Re: 102 loader to35 - Confirming process to drain & ref

Is there some reason you are changing the oil, as in it's full of water, or exceptionally nasty?

If yes, then it can be flushed, but I would not flush it with anything but clean hydraulic oil. To flush it, put just enough new oil in to fully cycle the cylinders a few times, the drain and repeat until you get clean (enough) oil. It's impossible to get all the oil out without doing some disassembly, that's why you don't use flush, you can't get it all out.

But if this is just a routine oil change, simply drain the tank, drain the filter housing, and refill.

There is likely no strainer since there is no way to access it, and the canister filter serves the same purpose.

Did you find a replacement cartridge and gasket for the filter?

Yes, do prefill the filter canister first, put the top on, then fill the reservoir.

You can cycle the cylinders when done, but there should not be any air in them unless there were hoses disconnected or the system opened somewhere else.

Just be sure the cylinders are in the retracted position before doing the final fill. If there is a vent, and there just about has to be, don't fill it all the way to the top. All it needs is enough to fully extend the cylinders without sucking air, and a little cushion.

Thanks Steve, this is just a routine maintenance.

I did replace some oil seal on leaky curl cylinders, now that the leaks are fixed I want to change the fluid.

I did find a replacement cartridge filter element I will only know if it fits once I open it up.

For filling there is a small nut at 2/3 up the side tank that indicates fille level, this older 102 loader doesn't have a dipstick.