k0ua
Epic Contributor
It is time for my 200 hour service on the DK35se Hydro tractor. I was at 199 so I figured that would do.

Since on the 200 hour change the Hydro and Hydraulic filters need to be changed without changing any fluid I came up with the idea of putting a #6 machine screw into the vent plug opening to seal the system from getting any air into the tank to see if that would prevent fluid loss when I took the filters off. My only other experience with the Kioti was when I changed filters AND fluid at 50 hours. Of course I drained the fluid before I tackled the filters, so there was no fluid to leak out except what the filters themselves contained. If you will remember the hydraulic filter is vertical and contains maybe close to a quart of fluid, and the hydrostat filter is horizontal and contains about a cup. Here is a picture of the vent plug located on the rear of the tractor, and of course is also the fill port. note the small hole in the end of the crooked neck. That is where I stuck the screw to block the air ingress.

So I changed the hydraulic filter first, and it spit out maybe 2 or 3 ounces of fluid into my catch pan maximum. Since it is vertical you can dump the filters contents at your leisure as long as you don't turn over the filter. I spent some time getting the new filter threaded, but no appreciable amount of fluid came out after the initial small splash. Did my idea work? I don't know, you tell me. Fluid loss was very minimal, and there was no need to hurry to get the new filter put back on. Those of you who did not plug your vent hole, tell me if fluid continues to flow out the connection pipe or not. I was not going to get up and remove the screw to find out
The Hydro filter lost a few ounces of fluid, but the majority of it was what run out of the filter because it is horizontal. There was no leakage to speak of while fitting up the new filter. I took the time to wash the tractor. Grease the chassis, grease the loader, check all the wheel bolts/nuts. check all the loader mount bolts all tight this time. Of course changed the engine oil and its filter, the fuel filter was changed about 30 hours ago. I would have changed the air filter but the dealership gave me the wrong filter. I paid for the right filter, and the correct number was on the invoice, but the filter I got was not that number, and it fits a larger Kioti tractor. The coolant was changed about 30 hours ago so it is good to go for a while.
I cleaned and shined up the plastic parts with some "son of a gun" spray protector.

Checked and refilled the hydraulic fluid level, and called it good. While I was at it I touch up painted the tractor and painted my ballast barrel inside and out

I tested everything out a bit and put it back in its "den"
It was a beautiful day for working outside.
James K0UA

Since on the 200 hour change the Hydro and Hydraulic filters need to be changed without changing any fluid I came up with the idea of putting a #6 machine screw into the vent plug opening to seal the system from getting any air into the tank to see if that would prevent fluid loss when I took the filters off. My only other experience with the Kioti was when I changed filters AND fluid at 50 hours. Of course I drained the fluid before I tackled the filters, so there was no fluid to leak out except what the filters themselves contained. If you will remember the hydraulic filter is vertical and contains maybe close to a quart of fluid, and the hydrostat filter is horizontal and contains about a cup. Here is a picture of the vent plug located on the rear of the tractor, and of course is also the fill port. note the small hole in the end of the crooked neck. That is where I stuck the screw to block the air ingress.

So I changed the hydraulic filter first, and it spit out maybe 2 or 3 ounces of fluid into my catch pan maximum. Since it is vertical you can dump the filters contents at your leisure as long as you don't turn over the filter. I spent some time getting the new filter threaded, but no appreciable amount of fluid came out after the initial small splash. Did my idea work? I don't know, you tell me. Fluid loss was very minimal, and there was no need to hurry to get the new filter put back on. Those of you who did not plug your vent hole, tell me if fluid continues to flow out the connection pipe or not. I was not going to get up and remove the screw to find out
I cleaned and shined up the plastic parts with some "son of a gun" spray protector.

Checked and refilled the hydraulic fluid level, and called it good. While I was at it I touch up painted the tractor and painted my ballast barrel inside and out


I tested everything out a bit and put it back in its "den"

It was a beautiful day for working outside.
James K0UA