Hydraulic problem with ELECTRO 12 AUTOMATIC

[Triump 7]

I have an older ELECTRO 12 AUTOMATIC The hydraulic system is slow to respond. I’m thinking it may be low on fluid however I don’t know how to check the hydraulic fluid level, where to add fluid and what type fluid should I use? It’s a great machine and even though I’ve owned it for more than 25 years this is the first time I’ve had an issue with the hydraulic system. Thanks for any help.

[Stepney 2,325]

Under the seat is a tall pipe and a square headed plug. The dipstick is attached to the plug. It takes TYPE A automatic transmission fluid if the fluid is red. 
If it's brown, it may have been switched to 10w30 engine oil. Don't mix them..
After that many years you'd be best served to put a new filter on and change the fluid though.. takes about 5qts

As far as checking it, just remove the plug, wipe it down than thread it back, and check it. 

[Triump 7]

Thanks I’ll check it tmrw. I might as well change the filter .

[ebinmaine 67,627]

6 hours ago, Triump said:

Thanks I’ll check it tmrw. I might as well change the filter .

If you have a Napa nearby it's 75-200 fluid IIFFF it's still red. That's old type ATF.  

Filter is a Napa 1410 or Wix 51410. Same filter. 

Avoid fram. 

[953 nut 55,321]

9 hours ago, Triump said:

It’s a great machine and even though I’ve owned it for more than 25 years this is the first time I’ve had an issue with the hydraulic system.

The fact that your  hydraulic system is functioning without having service for twenty five years is a true testament to the toughness that was built into them.       

[Triump 7]

Took your advise and changed filter and fluid , works like it did A25 years ago🤗!! 

[953 nut 55,321]

16 minutes ago, Triump said:

works like it did A25 years ago🤗!!

[Handy Don 12,237]

On 3/26/2021 at 6:52 PM, Triump said:

Took your advise and changed filter and fluid , works like it did A25 years ago🤗!! 

Hope you are holding up just as well. Maybe you can celebrate with a "recreational fluid" and no filter? 

[iam206 81]

On 3/26/2021 at 4:44 AM, ebinmaine said:

If you have a Napa nearby it's 75-200 fluid IIFFF it's still red. That's old type ATF.  

Filter is a Napa 1410 or Wix 51410. Same filter. 

Avoid fram. 

Is dexron lll an option to use?

[pfrederi 17,741]

Dexron 3 if you can find it is fine so is Dex/Merc widely available from several brands.

 

 

[JakeBrake4 2]

On 3/25/2021 at 9:31 PM, Stepney said:

Under the seat is a tall pipe and a square headed plug. The dipstick is attached to the plug. It takes TYPE A automatic transmission fluid if the fluid is red. 
If it's brown, it may have been switched to 10w30 engine oil. Don't mix them..
After that many years you'd be best served to put a new filter on and change the fluid though.. takes about 5qts

As far as checking it, just remove the plug, wipe it down than thread it back, and check it. 

I just got one of these tractors and the previous owner used hydraulic fluid. Would I be able to drain it change filter and replace with the ATF? Thanks in advance.

[WHX?? 48,828]

If the fluid is brown drain it, new filter and refill with 10W30. Universal hydraulic fluid works in a pinch but not cold weather rated. 

If you really feel the need to switch to ATF be best to change filters/oil several times  to get all the old fluid out. You would go through lots of ATF so not really worth it.

Wouldn't have to do that if staying brown. 

[JakeBrake4 2]

Thank you I’ll get a few filters and just run 10w30. It’s my first hydrostatic wheel horse