In the beginning, I didn’t know how often do you change hydrostatic oil. I remembered changing my oil monthly. Well, I don’t want you to make such a mistake. I will be talking about hydrostatic oil and when you can change it.
Hydraulic oil makes it possible for an end-to-end transfer of power in hydraulic vehicles and machines. Hydraulic oil is not a compressible fluid. Its main function is to transmit power.
Importance of Using Hydraulic Oil
- The oil protects the machine’s hydraulic components.
- It facilitates a medium for heat transfer.
- This oil seals medium.
- It lubricates hydraulic machine components.
- Hydraulic oil resists fire outbreaks.
- It resists radiation.
Types of Hydrostatic Oil
The two types of hydraulic oil are synthetic-based and mineral-based. It is a man that produces synthetic oil, and hydraulic oil is a product of crude oil. It is the oil used in hydraulic machine systems because it is not compressible.
There is an external force that acts on a piston within the cylinder. When the piston is pressured it forces the hydraulic oil through the hydraulic system. This process generates a force that moves the vehicle or machine.
The hydraulic system generates the power in the forklift which makes it possible for the machine to lift heavy loads. Tractors, agricultural vehicles, and machines make use of hydraulic oil to operate their hydraulic systems and brakes.
When to Change Your Hydraulic Oil
You have to change the hydraulic oil in your vehicle or machine periodically. However, the interval is not the same for everyone.
Pay close attention to your power steering fluid, and brake fluid, they are hydraulic fluids. Have in mind that they are mineral oil, and silicone-based. The vehicle’s hydraulic brake system runs on hydraulic oil.
This is why the vehicle can stop when you apply the break. That is the reason you have to run a check on the oil at regular intervals. Anytime the brake oil is at a lower level, it does not flow properly and it affects the brake performance.
Another thing that affects the performance of your brake system is when there is a mixture of brake oil with water. This happens to the power steering pump as well.
You need to change your vehicle’s brake oil at least once every two years. If it is a truck, you need to change the brake oil at least once every three months. Always check to see if there is copper content in the oil.
If there is, you need to change the oil earlier than scheduled. You can use test strips to run the check. If the test strip reads around 200 ppm, it is an indication you should change the oil.
You need to change your power steering oil at least once every 3 years, or when the vehicle has done 30,000 miles. Most importantly, stick to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Things to Know About Hydraulic Oil
Hydraulic oil loses its effectiveness with use over time. There will be a disintegration in the hydraulic system if the oil gets contaminated with water. This may result in brake failure, and this will result in difficulty in stopping the vehicle.
Ordinarily, you are supposed to change your vehicle’s hydraulic oil between 4 to 5 years. However, it will be difficult for me to say the exact duration hydraulic oil should be used before it is changed.
The type of vehicle, the climate of your region, driving conditions, your maintenance culture, and similar things are determining factors on when you should change the hydraulic oil of your vehicle.
Do not forget that you have to put the manufacturers’ instructions into account. A lot of manufacturers recommend regular maintenance. Some other manufacturers put a tag on the oil, telling you it’s a lifetime. Anyways, there is nothing wrong with checking the hydraulic oil along with your regular maintenance process.
Sometimes your vehicle will give you a sign to tell you it is time to change its hydraulic oil. These signs can come in the form of low levels of the oil below the standard mark, the oil not being transparent or clear anymore, the oil turning reddish-brown, a burnt odor coming from the oil, etc. You are advised not to wait until you see these signs. Always run a check on your vehicle’s hydraulic oil and hydraulic systems.
What I Think
In conclusion, you have to change your hydraulic oil based on its state and not the manufacturer’s life tag. There is a peculiar mechanism for every vehicle or machine that uses hydraulic systems. Manufacturers always tell you in the user guide how long hydraulic oil can be used. This suggestion most times gives good results.
The maximum time you can use hydraulic oil is between 2 and 4 years. However, to prevent an avoidable accident, do not forget to check it up anytime you go for your regular vehicle maintenance.
You use small engine oil in two-stroke engines. This is the kind of engine used by smaller and older push lawnmowers. Oil and gasoline are mixed before they are put into the tank of the two-stroke engines, and the machine will burn this mixture. Go through the user manual to know the proper ratio of the mixture.
FAQs
How often do you change hydrostatic oil?
Make sure you change the hydraulic oil in your vehicle at least once between 4 to 5 years. Although I can not exactly tell you the length of time you should use an oil before you change it. The type of vehicle, regional climate, driving conditions, maintenance culture, and other factors determine the time.
How long should hydraulic oil last?
The life span of every hydraulic oil depends on the quality of the oil, the working conditions of the vehicle, and possible contamination. All things being equal, quality hydraulic oil is supposed to last for at least 6 months before you change it.
Do you need to change the hydrostatic transmission fluid?
It is only when the drive system needs internal service or repair that it becomes necessary to replace a hydrostatic fluid.