[TheForge] lubricants and hydraulics

[terry l. ridder]

hello


with the number of diesel and gasoline engines that have come to be part
of my mechanical tools also a vast array of lubricants has also come
along to take up shelf space. i use to purchase diesel engine oil by the
quart now i purchase it by the 5 gallon bucket. 90w gear case is another
one that i am purchasing by 5 gallon buckets. hydraulic oil is one that
is really confusing. each manfucturerer wants you to purchase their
hydraulic oil at some obscene usd amount per 5 gallon bucket. i thought
that bobcat was bad with their hydraulic oil pricing out at $80.00 usd
per 5 gallon bucket. kubotu super utd which is want it recommended for
the kubuta bx2660 tractor is $130.00 usd per 5 gallon bucket. kubota is
on the hairline edge of being in violation of the magnuson-moss warranty
act. that is beside the point of this posting.

it would seem that there is a simple common set of lubricants that one
should be able to stock on hand that would meet all the various needs of
all the equipment without breaking the bank or denting the budget.

what have others done to keep their equipment lubricated as required and
suggested while not have to stock a large number of different grades of
lubricants.

i do not see the logic in having three seperate machines each with their
own gasoline or small diesel engine providing power to the hydraulic
pump with id providing hydraulics to the rams which allow the machines
to do what they do. since each machine will probably never to used all
at the same time why not just one hydraulic power unit the quick
disconnects and the separate hydraulic units that may be switched in and
out are needed. why maintain three engines when one engine is all that
is really needed.

i have a 25 ton log splitter which i may position either horizontal or
vertical. i have a 30 ton hydraulic press which basically was used by
the previous owner to press bearing in and out. i have a hydraulic post
hole digger ( this i may not keep, i have someone who is interested in
the unit. )

what have others done with having one hydraulic power driver unit and a
number of hydrauic machines?

i am enjoying being able to do some tinkering now. i am amazed at the
vast array of different hydraulic oils out on the market. each making
some unique claim concerning their product.




-- 
terry l. ridder ><>