I'm having no success getting a response in the Gravely area of the forum. Maybe I'll have better success putting it to a wider audience?
I have a roughly 10 year old Gravely Pro Master 320 HD with a 60" deck. Can anyone tell me, or better yet point me to some printed information, what to use for hydraulic fluid? Also, in what position should the deck be when I look for the fluid level on the dip stick?
I purchased an owner's manual, but no where in the manual do I find the information. I stopped in to my local dealer and he just off the cuff told me "Mobil 1 oil." When I asked about the position of the deck when checking the fluid he looked at me cross-eyed. I pointed out that a lot less fluid will be in the reservoir when the hydraulic rams are fully extended versus when they are fully retracted. That seemed to be a new thought for him. His reply was to have the deck set "half way." He didn't instill a lot of confidence. I sure don't want to do damage to the hydraulics by using the wrong fluid, by putting in too much, or by not having enough in the system.
Thank you.
If your 'Lucky' your thread will not get moved... unfortunately, we do have a guy moving posts without reading them, Or understanding what they just read, or just because they can't 'think' of something else to do...:laughing:
Mobil1 15W-50 synthetic (motor oil)is ideal in your system...
You are right about the oil differences between a ram extended and one retracted, retracted will have less the volume displaced by the rod. You can easily see the difference by checking the level with it raised and then check with it lowered. That variation will fall within the normal range of operation. But the starting point should be with all rams retracted.
Gravely assembled a good product using great components, With your aparent attention to detail you will get a LOT of years use from it... :smile:KennyV
Thanks guys. Good information that is helpful. Just what I was looking for. I've also submitted the question to the Gravely support page just for confirmation. Thank you for that link, too.
I updated my avatar with a pic of the wife on the mower. Notice the phone in her hand. Texting even when mowing. :confused2:
firemediceric,
Ohhh, now I see.....you have the Outfront Series ProMaster. When you said 10-yrs-old, the 320HD didn't "click" with me. That is one fine-looking mower and indeed the newer(2012) models have the separate HyrdoGear Pumps and HydroGear Wheel motors(as well as dual wheel steering and the power tilt deck. That sure is one beast of a grass-cutting machine!!! Is the steering on that "kinda like a joystick" with two handles on a single lever??? That's gotta help when the wife needs to text somebody:0)
Makes my Pro-Turn(even though it's a Commercial unit) look like a "toy"!!!
P.S.
Like I said, I think Gravely Support should be a johnny-on-the spot anytime you need assistance with your machine. Their Support seems to be spot on.