Changing Hydraulic Filter

jenrow33 · May 19, 2010

I have a Kubota L3400 HST and am doing the 200 hour service. Manual says to change the HST and tranny filters, but not change the hydraulic oil. When I take these filters out to change them, will I lose hydraulic oil if the system is not drained? Thanks for your help. MJ

Slacker · May 19, 2010

I think the tricks were:

1. Plug air intake holes with cork or the like to slow drain out.
2. Drain into clean container and put it back in.
3. Be fast.
4. Replace what drains out with new fluid.
5. Park on steep hill, opposite side of filter.
6. Plug drain hole with finger, be sure to leave the new filter on the other side of the garage.
7. Fill new filters before replacing.
8 Just don't worry about a cup of fluid.

joes_427_vette · May 19, 2010

When I take these filters out to change them said:
If gravity is present in your area..... the answer is yes! Change quickly, have new filter close at hand, add new fluid to full mark. No rocket science involved. OR take to dealer and pay a couple hundred. Good luck.

jenrow33 · May 19, 2010

Last time I checked there is, in fact, a wee bit of gravity up here in northern MI. I won't take it to the dealer for this type of stuff because wouldn't learn anything! My question regarded whether or not all of the oil would want to drain out through the line from the reservoir to the filter, or if I would only lose what is in the filter and feed line. I bought the filters and 1 gallon of oil in case a bit leaks....best way to learn is do it.

Thanks for your replies.

Happyman · May 19, 2010

When I changed mine out on the L3940 HST it really wasn't much of a problem. On the recommendation of my dealer I drove the tractor onto two ramps (one under the front left and one under the rear left tires) and tilted the tractor a bit so as to slow the flow of fluid when I removed the filter (high side filter). Then did the other side. I lost about a quart total. Barely enough to even show on the dip stick. Try it and see if it works for you as well as it did for me. :thumbsup:

tjc1989 · May 19, 2010

jenrow33 said:
Last time I checked there is, in fact, a wee bit of gravity up here in northern MI. I won't take it to the dealer for this type of stuff because wouldn't learn anything! My question regarded whether or not all of the oil would want to drain out through the line from the reservoir to the filter, or if I would only lose what is in the filter and feed line. I bought the filters and 1 gallon of oil in case a bit leaks....best way to learn is do it.

If the fluid level is above the filter and hose connection, yes it will continue to drain as long as the filter is off. I don't have a Kubota, but mine has a sight glass so I know where the fluid level is. And my filter and connections are definitely below that fluid level.

As another gentleman posted, if you could safely tilt your tractor away from the filter side, you may be able to only jeopardize just the fluid in the line and old filter. But on mine, the key word is safely. I would have to tilt mine too far over to get the fluid level below the hose connection.

Best to have a drain pan with a gallon or more capacity, have all your parts ready, and be fast. Your spillage from the lines and filter housing will be minimized.