GC1723 50 hour Maintenance Questions

[Joshua 1723]

Hi there. Sorry if these questions have been answered, I tried the forum search and still got conflicting info. I'm planning on following the manual, but my searches for info on the 50 hour have turned up a bunch of info on other GC17xx series that seem to have a few differences in the maintenance schedule. I was under the impression all these - the 1705/1710/1705/1720/1723/1725 were pretty similar machines.

My manual states the first hydro fluid/filter change at 250 hours - not after first 50. Every other thread I've read people are talking about doing it at 50 - worth doing or waste of time/money? Did something change with the 1723/25 to bump this up?

Next I saw plenty of people doing the front axle at 50 hours as well though manual states 250. A few people said this looked worse than the hydro fluid at this hour mark, so maybe this is more worth doing?

Any other tips for these at the 50? Any locally sourced oil/filter suggestions that are equal or better than MF brand? Dealer is hour+ away and would love to save the time and probably $. Thanks in advance.


Joshua

 

[MoMower]

I did it all at 50 hrs on both the 1710 and the 1723. Axle, engine oil/filter and hydro oil/filter.

All get switched to full synthetic (Amsoil)

 

[ray66v]

Manufacturers seem to be getting away from the 50 hour interval. But, I do not know if MF has joined that bandwagon.

It is a waste to dump out a lot of brand new fluid.

Some have found metal left over from manufacturing, when they removed the pick up screen, so they believe the 50 hour is worth while. However, that metal is trapped in the sump, and not a huge concern, unless it was completely clogging the screen. (The tractor would not move then). Most people find little or no metal there.

You want to follow the recommendations in the manual. I would verify that the 50 hour isn't required. The dealer will probably tell you to do it anyway, because they make pretty good money off it, especially if you let them do it. (Don't do that).

You should take about an hour, and give the machine a through looking over. Look for loose nuts, and bolts. Look for coolant hoses that are rubbing on things, or getting poked. Check the hydraulic hoses, especially the ones on the frame, to see they are not rubbing on anything, or getting rubbed by the tires, or other parts of the machine. Look for loose wires, and wires that are pulled too tight. Correct both. You should find the grease fittings that have been missed, or have not taken any grease, and correct that. (You may have to replace a couple. They are SAE thread). Sometimes, just moving the part you are trying to grease, will allow the grease in.

Many of us are using the Amsoil synthetic fluids. Although the manufacturers are finally, after 15 years starting to catch up and also offer synthetic fluids.

 

[stevenlmas]

I did take my 1725 into the dealer for the 50 hour service. Ray is correct, they make a lot of $$$ off it. $587.87 to be exact

18 for Fuel Filter
28 for 1 Gallon of 15W40
8.50 for a quart of something else
49 for an oil filter
26 for a filter cartridge
30 for a hydraulic filter
27 for "shop materials"
287 for labor

Free pick up and return, though

 

[daman1]

Manufacturers seem to be getting away from the 50 hour interval. But, I do not know if MF has joined that bandwagon.

It is a waste to dump out a lot of brand new fluid.

Some have found metal left over from manufacturing, when they removed the pick up screen, so they believe the 50 hour is worth while. However, that metal is trapped in the sump, and not a huge concern, unless it was completely clogging the screen. (The tractor would not move then). Most people find little or no metal there.

You want to follow the recommendations in the manual. I would verify that the 50 hour isn't required. The dealer will probably tell you to do it anyway, because they make pretty good money off it, especially if you let them do it. (Don't do that).

You should take about an hour, and give the machine a through looking over. Look for loose nuts, and bolts. Look for coolant hoses that are rubbing on things, or getting poked. Check the hydraulic hoses, especially the ones on the frame, to see they are not rubbing on anything, or getting rubbed by the tires, or other parts of the machine. Look for loose wires, and wires that are pulled too tight. Correct both. You should find the grease fittings that have been missed, or have not taken any grease, and correct that. (You may have to replace a couple. They are SAE thread). Sometimes, just moving the part you are trying to grease, will allow the grease in.

Many of us are using the Amsoil synthetic fluids. Although the manufacturers are finally, after 15 years starting to catch up and also offer synthetic fluids.

Correct, I just purchased a new 1723EB today and there IS new Factory recommend intervals for these machines. Basically the 50 hours is a waste of money.

 

[MF RED in MT]

Hi there. Sorry if these questions have been answered, I tried the forum search and still got conflicting info. I'm planning on following the manual, but my searches for info on the 50 hour have turned up a bunch of info on other GC17xx series that seem to have a few differences in the maintenance schedule. I was under the impression all these - the 1705/1710/1705/1720/1723/1725 were pretty similar machines.

My manual states the first hydro fluid/filter change at 250 hours - not after first 50. Every other thread I've read people are talking about doing it at 50 - worth doing or waste of time/money? Did something change with the 1723/25 to bump this up?

Next I saw plenty of people doing the front axle at 50 hours as well though manual states 250. A few people said this looked worse than the hydro fluid at this hour mark, so maybe this is more worth doing?

Any other tips for these at the 50? Any locally sourced oil/filter suggestions that are equal or better than MF brand? Dealer is hour+ away and would love to save the time and probably $. Thanks in advance.


Joshua

Welcome to TBN.

A lot of us have tractors going on 10 + years old, and our MF Operators Manual said to change the engine oil/filter, hydro/trans oil and filter, and front axle fluid at 50 hours.

I believe most of the manufacturers have extended most of these change outs per the newer tractors "Operators Manual".

For my tractor, I usually use Napa Auto for most of my filters (go online and do a search with your tractor model number), and for me I have only used Amsoil.

My closes MF dealer is 2.5 hours away, but I can call the parts department, order my parts, pay over the phone, and they will ship it to me.

Good luck,

KC

 

[LEverard]

Correct, I just purchased a new 1723EB today and there IS new Factory recommend intervals for these machines. Basically the 50 hours is a waste of money.

I'm curious what the new recommendations are? I have a 2018 2706E and it still has 50 hours for the first engine oil change and the first transmission oil change.

 

[daman1]

I'm curious what the new recommendations are? I have a 2018 2706E and it still has 50 hours for the first engine oil change and the first transmission oil change.

I'm not sure what the exact hours are as I don't have possession of my machine yet that's what the salesman was telling me, I would probably think a 100 to 150 hours?

 

[ray66v]

Just in case there are some newbies reading this thread, to my knowledge the engine oil is still, and probably not ever going to be more than 50 hour intervals.

Dumping the hydraulic fluid, at 50 hours is what is being referred to here as a "waste of money".

 

[MF RED in MT]

I'm curious what the new recommendations are? I have a 2018 2706E and it still has 50 hours for the first engine oil change and the first transmission oil change.

If it were me I'd follow my MF Operators Manual and ignore any "verbal words" of the MF Dealership/Sales Person unless they provide you with MF Documentation that supersedes the manual.

KC

 

[daman1]

Just in case there are some newbies reading this thread, to my knowledge the engine oil is still, and probably not ever going to be more than 50 hour intervals.

Dumping the hydraulic fluid, at 50 hours is what is being referred to here as a "waste of money".

Correct engine oil is still 50 hours

 

[CUtiger95]

Changed mine at 56 hrs. The engine oil was pitch black. The transmission fluid I could have waited to change after another 200 hrs. However I followed the recommendations from the book to the T.

All fluids were replaced with Amsoil so in another 250 I will try to give the next update.

 

[GeneV]

Ok, can I just jump in real fast? I'm getting close to doing the 200, already picked up nearly everything for it, including amsoil synthetic athqt. What are you guys pouring into the front axle and mower gear box. Also amsoil (in which case, I guess I gotta pick up some more)? Or, can I get a recommendation for a gear oil, thx.

 

[ray66v]

Ok, can I just jump in real fast? I'm getting close to doing the 200, already picked up nearly everything for it, including amsoil synthetic athqt. What are you guys pouring into the front axle and mower gear box. Also amsoil (in which case, I guess I gotta pick up some more)? Or, can I get a recommendation for a gear oil, thx.

You can use the Amsoil ATH in the front axle.

I use synthetic EP 80W-90 gear lube.

 

[ray66v]

Changed mine at 56 hrs. The engine oil was pitch black.

Diesel oil is usually black after a short time.

Diesels produce soot. Some of that ends up in the crankcase. If the soot isn't in being suspended your oil, it's being left in your engine.

You want an oil that can hold the soot, and acids, that are made inside so you can remove them.

Some oils are better at this than others. I tried the Rotella synthetic and it doesn't get nearly as black as the Amsoil did over the same interval. But, there is also a difference in the price.

 

[MF RED in MT]

Ok, can I just jump in real fast? I'm getting close to doing the 200, already picked up nearly everything for it, including amsoil synthetic athqt. What are you guys pouring into the front axle and mower gear box. Also amsoil (in which case, I guess I gotta pick up some more)? Or, can I get a recommendation for a gear oil, thx.

I have always used Amsoil 80W-90 Gear Lube.

KC

 

[MoMower]

I have always used Amsoil 80W-90 Gear Lube.

KC

I’ll go opposite, I run the same amsoil hydraulic fluid that goes into the tractor (ATH?)

 

[MF RED in MT]

I’ll go opposite, I run the same amsoil hydraulic fluid that goes into the tractor (ATH?)

That is the recommended lubricant listed in my MF Operator's Manual.

KC

 

[GeneV]

Ok, so either the same amsoil ath 5w30 or amsoil agh 80w90. So really either or huh, I guess just do ath to keep it kiss simple? :confused3:

Kicking myself for not ordering extra from amsoil while I had the preferred membership, would have been free shipping too with the other stuff I ordered.

 

[ray66v]

Ok, so either the same amsoil ath 5w30 or amsoil agh 80w90. So really either or huh, I guess just do ath to keep it kiss simple? :confused3:

Kicking myself for not ordering extra from amsoil while I had the preferred membership, would have been free shipping too with the other stuff I ordered.

Just go to the local auto parts store, and buy two quarts of synthetic EP 80W-90.

You would be using a product that is well beyond what is spec'd for the application, so there is no need to be concerned if it is Amsoil or not.