My 3710s Hydraulics are really stiff.

Cooperhawk

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Jun 21, 2025
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20 miles south of Minneapolis deep in the woods.
Okay, so it's really cold. Should they be so stiff that at 20 degrees I can't move the joy stick until it has warmed up for half a hour?
It's usually the up motion that is so stiff I can't even move it. Even after moving snow for an hour if I shut it off for twenty minutes it gets stiff again.
Is there something I should be adding to the hydraulic fluid?
 
I did a little digging, and here’s what I found, hope this helps!

It sounds like you might have the wrong viscosity hydraulic fluid for cold weather. At 20°F, you should be using an AW32 or a similar low-temp hydraulic oil (some people even use ATF during winter). The standard AW46/68 can get way too thick in those temperatures. Be sure to check your manual for the cold weather specs, but you’ll likely need to drain and refill with the right fluid for those chilly conditions. Also, take a moment to check if your suction screen is partially clogged, as that can worsen cold viscosity issues. If you’re stuck with heavier oil, a hydraulic tank heater could be a good solution.
 
No problem! Getting in touch with the dealer is probably your best bet.
 

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