BackYard Mechanic needs to change Hydraulic Fluid

[Gordon Gould]

I have a Kubota L3010 Manual Transmission and need to change the hydraulic fluid. (500 Hrs). It holds about 10 gallons. I dont know what to expect when I remove the plug(s). I'm thinking of trying to use three 5 galllon buckets.
Will I have time to change buckets without spilling to much on the ground?
Also, are there any internal screens I should clean? My book doesn't mention
any except for the HST model.
Any suggestion will be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[jinman]

I have a Kubota L3010 Manual Transmission and need to change the hydraulic fluid. (500 Hrs). It holds about 10 gallons. I dont know what to expect when I remove the plug(s). I'm thinking of trying to use three 5 galllon buckets.
Will I have time to change buckets without spilling to much on the ground?
Also, are there any internal screens I should clean? My book doesn't mention
any except for the HST model.
Any suggestion will be appreciated. Thanks.

I think you won't need all three of those buckets because about 1-1/2 gallons will be trapped in the tractor. It's probably smart to have three buckets just in case. Will they stand up under the tractor? If so, then you should have no trouble changing buckets in mid-stream. You'll probably only lose a couple of tablespoons of fluid. I put tall kitchen bags in my buckets so that after I pour off the fluid, I only have to pull the trash can liners and dispose of them in the trash. That keeps my buckets clean for next time.

 

[Soundguy]

Hey.. nice idea.. considder it stolen!! I like the trashbag liner idea..

I've been using kitty litter plastic containers lately ( 9 indoor cats )...

soundguy

 

[BTDT]

Maybe a better idea would be to carry waste oil to a disposal center (Walmart, Auto parts, etc). Good luck with your oil change. For a funny read, try Soundguy's thread "Bobbing for drain plugs".

 

[chrisjbell]

I use the kitty litter plastic containers, too. Put the fluid in them, take it to the used oil tank at work, dump 'em, and then throw them (empty) out.

It is a pretty simple matter to swap one container for another when draining lots of fluid out. My problem is that I'll think that it is draining slowly enough for me to do something while my containers fill and then when I turn around it is overflowing. I go through more absorbant that way...

You mentioned cleaning screens out - the gear tractors usually don't have them. Don't neglect to change your filter(s), though. Very important step...

 

[Gordon Gould]

Thanks to all. Some good ideas and my mind is at rest.

 

[john_bud]

I have the L3410 - basically the same machine. There are multiple drains. Do one at a time. Starting at the back, with the back 4-6" higher than the front. If you put the plug back in when the 5 gal container is about 2/3 full, you will be able to continue the draining with an empty 5 gal and not overflow. WHen the first drain is done dripping, combine buckets and do the next one. Then do the hydraulic filter (and screen) and the HST filter. A lot will still come out from them so use a wide pan. Then the engine oil and filter (2 plugs on the pan). If you get a fluid transfer pump, it is easier to fill the hydraulics. There isn't much room to do it with a funnel and holding the 5 gal bucket.


The longest time is for the front axle sumps to drain. Plan on the fill being slow too as the fluid has a ways to travel.

 

[firefighter9208]

My M 4800 gear tractor has a magnet inside one of the hydraulic filters. You'd be amazed how much junk is on it when I change the fluid. Don't forget that the PTO clutch is hydraulic and the brakes are wet. So all the wearing of those items is in the fluid.

I use the flat drain pans from Walmart. Yellow ones. They have a handle so I can put side by side and pull one out of the way when it is full and pull the other one under the drain. The fluid comes out the 1/2" drain hole very quickly. Every time I tried to put the plug back in with the fluid flowing I got a "bath" of fluid, so I started using the two pans. I use a 30 gallon drum that I put all my fluid and oil in and take to a local quick lube. He sells it to a recycler.

Chris

Chris

 

[mjncad]

My 4200 holds about 11-gallons of oil when one adds up the engine, transmission and front axle. On my first 200-hour service, I did the bucket swap out for the tranny fluid and had a mess everywhere.

Before my 400-hour service was due, I went hunting for all in one oil collection and transfer containers that could hold 10 to 12 gallons and came up empty; so I made my own as shown at my photo gallery.

However, a few months after I did my 400-hour service, I see Blitz came out with a 58-quart (14-1/2 gallons) container like I wanted. Spend the bucks and get something like this. I sure wish this was available before I made my own; but mine does work well, which is all that matters.

Blitz Crude Control Oil Drain 58-Quart Capacity, Model# 42008 | Oil Drains | Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[DieselPower]

Blitz has been making that drain pan for years. I have actually worn two of them out over the years. Best drain pans I ever purchased.

They cost $99.99 in the link you provided. I buy mine from Ryder Fleet Products. Only cost $73.76 from them. Blitz 58 Quart drain pan 42008