Thwaites 6000 - hydraulics draining

[Yozza]

Hi,

I had a look in the hyd. tank and it looked very 'milky', the hydraulics seem to work ok, but it's not done any real work yet (for me).

If they hydraulics do turn out to be weak then I'll want to re-fresh the hyd. fluid and filter.

Here comes the question...

What is the easiest method to completely drain the hydraulic system and then refill?

Thanks (in anticipation)

Yozza

[Robert Guy]

Hi Yozza,
First things first Stop using machine asap.
Milkiness of hydraulic oil is due to it being contaminated with water ( very bad).
Found out how in got in there, could be contamination from drum being left open or hydraulic cap not sealing.
There are a few ways to deal with this problem.
firstly you could use a kidney machine with using water absorbing filters, but that's very pricey.
Secondly and what think is the only way is to drain the entire system ie. remove hoses and clean out pump valves and rams.
or the quick way but again pricey is to drain tank,refill with fresh oil and work machine. repeat until coil is clean.
Use a water absorbing filter if you can get one.
Don't forget to change the filter when finished