Dusty Discs
New member
First things first: GREETINGS TO ALL! New member here and I'm looking forward to many interesting discussions concerning the object of our professions, hobbies, toys or however you describe all things tractor. I'll get to the point.
After extensive review of this forum, I was ready (I thought) to tackle the initial service on my Branson 4720h. Warmed up Big Red, drained the Hydro oil, cleaned the screen, changed the hydraulic and transmission filters (OEM) all with no problems. (A friend stopped by and we B.S.'d until I was called for dinner. (I'll finish tomorrow.)
Next morning, while changing the oil in the front axle, I encountered the issues that are the subject of this post.
I first drained the right side and only a little over 3 qts. came out. I next checked the dip stick (left side) and it showed the oil level right in the middle of the safe zone. I then drained the left side and got about the same amount for a total of about 6.3 qts from the front axle. This is over a quart less than the capacity of the system (7.4 qts.) according to the owner's manual. OK, so it wasn't all the way full. No concern (yet). The manual also said there are 3 drain plugs for the front axle but I could only find two plus one burp plug, all with yellow paint. Is there a third drain plug that I missed? Maybe some used oil that I did not drain out? Starting to get concerned. I next reinstalled the two drain plugs. I expected to add about the same quantity of oil as I removed but NO! I was only able to add about 60 fl. oz. (1.875 qts) on each side when I reached the full mark on the dip stick. What gives?
Summary: I remove 6.3 qts. from a 7.4 qt. system when the dip stick reads in the middle of the safe zone. I then refill the system with only 5.0 qts. and the dip stick reads full. That doesn't seem OK. Any ideas?
Another issue: The owner's manual calls for the same hydro oil in both the hydro system and the front axle. My gut tells me this is wrong. Should be gear oil in the front axle, right? Did I screw up again by putting hydro oil in the front axle? I think I probably did. If so, how do I get all 7.4 qts. out when only 6.3 qts. (or 5 qts.) comes out when drained. Or are the manual specs. wrong and the system really holds less.
Whew. That's it. Sorry I got so windy but I am both confused and concerned. Big Red is parked and will remain so until I get these issues resolved and questions answered. I trust the good folks who read these posts can shed some light on these matters.
Thanks in advance for all responses.
After extensive review of this forum, I was ready (I thought) to tackle the initial service on my Branson 4720h. Warmed up Big Red, drained the Hydro oil, cleaned the screen, changed the hydraulic and transmission filters (OEM) all with no problems. (A friend stopped by and we B.S.'d until I was called for dinner. (I'll finish tomorrow.)
Next morning, while changing the oil in the front axle, I encountered the issues that are the subject of this post.
I first drained the right side and only a little over 3 qts. came out. I next checked the dip stick (left side) and it showed the oil level right in the middle of the safe zone. I then drained the left side and got about the same amount for a total of about 6.3 qts from the front axle. This is over a quart less than the capacity of the system (7.4 qts.) according to the owner's manual. OK, so it wasn't all the way full. No concern (yet). The manual also said there are 3 drain plugs for the front axle but I could only find two plus one burp plug, all with yellow paint. Is there a third drain plug that I missed? Maybe some used oil that I did not drain out? Starting to get concerned. I next reinstalled the two drain plugs. I expected to add about the same quantity of oil as I removed but NO! I was only able to add about 60 fl. oz. (1.875 qts) on each side when I reached the full mark on the dip stick. What gives?
Summary: I remove 6.3 qts. from a 7.4 qt. system when the dip stick reads in the middle of the safe zone. I then refill the system with only 5.0 qts. and the dip stick reads full. That doesn't seem OK. Any ideas?
Another issue: The owner's manual calls for the same hydro oil in both the hydro system and the front axle. My gut tells me this is wrong. Should be gear oil in the front axle, right? Did I screw up again by putting hydro oil in the front axle? I think I probably did. If so, how do I get all 7.4 qts. out when only 6.3 qts. (or 5 qts.) comes out when drained. Or are the manual specs. wrong and the system really holds less.
Whew. That's it. Sorry I got so windy but I am both confused and concerned. Big Red is parked and will remain so until I get these issues resolved and questions answered. I trust the good folks who read these posts can shed some light on these matters.
Thanks in advance for all responses.