2538 questions

[Tater John]

I have a 2538 HST, which is a hydro unit, and have a few questions for those in the know. Tractor has been a pleasure to use.

1) Will be changing hydraulic fluid and filters before too long. Besides the regular filter, there is a metal strainer on right side by the axle that is supposed to be cleaned out
and I suppose replaced if needed. For those who have checked on this strainer, can it be removed without also having to remove the loader support that seems to be
in the way? Will the strainer come out without removing or loosening other major parts?

2) I mow some fairly steep hills, and would like to widen the rear wheels a bit, but have not found spacers available. The wheels can't be reversed on my 2538. Anyone found a way to widen the
wheels on the 2538 for more stability?

3) I still have same rear tire pressure as it came delivered, seems quite high, has no give at all in the back tires. I realize the front tires need plenty of air with the loader and all. What do 2538 owners run for back tire pressure? I'm getting kind of tired of the ride, especially with the base model seat.

4) Thinking about getting a roof that attaches to the ROPS. Anyone have a suggestion on a roof that is reasonably priced and has worked out good? Tractor would not be used in the woods much.

5) I would like to use whatever hydraulic fluid will give a little less whine. Anyone use a fluid that made a real difference in this unit?

Any info on these questions by those familiar with the 2538 would be appreciated.

Tater John

 

[duffer]

I'll answer what I can of your questions. Don't have answers for all of them.

I've had my 2538 for 3 years now. 1200 hard working hours. Change the fluids regularly. Have done 2 hydraulic changes and found no debris in the fluid. Thus I haven't tried to remove the strainer.

I too, have steep hills that I mow regularly with 7' finish mower (PTO). Haven't found wheel spacers, but I do have fluid in the rear tires. Helps a bunch with ballast, and stabilization. Also, keep your bucket low to the ground when mowing, and go vertical with your mowing direction whenever possible, rather than side to side. Much safer. Your mower, or bush hog will also add some stabilizing to the entire unit.

I made a canopy out of a golf cart top, and support braces, and bolted onto the ROPS. Cost me $30. Find a golf cart junk yard if you can. My avatar picture has mine pictured, and I posted some close ups on a different thread. You can do a search on canopy's if you want. Sure helps with keeping direct sunlight off you, and light rain as well.

HST's automatically have a "whine". Don't think you'll get rid of it. But...if you run the throttle pedal at full depression, it reduces it significantly, unless it's under severe load going up hill. If I mow in the low range with full pedal depression, it keeps the tranny cooler, (more oil flow), and less whine. I use TSC hydraulic fluid. Thinking of trying a tractor specific hydraulic fluid next time from a local energy company that provides my diesel.

I use Wix filters for the oil, hydraulic fluid, and first fuel filter.
Oil filter #51324
Hydraulic #51586
Fuel #33993
Bosch fuel filter is available from Amazon, and Reubicon Int'l in Austin. Less than dealer by a bunch.
Air 1 #46489
Air 2 #46490

Grease it regularly, or even too much. You won't regret it. If you ever have to remove the pins on the bucket FEL curl function, take the bucket off first. Makes it much easier to change, or clean out the Pins.

Hope this helps a little. Just my 2¢

 

[Tater John]

I'll answer what I can of your questions. Don't have answers for all of them.

I've had my 2538 for 3 years now. 1200 hard working hours. Change the fluids regularly. Have done 2 hydraulic changes and found no debris in the fluid. Thus I haven't tried to remove the strainer.

I too, have steep hills that I mow regularly with 7' finish mower (PTO). Haven't found wheel spacers, but I do have fluid in the rear tires. Helps a bunch with ballast, and stabilization. Also, keep your bucket low to the ground when mowing, and go vertical with your mowing direction whenever possible, rather than side to side. Much safer. Your mower, or bush hog will also add some stabilizing to the entire unit.

I made a canopy out of a golf cart top, and support braces, and bolted onto the ROPS. Cost me $30. Find a golf cart junk yard if you can. My avatar picture has mine pictured, and I posted some close ups on a different thread. You can do a search on canopy's if you want. Sure helps with keeping direct sunlight off you, and light rain as well.

HST's automatically have a "whine". Don't think you'll get rid of it. But...if you run the throttle pedal at full depression, it reduces it significantly, unless it's under severe load going up hill. If I mow in the low range with full pedal depression, it keeps the tranny cooler, (more oil flow), and less whine. I use TSC hydraulic fluid. Thinking of trying a tractor specific hydraulic fluid next time from a local energy company that provides my diesel.

I use Wix filters for the oil, hydraulic fluid, and first fuel filter.
Oil filter #51324
Hydraulic #51586
Fuel #33993
Bosch fuel filter is available from Amazon, and Reubicon Int'l in Austin. Less than dealer by a bunch.
Air 1 #46489
Air 2 #46490

Grease it regularly, or even too much. You won't regret it. If you ever have to remove the pins on the bucket FEL curl function, take the bucket off first. Makes it much easier to change, or clean out the Pins.

Hope this helps a little. Just my 2｢

Thank you Duffer for your helpful feedback. I do have fluid in the tires and do try to keep the bucket low to the ground, all good advise. A little wider track would also be helpful but haven't found a way to accomplish that yet. Thanks for the filter info as well. Will be handy when gathering up supplies.

 

[mwayne]

1) I had to remove the loader support to pull the strainer also pulled the rear tire but that is optional
2) don't know
3) 15 PSI
4) My tractor came with one of these:

Guardian Tractor Canopies by The Perry Company | The Highest Quality Protection and Style Accessories for Tractors, UTVs, and Trucks in the USA

If it hadn't I would have brought an umbrella from Agrisupply so I could take it off easily when around trees
5) Chevron 1000 THF is what I use, don't think it made a difference as far as noise