Ford 860 fluids

tysmobiletractor · Jul 21, 2018

I’m doing fluid changes in a Ford 860
I have drained all:
Hydraulic fluid
Rear axle fluid
Transmission fluid

Bit confused on the compartments in the housing. There are 3 big plugs to refill. The center plug in the lift housings appears to be open to the buttons. So this center portion holds hydraulic fluid that is checked by the dipstick by the pto lever? And this fluid is separated from the rear axle oil and the front transmission oil?
Am I correct?

My service manual seems vague in this matter.

I was planning to use 80-90 for axle and transmission. And universal hydraulic for the center.

Any pointers on pros and cons of this. ?

Or other recommendations?

Thanks

pomester · Jul 21, 2018

yes, three different reservoirs, nominally sealed against each other - 60 year old seals may not be what they once were -

Your plan for fluids is OK, or you could get a bucket of 134a compliant universal fluid and use it in all compartments - there's a diversity of opinions on this question, which comes up regularly here -

Sean in PA · Jul 21, 2018

Routine maintenance items like fluid and filter changes are covered in the operator's manual (owner's manual), and the service manual is for other things like repairing and replacing parts.

showcrop · Jul 21, 2018

The dipstick theft is for the hydraulic compartment. There is a level plug left rear for the axle.

tysmobiletractor · Jul 21, 2018

(quoted from post at 16:46:43 07/21/18)
The dipstick theft is for the hydraulic compartment. There is a level plug left rear for the axle.

Thanks for all responses above.
I’m always trying to learn not just what to do, but also why.

I also own a 641 FORD that I will be working with in the future.
I’m sure it’s similar.

Anyone use the John Deere 303 fluid for some or all. Just know it is a savings. I’ve seen it for less than $30 for 5gallon pail. Seems like for the h.ydraulic it would work well. Dot want to create needless leaks from going too thin of oil either. That could become a real pain!

grandpa Love · Jul 21, 2018

I use the same fluid in all 3
compartments on my 640 and 960.
Haven't had any issues.

Larry NCKS · Jul 22, 2018

(quoted from post at 19:50:05 07/21/18 )
Anyone use the John Deere 303 fluid for some or all. Just know it is a savings. I’ve seen it for less than $30 for 5gallon pail. Seems like for the h.ydraulic it would work well.

Unless it says specifically on the container, "meets or exceeds" the Ford spec your unit requires, run, don't walk, away from it. Cheap, in lubricants, is usually not a good thing.

Personally I won't touch 303 with a 10 foot pole. Additionally, the sale of it is now outlawed in Missouri and Georgia.

showcrop · Jul 22, 2018

(quoted from post at 17:50:05 07/21/18)

(quoted from post at 16:46:43 07/21/18)
The dipstick theft is for the hydraulic compartment. There is a level plug left rear for the axle.

Click to expand...

Thanks for all responses above.
I’m always trying to learn not just what to do, but also why.

I also own a 641 FORD that I will be working with in the future.
I’m sure it’s similar.

Anyone use the John Deere 303 fluid for some or all. Just know it is a savings. I’ve seen it for less than $30 for 5gallon pail. Seems like for the h.ydraulic it would work well. Dot want to create needless leaks from going too thin of oil either. That could become a real pain!

Ty, the spec is M2C41 for the hydraulic, it is available for under $25.00 if you shop around. Neither your 860 nor the 641 have any wet clutch pacs or brakes that need more expensive oils. The most important thing is to be aware that your oil can deteriorate badly while just sitting. As weather systems pass through, with pressure and temp changes, air with moisture in it is constantly passing in and out of all of the cases of your tractors. The tractors were designed to be brought up to temp and work long and hard enough to drive the moisture out on a regular basis. Short run times just as with a car, are severe service. so check your oil regularly for moisture. Use of low cost oil makes it feasible economically to change it more frequently.

Ford 860 fluids

tysmobiletractor

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pomester

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Sean in PA

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showcrop

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tysmobiletractor

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grandpa Love

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Larry NCKS

Well-known Member

showcrop

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