Did I just get screwed?

[Devildog77]

So, I just picked up a used 2022 Branson 2400H today with 28 hours on it. Test drove it, all the hydraulics, PTO… looked fine. I couldn’t find the window to check the hydraulic fluid and the guy didn’t know where it was either. I opened the fill plug and look in the case and it looked low to me, but he didn’t think it was. Ok, everything else checked out and it ran smoothly and it only has 28 hrs.

I finally get home two hours away and after scouring the internet and useless owners manual I find the transmission fluid dipstick and it is bone dry. How big an issue is this if the hyrdraulics were all still working in all directions? Just fill it and forget it? Why would it not be at least full enough to wet the dipstick if it only has 28 hrs? Do these have slow leak if the tractor sits for awhile outside in all weather? Thanks for any insight.

 

[Citydude]

With only 28 hours and if no visible leaks, chances are the dealer who sold it didn't fill it to the full mark. I'd fill it and check for leaks periodically.

 

[Devildog77]

With only 28 hours and if no visible leaks, chances are the dealer who sold it didn't fill it to the full mark. I'd fill it and check for leaks periodically.

Thanks City dude! Now if I can just find the fancy transmission fluid…

 

[Citydude]

Thanks City dude! Now if I can just find the fancy transmission fluid…

Should be stated in the manual what to use.

 

[CalG]

The stick being "bone dry" means very little. There are Gallons of fluid in a typical tractor transmission/ hydraulic sump.
The stick may show "dry" only a few liters low. (I can't say about any particular model)

Just think of the volume exchange if all the hydraulic systems are fully extended (3pt and loader etc.) vs fully collapsed. The systems are accommodating, as long as the pump doesn't run on air. That's why the fluid pickup is placed low on the sump.

Get a service manual (might cost a hundred bucks, but will save you thousands!)
Fill to the level under the prescribed conditions.

UTTO works! The premium stuff might be less noisy!

 

[Yander]

As others have stated, nothing to be concerned about. The tractor simply wouldn't have operated correctly before it would have done damage.

Not the same as engine oil.

Congrats on a nice tractor, post pics and start enjoying it.

 

[Devildog77]

As others have stated, nothing to be concerned about. The tractor simply wouldn't have operated correctly before it would have done damage.

Not the same as engine oil.

Congrats on a nice tractor, post pics and start enjoying it.

Thanks for the response, do you think it is safe to use the Mag 1 transmission/hydro oil at Ace Hardwear, that or the Tractor Supply Company Premium? Both seem to meet the requirements, but hard to tell without a direct comparison to the recommended Texaco the manual says.

 

[Devildog77]

The stick being "bone dry" means very little. There are Gallons of fluid in a typical tractor transmission/ hydraulic sump.
The stick may show "dry" only a few liters low. (I can't say about any particular model)

Just think of the volume exchange if all the hydraulic systems are fully extended (3pt and loader etc.) vs fully collapsed. The systems are accommodating, as long as the pump doesn't run on air. That's why the fluid pickup is placed low on the sump.

Get a service manual (might cost a hundred bucks, but will save you thousands!)
Fill to the level under the prescribed conditions.

UTTO works! The premium stuff might be less noisy!

Thanks very much for the insight.

 

[aesanders]

When you check this, you need to make sure you relieved all hydraulic pressure, ie after turning engine off, play with the loader stick, and lower rear pt hitch to settle the fluid.

 

[oldnslo]

As a point of reference The 2400H holds a little over 3 gallons. I don’t remember exactly how much.
On mine you have to pull the dipstick, wipe it off and then recheck since the tube will occasionally trap oil and give you a false reading.

Also do not recall volume required to go from add to full mark. I would add half gallon check, add a little more check since it fills up quick.

3 point up or down is not enough volume difference to matter.