Dipsticks on Kioti CK3510SE HST tractor

[CLeslie]

I'm not sure I understand the dipsticks on my Kioti CK3510SE HST tractor. There is a flat part at the tip of the dipstick, and there is a round shaft between the flat part and the dipstick cap. I am assuming the fluid is supposed to cover the flat part but is not supposed to encroach on the shaft. Is that correct?

(I've been trying to post a picture of one of the dipsticks, but I can't right now because of a technical issue.)

 

[oosik]

That is, more or less, correct. My dipstick has a high oil line and a low oil line etched on the flattened end of the dipstick. If yours does not - just don't fill above the flattened portion.

 

[5030]

Tractor manufacturers haven't caught on (for the most part) to what auto manufacturers do and that is, punch a hole at the full mark and one at the add mark on a dipstick. The oil will bridge the hole at either level and all it takes is a quick look to determine where it is and works real well with transmission oils because usually, they are clear anyway.

I modified both my Kubota's by adding the holes. I used a compound leverage punch but you can drill them too.

 

[CLeslie]

Thank you, oosik and 5030.

As for what 5030 said: Yes, for crying out loud, I have been checking the oil in my vehicles for years, and it's easy. But since I started living off the grid in a rural location five years ago, I've acquired a bunch of machines: ATVs, generators, lawn tractor, tiller, snowblower, and now, just recently, my Kioti tractor. All those machines have dipsticks with absurd designs.

 

[oosik]

Yes, like 5030 says. Checking the tranny oil on my tractor was a REAL bear. Oil as clear as water. I roughed up the flattened area with a small file. Makes checking the level somewhat easier.

 

[CLeslie]

oosik, what I've been doing is using a bare finger to feel the dipstick. I can feel where there is liquid and where there is not.

I also want to mention that the guy in this video suggests using a paint stick to put color on the tractor's dipsticks. He ways that will make it easier to see the liquid. I haven't done that myself. For one thing, I haven't had time - but I'm not sure I'd want to do it anyway. The guy does really seem to know what he's talking about, but I would be concerned that the paint could flake off and cause trouble.

 

[5030]

I've actually drilled or punched ALL my dipsticks on every engine than has one including the plastic ones. Now my predator engines don't. I just fill them until the oil starts flowing out the fill hole and call it good. The only one I didn't modify was the big Kohler air cooled twin on my portable welder. Kohled cross hatches the dipstick which makes it east to check the level.

 

[5030]

Yes, like 5030 says. Checking the tranny oil on my tractor was a REAL bear. Oil as clear as water. I roughed up the flattened area with a small file. Makes checking the level somewhat easier.

It's almost impossible to see the level on a Kubota as the fluid is clear. Even if used and slightly dirty it's hard to see. On my 2, I run the Chevron All Weather THC Synthetic and Chevron tints their oil orange of all things. Easy to see. Besides, I've found from using it in cold weather the Chevron flows better than the SUDT. Cost wise, it's about the same. Both of mine are expensive changes, they each hold almost 15 gallons. A quick 30 gallons at 190 bucks a 5 gallon pail.

 

[Robin Veerman]

Yah a good Tractor hydraulic/transmission oil isn’t cheap, but if it saves a seasonal change out and can go several times longer too, it all works out. The Amsoil THT oil that I use is about $180 a pail and my last UOA showed good for continued use at 400 hrs. I changed both filters after I got the results and will check again after 300 hours…

 

[5030]

I go 100% on transmission lubricants with Blackstone. If they tell me it's good to go, I don't question it. They know better than I do, they have the testing equipment to determine the life expectancy, I don't.