BX Transmission Filter Change

[s219]

We've gone through this debate before, same stories.

I say don't touch the fluid at 50 hours. There's a reason Kubota doesn't call for it -- it's hydraulic fluid, not engine oil being contaminated by combustion. It can easily go several hundred hours before needing a change.

Yes, if you dump the fluid you will see gray stuff, but if its in the fluid and not in the filter, it means it wasn't circulating. Probably sitting next to / near the plug (which is usually magnetic). The filter catches stuff down to the micron level, so if a particle does circulate it won't make a return trip.

 

[OVRxNxOUT]

My first 50 hour maintenance is due on my 2015 BX2370. The owner's manual says engine oil, oil filter, and transmission filter. Easy enough. The manual also says to check fluids after the filter change and top off if needed. Makes since.

I go to the dealer to get my fluids and filters and he tells me I'm going to lose about a gallon of tranny fluid when I change the tranny filter because the filter is low on the case. Now - is he trying to sell oil or get me to bring the tractor in for maintenance? Or is he right and and the manual doesn't mention it?

Samwise,

Your manual is correct as far as the first 50 hours, wanting you to change your engine oil, oil filter, & trans/hyd. filters. This is your break in period for your tractor. The manual does not mention that you are going to lose some hydraulic fluid when you change that filter. Depending on how quick you are changing your filters will depend on how much fluid you end up losing. It looks like to me there has been a few people that has mentioned some pretty good ideas on how to minimize the fluid you lose.

I also read where someone mentioned to capture & reuse the fluid in a clean bucket, etc. I'm not saying its wrong to do, but I would caution against this. You really want to avoid any contaminates inadvertently getting into your clean oil in even the minimal amount of time it is exposed to the elements, whether in a shop or not.

There have been customers of mine that have said they parked their tractor on ramps, etc. to slow fluid loss between filters. With the BX filter being in the middle of the trans. I cannot say how well this worked first hand. Its just an idea that I thought to throw out there.

Last, I don't think you should lose anything over a quart, however, I wouldn't necessarily say your dealer is just trying to get you to bring your tractor in or upsell you on fluid just yet. He may just be saying a gallon because that may be the shop minimum charge on their oil. I know that our minimum charge is 1 quart. Its more for inventory purposes than anything. Its hard for us dealers to buy or order say, 1.125 quarts or gallons of oil from Kubota and/or bill out 1.125 quarts or gallons as it plays havoc with our inventory sometimes. ...Just for a little insight.

 

[Paystar]

Quote: There's a reason kubota doesn't call for it

And that reason according to three different Kubota reps I spoke to said the manual is not accurate.

Take it for what it's worth. Don't shoot the messenger. Just saying what I was told at a dealer meeting.

 

[milkman]

I'm not one to waste good oil, and I usually go by the recommended service intervals. When I got my BX way back in '01, it was recommended to change the hydro fluid and filter at 50 hrs. Knowing the shavings and metal bits that came out of the screen and the bottom of the case, I will change oil and fluid in any new machine I get after seeing what was left in there. When I did my 1000 hr service, I just changed the hydro filter and used a shop vac in the fill hole, the only fluid that was lost was what was in the filter. I read about the shop vac trick here and it really works.

 

[Samwise]

Glad I asked.

For this initial break in service it looks like the prudent thing to do is replace the tranny fluid and check the screen. It seems a small price to pay for longevity.

thanks everyone.

 

[OVRxNxOUT]

Glad I asked.

For this initial break in service it looks like the prudent thing to do is replace the tranny fluid and check the screen. It seems a small price to pay for longevity.

thanks everyone.

Cant argue with that, you cant go wrong with fresh fluids. Sam, if you have any questions that I might be able to help you out with, always feel free to send me a message my friend. Have a great weekend!

 

[TripleR]

I am often reminded of the old saying, "my mind is already made up, don't bother me with facts." Yeah, I do it too. The debate will never end, but JOHNTHOMAS contacted Kubota Corporation and received this response:

"John, the person or persons from TBN do not know what they are talking about. There has not been a Service Bulletin or even a notice sent to the dealers that this is a mistake in the Operators manual. Kubota Tractor recommends for you to follow your Operators manuals for servicing of each unit you have. The BX2660 and the BX25 do not have to have the transmission fluid change until it reaches the 400 hour mark. For the F2680, it is the 200 hour mark. The transmission oil filters need to be replaced and the suction strainers cleaned at or before the 50 hour mark for all three units. Your selling dealer can also assist you if you have any questions in regard to servicing your tractors. Thank you for purchasing and contacting Kubota Tractor Corp.."

 

[David_Kb7uns]

I am often reminded of the old saying, "my mind is already made up, don't bother me with facts." Yeah, I do it too. The debate will never end, but JOHNTHOMAS contacted Kubota Corporation and received this response:

"John, the person or persons from TBN do not know what they are talking about. There has not been a Service Bulletin or even a notice sent to the dealers that this is a mistake in the Operators manual. Kubota Tractor recommends for you to follow your Operators manuals for servicing of each unit you have. The BX2660 and the BX25 do not have to have the transmission fluid change until it reaches the 400 hour mark. For the F2680, it is the 200 hour mark. The transmission oil filters need to be replaced and the suction strainers cleaned at or before the 50 hour mark for all three units. Your selling dealer can also assist you if you have any questions in regard to servicing your tractors. Thank you for purchasing and contacting Kubota Tractor Corp.."

And after seeing what comes out at the 50 hour mark with the super fine sludge, I WILL STILL CHANGE IT . Kubota needs to provide documentation and oil analysis to prove us wrong otherwise they are still wrong in my book.

David

 

[TripleR]

And after seeing what comes out at the 50 hour mark with the super fine sludge, I WILL STILL CHANGE IT . Kubota needs to provide documentation and oil analysis to prove us wrong otherwise they are still wrong in my book.

David

No need to shout, in the end we all do what we think is best for our machines.

 

[Paystar]

I am often reminded of the old saying, "my mind is already made up, don't bother me with facts." Yeah, I do it too. The debate will never end, but JOHNTHOMAS contacted Kubota Corporation and received this response:

"John, the person or persons from TBN do not know what they are talking about. There has not been a Service Bulletin or even a notice sent to the dealers that this is a mistake in the Operators manual. Kubota Tractor recommends for you to follow your Operators manuals for servicing of each unit you have. The BX2660 and the BX25 do not have to have the transmission fluid change until it reaches the 400 hour mark. For the F2680, it is the 200 hour mark. The transmission oil filters need to be replaced and the suction strainers cleaned at or before the 50 hour mark for all three units. Your selling dealer can also assist you if you have any questions in regard to servicing your tractors. Thank you for purchasing and contacting Kubota Tractor Corp.."

John Deere didn't admit to the mistakes in their manuals that caused all the driveshaft problems they denied warranty on also. Just saying. LOL.