recent discussion on 15w40 oil

 

[John (UK)]

Change the oil when its as hot as you can get it so that as much of the old oil as possible runs out.Leave it draining at least overnight. The grade to use is 15W/30...not 15W/40 as some have been saying, this last oil (15W/40) is not much thinner than the original oil that was used, which was too thick in cold weather....15W/30 will be much thinner in cold conditions and will work perfectly well in hot climates. This was recommended as a suitable replacement for the original oil by the Castrol Oil Co......John

 

[Wendover]

Thanks. It sounds like the best time is in warm weather, or clean out the body with diesel fuel spray.
Then use 15/30 oil.

 

[Anonymous-0]

you may use 70w gear oil. be sure it is gear oil.

 

[Dan S (NY)]

Hi John, I mentioned using the 15W40 because it is easier to find around here than 15W30 and also, if you look at the link below to a previous discussion, you seemed to indicate that 15w40 is ok. I can report that 15W40 works much better than the original oil (GL1 90wt). I have used it at zero degrees (F) and its a vast improvement.

Dan
Past oil discussion

 

[John (UK)]

I have heard about this problem where you are not always able to get 15W/30 oil easily, but I would think that your supplier would be able to get it for you. 15W/30 is better than 15W/40 as it is thinner. If I remember correctly (my memory again) I think that the original query that I answered was from someone who wasn't too far north so he could manage to use it without too much trouble, but preferably always use the 15W/30 if you can....John

 

[John (UK)]

Thank you for that info, always glad to hear from someone who has actually used it and can give an actual report, too often we get slightly biased reports about this oil. I will in future be able to be able to say that the 15W/40 is certainly suitable for use down to zero degrees..John

 

[Wendover]

Thought you might be interested in an update.
I had soemone take a look and the Yoke was disconnected.
It still won't hold up an implement, but lifts. I/they suspect it has a intermitent sticking relief valve.