Oil & Fuel BX24 Transmission Fluid Level Question

[Chip Seal]

Please excuse my newbie question - I tried searching for this info online and in the forums but got a million hits that did not relate directly to my question.

So I have a BX24. I normally check the transmission fluid level with all 3 implements on (front end loader, backhoe, and mid-mount mower deck). I have been using the tractor with implements off for mowing, and when I checked the fluid level in this condition it was not touching the dipstick. So I added fluid to put it into the middle of the hashmarks while I was mowing. No issues were encountered. While I was mowing, I got to wondering what the level would be when I attached the implements. As soon as I was done, I checked the level before attaching implements - still in the same spot. I put on the backhoe and loader, ran the cylinders out and back with no load, shut off the engine and checked the fluid - now it is a good 1/2" above the top of the hashmark zone.

Hence my question - should it be the same with implements "on" and "off"? I have looked diligently and could not find any leaks, wondering where the heck the fluid went. I have read before on the forums that operating with the transmission fluid too high will result in the seals blown seals and other assorted calamities, so I am guessing I need to go drain some fluid out?

The tractor has Super UDT2 fluid in it.

 

[sandyc]

I found that the first measurement when you remove the dipstick for the first time is not correct. I think air is trapped in the tube and when you read the first "dip" it is not reflective of the actual reading. I always look a the third dip as actual. Unless your implements down on their system fluid I can't imagine how adding them to the tractor would affect the reading. I spend most of the winter attaching and demounting my plow, snow blower, sub-frame and FEL (depending on snow type/amount) and haven't noticed any drop in the fluid level even though I loose a few drops with each change.

 

[ritschner]

Any change in angle will throw off the reading, even when it still looks level. The backhoe itself will ever so slightly squat the back of the tractor and change the level. I would not worry about the 1/2 inch.