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

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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
(quoted from post at 14:21:45 03/18/23) 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.
Thanks for the reply.
It is supposed to get above freezing in a couple days so I will start here.
 
(quoted from post at 12:15:08 03/19/23)
(quoted from post at 14:21:45 03/18/23) 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.
Thanks for the reply.
It is supposed to get above freezing in a couple days so I will start here.

Even if it goes above freezing it could take a couple days for any ice in it to turn to water. I would close up around the clutch/transmission/differential area and put some heat under it for a while ahead of that temperature rise, such as a heat lamp, small electric heater, a couple magnetic heaters, etc.
 
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...
 
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.
 
.

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.
 
Question. How does the water that enters through the shifter on top of the transmission get into the area where the 3 point is located? I just drained it to replace the old with some new 10W30 motor oil as suggested. I also ended up draining the transmission as well since that is where the water would get into from the shifter. Should I refill the transmission with 10W30 motor oil as well or use gear lube? Is there likely water in the differential as well? What lube should I use there?
----------------------------------------


(quoted from post at 13:01:50 03/18/23) 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.
 
The transmission and hydraulic compartment and rear end are a common reservoir. There is only one fill point located on the transmission cover. With thick oil in cold temperatures it can take quite a while for the oil to migrate from the transmission into the other areas. With your 10W-30 it should not take long. Remove the bottom bolt on one of the side covers and fill until oil starts flowing out to get the proper level.
 
(quoted from post at 13:01:50 03/18/23) 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.
/quote]
 
Flushed the old lube out of the TO-30 with diesel fuel. Drained the diesel and let it drip overnight. Refilled it with what I thought was 10W30. Ran it for 2 weeks then discovered that I had put AW32 in it instead of the 10W30. Yep. The 10W30 5 gallon bucket is the same color and is full. Had I not needed to add oil to the loader on the Ford 600, I would not have discovered my error. The AW30 is said to be 10W. I know this is a stupid question, but can I get away with leaving it in the Fergie?
-----------------------------------------------------------------

(quoted from post at 19:00:53 04/24/23)
(quoted from post at 13:01:50 03/18/23) 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.
/quote]
 
INFO as per INTERNET SUPPLIED:

General Information

AW Hydraulic Oil is premium grade oil designed for use in all hydraulic systems where anti-wear hydraulic oil is recommended. All grades are rust and oxidation inhibited and contain an effective anti-wear additive and anti-foam additives to release entrained air rapidly.

Features and Benefits

Oxidation Control: Excellent oxidation and thermal stability reduces sludge and varnish providing protection of critical components while extending oil and equipment life
Wear Protection: The premium anti-wear technology provides protection that passes major hydraulic equipment manufacturers pump tests resulting in longer life
Filter ability: Superior hydrolytic stability with quick water separation provides protection against filter plugging and deposits
Rust and Corrosion Protection: Reduced maintenance due to outstanding rust and corrosion prevention capabilities when moisture is present
Foam Control: A special anti-foam agent promotes the rapid break up of foam and reduces air entertainment
High Viscosity Index: The shear stability of AW Hydraulic Oil provides exceptional viscosity stability, resulting in consistent operation throughout wide temperature ranges and drain intervals
Ultra Clean: Additional filtering provides ultra clean oils in selected viscosity grades for maximum system protection
Reserve Quality: AW hydraulic oils have the ability to maintain their high level of performance under the toughest operating and extended drain conditions
 
I have read that Hyd. oil is bad for these tractors with bronze bushings and such. I'd empty it out and put in 10-30 or 15-40 motor oil.

Maybe do a search here rather than going on what I say!

all the best,

Rich.

Here is the first thread I came accross, re oil in diff;

https://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/viewtopic.php?p=6960418&highlight=rear+end+oil+tea#6960418

This post was edited by Richard JH. on 04/29/2023 at 06:25 am.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top