150 hour service, a few questions

SteveInMD · Sep 28, 2003

I did my 150 hour service this weekend on my TC33D. I bought the tractor with 120 hours on it, so this was the first service I have done on the tractor. A few questions came up, and I'm hoping someone can clear this up...

The sticker under the hood says to check the "Front Differential Oil Level" and the "Front Axle Oil Level". I could only find one dipstick to check oil near the front, which was on top of the left axle case. Did I miss something or is the service sticker wrong?

Also, when I checked the oil level it was over filled by a bit. Will this hurt anything? Should I drain some out?

I think I need a new outer air cleaner. Are there good online sources for NH parts?

While checking the tire pressure I found out that my rear tires are filled. No wonder I sink into the lawn so easily.

Thanks.....

DavidJ · Sep 28, 2003

First thing, I assume from your satements that you don't have a manual, You should get one it has several figures that point things out for you.

<font color="blue"> The sticker under the hood says to check the "Front Differential Oil Level" and the "Front Axle Oil Level". </font> My manual says "To check the final reduction gear case oil level, remove the filler plug, 1. the oil is at the correct level when it is at the bottom of the fill port opening.

I am attaching a pic of the gear reduction.

Leemac · Sep 30, 2003

When you are checking the (Front Axle Oil Level), are you just inserting the dipstick down to the threads or are you screwing the dipstick in all the way. My manual on my 1320 doesn't really say which method to use. However I've read on this forum to just insert the dipstick and not screw it in to check for proper level. If this is correct and you are screwing the dipstick in to check the level it will probably read over the marks when in fact it might not be overfilled. I contacted my NH Service Dept and they say "most people just insert and not screw the dipstick in to check oil level" Would be interested in others comments too.

DavidJ · Sep 30, 2003

My Manual says "To obtain correct oil level reading do not screw dipstick into axle housing when checking oil level." This is on page 3-31.

RickB · Oct 5, 2003

Having the front axle level from side to side is more important than whether or not you screw the dipstick in. After verifying your front hubs are properly filled once, use the dipstick in the center section as your only front axle check. Oil can only leak out of the hubs to a visible point (wheel, floor, etc) and if leaking, is slowly replenished from the center section. Actually, the full levels for the hubs and center section are very nearly even.