Power steering reservoir empty

[Greenbeast]

What are the possible issues with having the reservoir for the power steering pump lay empty for an extended period.
I didn't know about it when we first got the machine and it steered well enough for me to not think about it. But then I suspected it wasn't powerful enough and found no fluid.
It's an old machine in case you weren't aware

 

[Lincs Lass]

Refill it ,any dry or failed seals will soon show

 

[Greenbeast]

what's a suitable fluid for a 40 year old tractor?

 

[Sharpy]

what's a suitable fluid for a 40 year old tractor?

What tractor? Usually ATF, but may be hydraulic oil.

 

[Greenbeast]

Zetor 6718, guess i should check the manual....

 

[Sharpy]

Zetor 6718, guess i should check the manual....

No experience of Zetor I'm afraid.

 

[Bury the Trash]

If you have ordinary hydraulic oil (32) that will be alright.

Sometimes i used to put in multipurpose if that s all I had ....in my ford as it used to leak a bit

 

[Stock]

Put in ordinary 15w 40.................

 

[Greenbeast]

Thanks guys, the manual is not overly helpful

 

[Mursal]

Unfortunately you must have a leak ...........

 

[organic antares]

Ours takes atf for the steering

 

[Greenbeast]

Unfortunately you must have a leak ...........

Well presumably there has been at some point, yes, won't see where without more oil

Wanted to know if there would have been catastrophic problems from years being dry

 

[Lincs Lass]

If there is a leak ,its likely to be the ram seals ,,

 

[pycoed]

On my 7045 , there's ATF in the power steering tank which I'm pretty sure is what the manual recommends?

 

[Greenbeast]

Well rightly or wrongly I put some engine oil into the reservoir earlier in the week. No static leaks since then and first chance to start her up this morning.
Handling like a dream now, can't wait to test with a serious weight up front. Wish I'd done something about this years ago

 

[Lincs Lass]

II think at 40yrs old I wouldn't worry what you put in it ,

 

[Mursal]

Happy days ................
I'm only in my very early 30's, regardless who asks or how shuck I look.

 

[roscoe erf]

II think at 40yrs old I wouldn't worry what you put in it ,

my Moto

 

[Tonym]

II think at 40yrs old I wouldn't worry what you put in it ,

My motto also. Any oil is better than no oil.
ATF, hydraulic oil or any back end oil that is used in hydraulic systems including multi use would be OK as they contain anti foam additives. Engine oil would tend to foam up and give problems due to introducing air into the system

 

[Peachy1]

8011 leaking out of the unit under the rad. Where can I get the seal?