Fluid Level in Vickers Hydro: Checking & Adding

[Guest]

I have a Simplicity 3410H with a Vickers Hydro. On the top of the unit there are what appears to be two "plugs".

Here are my questions:

Are these plugs the forward and reverse "relief valves"? If so, are they simply unscrewed to clean them? What's the best method to use for cleaning?

Also, how does one check the fluid level, as well as where is the fluid added on this unit?

Thanks...

Kelly

[John_RI]

Kelly Yes the 2 plugs are forward and rev valves. They can be unscrewed and cleaned with spray brake cleaner then dried with press. air. The fluid level is checked at that tank in front of the trans. There is a plastic plug about 2/3 up on the side, just unscrew nut on top of tank. pull off cover and fill tank with # 1685539 Simplicity Multi-purpose hyd/trans fluid to bottom of plastic plug. Put cover back on, run trac. and re-check level. also in the tank is a filter[do'nt know part #] that can be removed and changed maybe that's your problem. Also check to make sure neu. lever for hydro is in gear. It's located in the lower right side at rear of trans and should be turned all the way to the left for engagement. Good luck! dlc

[Guest]

Thanks for the info, dlk, it is most helpful.

One last question: Does Simplicity fluid #1685539 have to be used or will any good quality hydralic (sp?) suffice?

I have five gallons of hydro oil I keep around for my older Ford farm tractor and it would be much more convienient to simply use this. However, if I must I will run to my local Simplicity dealer (about 20 miles) to get the specified oil I will.

[Guest]

Kelly, Iguess the Ford hydro fluid would be fine, an older dealer here used to say if you didn.t have any Simp. oil to use Ford ATF auto trans fluid which was close to fact oil. Your welcome! dlc

[Al]

Our latest oil chart from Simplicity calls for Dextron in these hydros, but I think any would be Ok. On the 9020s etc it says type A, dextron, or Multi purpose hyd oil and this unit uses a Vickers also. Good Luck, Al

[Guest]

My mower guru says automatic transmission fluid has additives that can attack the bushings in the pintles of the hydro drive, causing suprisingly copious leaks. Straight Hydraulic fluid - since it is designed to be gentle on things like hydraulic hoses- does not contain the corrosive cleaners now found in transmission fluid. It could be that in the old days they were more similar, but now it seems that plain hydraulic fluid is the way to go. It's also cheaper! than now.