Ferguson TO30 3 point won't lift when below freezing.

[FlatFenders]

The lift works fine when the temperature is above freezing. I guess water/ice has something to do with it. Replaced all the fluid 3 years ago. It did this the last two winters as well. Too cold today to drain it, should have done it last summer but forgot. Any tips on what I should do while I have it drained and opened up? Is there a filter in there that is iced over?
Thanks
Dennis Goethe

This post was edited by FlatFenders on 03/18/2023 at 01:03 pm.

 

[RandyC]

I would let tractor sit for a day then pull plug and watch for water as it will be on the bottom. I'm not sure how many drain plugs you have but try this on each plug. If there is no water put the plug in to save your oil. I don't remember if your tractor has a filter or not so I'm can't say about changing it.
 

[Tom H.]

Yes you probably have water in the oil. So, when it warms up drain the oil, you will probably see the water coming out first. Ive been using
regular 10w30 in the transmission for almost ten years now and havent had any problems since. If youre using tractor hydraulic oil or gl1 it
attracts water and will draw it into the housing.



Let us know how you make out.
 

[Leroy]

They do not have any filters except the engine. I had a TO-30
back in the 60's. I will ask the owner does it set out all
the time? If it does the water is comming from rain in no
good boot over the gear shift lever. And it will take 2 oil
changes to get rid of the water as the oil pump does not
drain when the plug is pulled. needs to be ran a bit to get
new fresh oil in the pump I don't remember if control valve
drains or not so may require same as pump to get water out.
 

[FlatFenders]

It is kept indoors. The boot is fine. Any water inside must be left over from when I replaced the oil 3 years ago and condensation.
Someone else said they used 10W30 to prevent the condensation problem and has had no issues for 10 years. I may try that. Sounds like less of a pain than taking things apart.Thanks for the reply.
 

[FlatFenders]

Thank you for the reply.
 

[FlatFenders]

Thank you for the reply.I may try the 10W30 instead of taking things apart.
 

[FlatFenders]

[Jim.ME]

[FlatFenders]

It got up to 34 degrees today. After running it around for an hour, the 3 point started working again. Looking for the easiest and least expensive way to get the water out. The oil should be good for another 40 years. lol...
 

[Steve@Advance]

It's near impossible to get all the water out once it is emulsified in the
oil.

What you can try is after it has sat unused for a period of time, before
starting, crack the drain plugs, see if any water drips out.
 

[jvin248]

.

I was told to use gear oil in the trans and hydraulic system because of brass bushings and bearings. 10w30 would seem ok and work better in the cold.