Oil & Fuel 2010 GC2610 - Waiting for a manual

[Glenski31]

Hi All,

See my intro post to explain my recent purchase of a new to me 2010 GC2610 Massey. I bought it from the second owner and it had 350 hrs on it when I bought it.

The only known issue with the tractor was that the differential lock was stuck on at the time of purchase, the cables appear to be free and the peddle is back up in the 'unlocked' position so it seems like the there is something stuck inside the differential. It for the most part is unlocked though, kind of strange situation anyhow I will likely address that with another post in the future. Suffice it to say that it has been working well and been generally 'unlocked' for the 3 hours that I have used it. I got the tractor with a discount of $2,000 off of his original asking price which was well below the going rate for a TLB unit in these parts so if the rear end has be be disected then so be it.

Anyhow I have ordered the factory service manual, however the Massey manual has to be printed and bound somewhere in the US of A and then snail mailed to me so I am three weeks away but would like to change out all the fluids now before I do any major work with it just to know I have a clean slate even though a scheduled service isn't due I would just like to know where I am starting from. I have no experience with Hydro transmissions but do all my own vehicle maintenance and have been wrenching on bikes for the last dozen years including complete engine rebuilds and BMW driveline replacement. So, if someone is willing to help someone out who is waiting for a manual with a few basic questions that would be awesome.

Question:

1. Hydrostatic fluid change HOW TO. Here is what I can gather from my readings so far - On level ground? With Backhoe and FEL attached? Remove filter, then remove drain plug then remove screen behind left wheel? After this I am not clear. Where to add fluid? From what I can tell about 11 litres? Use sight glass to confirm level and apparently add some ATF to give it a bit of colour? Turn tractor on and let it pump for a little bit. Do I need to cycle the hydraulics while this is warm up is happening?
2. I am partly curious if the rear end fluid isn't a little low or the fluid is old and this may be contributing to the stubborn diff lock issue?
3. Fluid choice? I know from motorcycles everyone has an opinion so I am not looking for a detailed description (I will read about that later) but just a choice that works and a source considering I am in Canada. I will be doing some cross border shopping in Calais Maine this coming week so could wait til then.

Anyhow thanks for reading my lengthy post. Loving the tractor so far just want to give it some TLC at this point while I wait for the non-digital manual to arrive.

Looking forward to the day when I can be a help to others on here.

Glen

 

[DMW]

If I had to do it again, I would probably just use Kubota SUDT2 (or Premium UDT in Canada). Easy to get, not too expensive (comparatively). If price isn't a concern, Amsoil Synthetic, or PetroCanada Duratran synthetic. Don't cheap out on the hydro fluid, it can make a huge difference in the temperature extremes from summer to winter. The TSC or Princess Auto house brands won't cut it IMO.
A long neck funnel is nice, with a second set of hands to hold it, if pouring in the hydro fluid from a 20l pail.

 

[Glenski31]

If I had to do it again, I would probably just use Kubota SUDT2 (or Premium UDT in Canada). Easy to get, not too expensive (comparatively). If price isn't a concern, Amsoil Synthetic, or PetroCanada Duratran synthetic. Don't cheap out on the hydro fluid, it can make a huge difference in the temperature extremes from summer to winter. The TSC or Princess Auto houseshoukdwr brands won't cut it IMO.


A long neck funnel is nice, with a second set of hands to hold it, if pouring in the hydro fluid from a 20l pail.

Thanks for the timely reply. I'm off to a farmers market this am with my good wife and kiddos which is near the kubota dealer so will plan to pick up some of their hydro as suggested if time permits and I already have an ATF funnel for the car which should work.

Thanks, as far as where things are at I'm sure I will figure if out once I get looking around under there. Can't wait to get the factory service manual and read it cover to cover. I'm an engn so love manuals!

 

[irvingj]

I hadn't read about leaving the BH on when changing fluid, but I can tell you it's a real pain to both hit the fill tube and see the sight glass when the BH's mounted. MUCH easier with it off. Here's a pic of my 2310 with the BH off. Fill tube is right there at the top, with a screw-on cover. Yours might be different, but I'll bet it's the same. ijk

 

[jsftractors]

As mentioned by DMW, if cost is not an issue use a high quality fluid. Keep in mind the system on a GC compared to a larger tractor. The GC does not incorporate a hydraulic fluid cooler anywhere within the circuit, any cooling of the fluid is achieved by the HST fan and the castings. You have less cooling capability than a larger system that incorporates a cooler therefore the fluid quality is more critical. Additionally, routinely check the fan on the HST input shaft and confirm it is secure. These fans can on occasion break the spot welds eliminating the fans effectiveness, usually you won't notice this until the HST is fried ! Ensure you always keep the castings and HST clean to maximize cooling, a blanket of grass clippings is not a good thing !!

 

[cdaigle430]

I use CASE IH Akcela brand Hi Tran for hydraulics and engine oil-been great for me. As for air, hydraulic, oil, and fuel filters I use Agco brand. For cooland I also use Agco. Finally for grease I use Traveller Heavy Duty Premium Grease.

 

[Glenski31]

Thanks to all who have replied.

I was on a business trip today and conveniently drove right by a Kubota dealer and picked up 15L of their Premium UDT and a 5L jug of their 10w30 Diesel oil. Then unknown to me literally 2 mins from my destination was a Massey dealer where I picked up a new air, oil, hydro and fuel filter.

All in all it was an expensive day but now I have what I need except for the gear oil for the front diff and I have some synthetic gear oil left over from my shaft drive Beemer that should do the trick. Not sure when I will get around to changing but hopefully soon.

Is there a guard that I can get for the hydro fan? I noticed that it looked pretty exposed down there?

One last quick question about adding ATF to the hydro oil: Have a read that some guys add a little bit just to put some colour into it? If so how much?

Thanks again.

Still waiting on my service manual

 

[DMW]

All in all it was an expensive day but now I have what I need except for the gear oil for the front diff and I have some synthetic gear oil left over from my shaft drive Beemer that should do the trick. Not sure when I will get around to changing but hopefully soon.

The Premium UDT is suitable for use in the front axle. If there is any weeping around the axle, then you might want to use the heavier gear oil.