Long term storage for a Sundstrand?

[ebinmaine 67,474]

I got this rolling chassis from @PWL216 to use the parts for changing our own "Ugly Bruce" C121 over to Hydro lift. 

 

 

 

 

We believe the transmission should be good so I'd like to set it aside in case we need it. 

What's the best way to store a Hydro for the long term?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

@daveoman1966. @pfrederi @953 nut 

[Pullstart 62,851]

Good question!  I think they generally just get the key turned off and left for a long long time.  It would be interesting to know if there is a long term storage procedure…

[rmaynard 15,456]

By long term, how long are we talking? As far as I know, ATF or motor oil can sit on a shelf for decades without any problem. I don't see why sitting in a transmission would be much different. The 875 that I bought in 2019 had been sitting in the owners garage for almost 10 years without being used. Everything was fine when we started and drove it unto my trailer. I didn't change the fluids for several months.

[Ed Kennell 38,170]

May be a good idea to spin it once a month.    Could be done with a drill on the input pulley.

[squonk 41,100]

Depends on where you leave it. Make sure there is no water in it at all. Maybe change the oil. If it's outside wrap it up the best you can. If it's indoors, put it where you can't fall on it or stub your tootsies on it. 

[wallfish 16,996]

Store it in a place that you won't trip over it and you should be good for the long term. LOL

If a tractor can sit outside in a field for 20 + years and then get fired up and drive without much trouble, I'd assume there really isn't much to it. You're going to need to go over it all when it finally comes out of storage anyway.

[pfrederi 17,739]

Sustrand hydros have a lot of fluid in the transaxle very little space for air.  That means condensation from temp change is not a big issue.  Even old Sunny's when you open the transaxle never see any rust like you would in a gear drive...

[squonk 41,100]

@wallfish and I agree on not going all @Pullstart and getting hurt having it laying around! 

[ebinmaine 67,474]

43 minutes ago, rmaynard said:

By long term, how long are we talking?

 

Best answer I can give there is, undetermined. I'd hope for never needing it. 

 

 

43 minutes ago, rmaynard said:

 motor oil can sit on a shelf for decades without any problem.

 

 

I've always thought the same until  recent research has shown different.  

 

My current understanding is that there's 3 parts to an oil for use in an engine. 

1. The base oil(s).  These don't expire or go bad. 

 

2. The Additive Package. Anti wear or detergent chemicals. These CAN fall out of suspension, but not always. 

 

3. Anti Foaming Agents. These DO fall out of the oil within 3 to 5 years rendering it NOT USABLE in an engine. 

 

DO NOT USE ANY OIL IN AN ENGINE YOU CARE ABOUT THATS OVER 5 YEARS SHELF LIFE. 

 

Now, that said.... this is a hydro pump & transmission. Obviously not an engine.  I don't know if the Anti Foaming Agents matter to operation at all but I'd imagine they help.  

 

 

[squonk 41,100]

1 minute ago, ebinmaine said:

 

Best answer I can give there is, undetermined. I'd hope for never needing it. 

 

 

 

 

I've always thought the same until  recent research has shown different.  

 

My current understanding is that there's 3 parts to an oil for use in an engine. 

1. The base oil(s).  These don't expire or go bad. 

 

2. The Additive Package. Anti wear or detergent chemicals. These CAN fall out of suspension, but not always. 

 

3. Anti Foaming Agents. These DO fall out of the oil within 3 to 5 years rendering it NOT USABLE in an engine. 

 

DO NOT USE ANY OIL IN AN ENGINE YOU CARE ABOUT THATS OVER 5 YEARS SHELF LIFE. 

 

Now, that said.... this is a hydro pump & transmission. Obviously not an engine.  I don't know if the Anti Foaming Agents matter to operation at all but I'd imagine they help.  

 

 

If yer use it yer gonna change the oil anyways unless yer cheap ! 

Edited 10 hours ago by squonk

[ebinmaine 67,474]

Just now, squonk said:

If yer use it yer gonna change the oil anyways unless yer cheap ! 

 

 

Absolutely true

[squonk 41,100]

Just now, ebinmaine said:

 

 

Absolutely true

Yer gonna change the oil or are yer cheap! (or both) 

[ebinmaine 67,474]

10 minutes ago, squonk said:

Yer gonna change the oil or are yer cheap! (or both) 

 

Definitely both. 

 

 

 

16 minutes ago, squonk said:

put it where you can't *****

stub your tootsies on it. 

 

Hey what if I'm wearing my @Pullstart certified safety toed flip flops??

 

 

[Lagersolut 661]

Something I learned many years ago when I picked up an old Troy built horse - long story short after purchase it leaked like a colander so I broke it down to repair and check bearings - after opening up the case it was apparent it sat for years unused - everything in the gear box not submerged in oil was rusted to pieces - the gears cleaned up fine but the input shaft was pitted at the seal engine pulley side - everything in the case had to come out . If somethings going to sit for an extended time turning it from time to time to coat the gears is a good idea - my restored C-101 is a non worker I get out and run around the yard 4-5 times a year to keep everything in the trans case wet

[squonk 41,100]

3 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

 

Definitely both. 

 

 

 

 

Hey what if I'm wearing my @Pullstart certified safety toed flip flops??

 

 

You will need shin guards as well! 

Edited 6 hours ago by squonk

[Pullstart 62,851]

I recently used an old quart of oil.  Mainly to cut the bottle and use it as a funnel.  This is what we found in the bottom.  @ebinmaine mentioned additives settling out.  
 

[squonk 41,100]

2 hours ago, Pullstart said:

I recently used an old quart of oil.  Mainly to cut the bottle and use it as a funnel.  This is what we found in the bottom.  @ebinmaine mentioned additives settling out.  
 

Are those gloves or " elephant paws?" 

[rmaynard 15,456]

3 hours ago, Lagersolut said:

everything in the gear box not submerged in oil was rusted to pieces

That confirms Paul's statement.

Sustrand hydros have a lot of fluid in the transaxle very little space for air.  That means condensation from temp change is not a big issue. 

 

Condensation in your Troy caused the rust.