[AT] Hydraulic hoses

[Mike Sloane]

Not to lecture, but the instructions for virtually all hydraulic 
equipment state, when done with the machine even for only a few minutes, 
to lower everything to the ground and relieve the pressure on all valves 
by cycling them. There are two issues here: 1. safety - a raised boom or 
other tool can drop very quickly if someone accidentally moves a lever 
or a hose fails, and it could fall on someone in the area, and 2. 
leaving pressure on the system when idle puts a strain on the system and 
can cause premature wear (especially old hoses). Also, kids love to play 
on idle machines and love working all the levers.

Just my 2 cents,

Mike

David Bruce wrote:
> This topic is timely for me as I have one connection to the control 
> valves on my loader on the JD 2010 that has seeped a bit of hydraulic 
> oil with use since the hoses were replaced.  The other day I picked up a 
> tube of the paste rated for use in hydraulic systems - now to remember 
> to give it a try.  The seepage is small and eventually is enough to 
> allow the bucket to drop to the ground it left in a lifted position when 
> the tractor is stopped - talking a couple weeks here so it really is a 
> seep rather than a leak.
> 
> David