Another Newbie Question - Oil Changes

ritcheyvs · Jan 14, 2015

8NAcres said:
... In my research I am seeing the shuttle linkage is of poor design and gets stiff/hard to turn. This may be a cause of all the bent forks(?) Many speak of lubricating the joint right above where it goes into the tranny - but say it is hard to get to. ...

I have not experienced stiffness in my shuttle linkage so I can't add anything there except I do keep my tractor under cover. I do recall several suggestions to lube the shaft where it enters the gear case but I recall that being an HST issue (but my memory ain't that good).

I also read that synchros (another really big repair job) were a problem on some old DKs. That's another reason I don't jam it into gear. If I miss a shift I just go back to neutral for a couple seconds (while it spools down) and gently try again.

Not to make you paranoid, but your tractor is in the year groups that experienced injection pump gear failures. This is rare but still frustrating because Kioti doesn't sell internal IP parts and wants about $1500 for a whole new IP. Replacement is easily a DIY job and several owners have been able to get their IPs repaired locally for just a couple hundred bucks. Just so you know, the most common symptom is a normally-running tractor shuts off normally and then cranks fine but refuses to restart.

Don't forget that you will need containers to hold the used oil while the new containers are still full of new oil. Maybe you can get some old, used 5-gal pails from a construction site. Worst case, you can buy clean, new pails for $3-5 (each) at Lowes, etc. As memory serves (not that well these days), standard 5-gal pails may be a little tall so make sure your catch container fits before you crack the drain nut.

Soundguy · Jan 14, 2015

install about like an automotive spin on oil filter.

k0ua · Jan 14, 2015

I used one of those 62 qt. tubs bought from Dollar General as a catch basin.. But be aware it will be one heavy SOB when you pull it out from under the tractor. The idea is that it is not as tall as a 5 gal pail, and will catch it all at once. I dipped it out and poured the used oil into 5 gallon pails to take to the recycle place. The hydraulic filters are put on by an 800 lb ape with a big wrench, but if yours had 300+ hours, it should have been changed by someone and not be so tight now. No reason to be put on so tight. I think they are put on then painted over.

oosik · Jan 14, 2015

Hey - there is no reason the tractor manufacturers should be any different than the auto companies regarding the oil filters. They all employ 600# gorillas with extended filter wrenches to instal those OEM oil filters. You just gotta remember the replacement filter doesn't have to be put on that tight.