300 Utility Hydraulic Issue

Hello, I'm new to the forum. It looks like there is a ton of info and great resources here. I couldn't quite find the answer to my issue so here it goes...

I recently inherited an IH 300 Utility that had been sitting for around 7 +/- years. We pulled it out of the shed, aired up the tires, and after a tune-up it runs fine. We were told it leaked hydraulic fluid into the engine oil. So we replaced the seal on the hydraulic pump (even though it looked perfect). No luck.

Here is the deal, the tractor is in far from mint shape, in fact pretty beat up, and I'm not in a position to stick a bunch of time and/or money into it. It has a DUAL loader on it that runs off the PTO and this will likely be the only accessory that will be on the tractor. It will be used for occasional snow removal and hauling a bale of hay every other week accross the yard, not much else.

Could I:
A. Run it with hydraulic fluid mixed in the engine oil changing the oil periodically until I can afford to repair?

OR

B. Drain the hyraulic fluid since I'm not using the hydraulic hook-ups on the tractor?

OR anything else anyone would suggest?

What damage would A or B cause?

Thanks in advance for any help or guidance!

Draining the oil will destroy the hyd pump, and the P/S will not work. I am betting the leak is caused by a worn shaft on the pump, I would try a Speedy Sleeve from a bearing company like Motion Industrys or maybe even Napa store.

Also the tractors hydraulic oil is also the transmission oil. =hy-trans. Check that the pressure regulator is working on hydraulic side. if it isn't it will push oil hytrans right pass even a good seal. Voice of experience.

The seal alone keeps the oil out of the crankcase. As mentioned there is a groove in the shaft that needs a speedy sleeve. If it has a true seal be sure that the lip faces the oil, some have seals, some have orings, they both make grooves.

The hyd oil is not transmission oil in a 300U, row crop yes. The oil tank is under the seat cushion.

Thanks for the help. I haven't had a chance to get to the tractor today. However, to clarify what fluid should use for the hydraulics? Hy-Tran or regular hydraulic fluid? Thanks again!

Hydraulic fluid that says it is compatible with Hytran--many are.

It is hytran if it has a TA, separate from the hydraulics, yes.