Fluid changes on crawlers

[Pushrod]

A couple of questions for those of you who have conducted major fluid changes in the past. I don't want to have to reinvent the wheel when I have your experience to draw from.
I plan on changing the transmission fluid (9 gallons) and the hydraulic fluid (13 gallons). First, what are you guys draining this amount of fluid into? Can you dispose of these type of fluids at oil reclamation sites?
I'm specifically changing the fluids in a 450-B dozer, When I drain the hydraulic tank, how do I purge the old oil from the lines?
Thanks for any help.

[TexasJD]

A couple of questions for those of you who have conducted major fluid changes in the past. I don't want to have to reinvent the wheel when I have your experience to draw from.
I plan on changing the transmission fluid (9 gallons) and the hydraulic fluid (13 gallons). First, what are you guys draining this amount of fluid into? Can you dispose of these type of fluids at oil reclamation sites?
I'm specifically changing the fluids in a 450-B dozer, When I drain the hydraulic tank, how do I purge the old oil from the lines?
Thanks for any help.

I just changed the transmission fluid in my 450C. I bought the clear plastic 60 qt storage containers from Wal-Mart. Once I had the new fluid in the trans I poured the used fluid back in the 5 gallon buckets. I have not disposed of it yet but any place that takes used oil will take trans fluid at least in my area.

[Stan Disbrow]

Hi,

If the oil in the lines is not a mess, I don't worry about it. If it is a mess, then I pull the return line to the tank and run it into a pail. Until the messy stuff changes into new stuff.

Stan

[Frankdozer]

I thought about the same thing when I decided to change all the fluids in my John Deere 455D crawler loader. I had leftover staging planks which I set 2 on each side and drove the machine onto which raised it up about 5 inches. I then set a cheap plastic reinforced tarp under the center section . I found a 55 gallon steel barrel at the dump ( recycle center ) and cut it down just enough to set it on the tarp and slide it under the crawler. After I drained the fluids, I pulled the tarp out with the filled barrel on it . The tarp prevents the drum from plowing the dirt and becoming tough to get from under the crawler. I always save the 1 gallon plastic milk and water jugs, so I just use 1 of the jugs to fill the others. The recycle center will take the old fluids. A few each week........they told me not all at once. Works For Me !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!EASY LOUISY !!!!!!!.......Frank

[Frankdozer]

As far as the existing fluid in the lines, I first collapsed all the cylinders and didn't worry about it. The amount in the lines VS the holding tanks is minimal.................Also, Change all the filters !!!!!!!! And for argument sake.......I always use all John Deere products...............That way I don't have to worry about if something is compatible or not.......A little more expensive but I think it's worth it. ..........Frank

[Stan Disbrow]

Hi,

The closest place to me for recycling used oil is an Advanced auto parts store. They will take up to 5 gals a week. That works ok for me, one pail a week.

I have an old belly pan (from what I cannot recall) which makes for a great drain pan for everything hydraulic I have. It easily holds 20 gallons and the largest I happen to have to drain is 15.

Stan

[Pushrod]

Thanks for the replies and the tips!