Did my 50hr today

bakerg · May 30, 2011

Wacky said:
Everything went easily and smoothly. Started with my front axle, drained and refilled with the factory permatran, since I had 1.5 gallons left from when I bought a 2.5 gallon container to top off everything that the dealer didn't.
Than I reinstalled the drains and left the vents off. I put the fluid in the fill hole to 1/2 full in the tube, took around 15 minutes to finally quit settling into the finals. I used hi-temp RTV (orange stuff) on the threads of the vents and drains. There was quite a few fillings in the oil, which was expected from wear in.
Then I drained the engine oil. Removed filter, and installed a MF new filter. I then refilled the engine w/ Amsoil diesel 10w30.
Finally, tackled the HST. Removed the BH, lowered the 3pt hitch, drained the oil and then removed the suction filter, w/o removing the wheel. The suction filter was filled with good sized fillings and some grey looking RTV. Cleaned off and reinstalled. Be careful to line up the o-rings on BOTH sides of the tube, I dropped one in the drain pan and had to go fishing. Then removed the filter/charger off the front of the HST. Let it drain and then reinstalled a new MF filter. Refilled the HST with Amsoil hydro fluid to just the top of the window, started and moved the 3pt several times. Shut off engine topped off the HST and engine. All and all easy service to perform. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy every thing is to get at. Mounted the MMM and mowed my yard.
Start to finish about 1.5 hrs. But I was taking my time removing baling twine from the axle and removing long grass from the HST fan. Greased and inspected everything underneath the unit.
Thanks to everyone for their input on which oils and answering any questions I had!!

Shouldn't the gear oil on the mower be changed too? I thought the book said you should change it at the first 50 hrs.

ray66v · May 30, 2011

Wacky said:
That is a good idea. Did you get alot more out?

I wouldn't get too obsessed about searching for tiny fragments trapped at the screen.

kg7il · May 30, 2011

I also completed my 50 hour on my L3800 HST with similar ease.

I wish I had read your "magnet" tip before I did my service.

I also found large metal turnings at the filter. I stayed with Kubota fluids and fliters since I haven't completed my research on alternatives.

Wacky · May 30, 2011

bakerg said:
Shouldn't the gear oil on the mower be changed too? I thought the book said you should change it at the first 50 hrs.

I probably only have about 20 hrs on my MMM. I think I have about 10 or so on my rotary cutter too. I will probably change both at the end of this year.