Hydraulic fluid mystery

[OPjeff]

I recently bought a used 2005 ASV RC60.

It was a bit low on hydraulic fluid so I added about 1.5qt. The red floating ball on the site window was now in the optimal range.

I used it for the first time today and on 3 or 4 separate occasions the machine refused to move F or R for about 20 seconds. While this was happening there was no moaning on the engine, nor did I hear the pump grunt.

I continued using the machine as it was operating fine and no warning lights came on.

Now to my concern/question. I rechecked my hydraulic guage after I finished about 3hr of use and some how the floating red ball in my site window has VANISHED! I'm wondering if that was causing my failed movement in F and R? Where could the ball have gone? The site window is held in place with two bolts. Obviously one of the bolts has a hole to let the fluid seep into the site window. I'm kind of scared to operate it now. Does anyone have any recommendations, or insite on this issue? I can see the fluid in the site window (still in the green zone) and fluid appears to be crystal clear. I don't have any leaks either, as I could easily see by parking on concrete.

Thanks!!!!

 

[OPjeff]

Here is the guage, my red ball is missing!

 

[foton]

the red ball should never leave the gauge, I think you need to find the pieces in the system and it might be your no move problem, wierd. hopefully they are on a filter screen trapped and easy to find.

 

[OPjeff]

the red ball should never leave the gauge, I think you need to find the pieces in the system and it might be your no move problem, wierd. hopefully they are on a filter screen trapped and easy to find.

Well the ball mystery is solved. I rechecked in the morning and it floated back. I'm assuming the boiency of hot fluid was the cause.