Early HST fluid change?

[canoetrpr]

My L3400 is 3 years old now at 189 hrs. I'm getting read to do the 200hr service.

Two years ago at 50 hrs I changed all the fluids and since then I've been doing whatever was recommended in the manual every 50 hrs.

I'm pondering changing the HST fluid and filters and the front axle fluid at the 200 hr mark since its been two years since I change it - even though the manual does not call for it until a future interval. T

he Premium UDT stuff they sell here isn't particularly cheap. I want to take good care of my tractor but don't want to waste any $$$. Do you guys think it is fine for me to just follow the manual upto the 300 or 400 hr mark before changing these as required - or change it early now - or say wait another year?

 

[art]

It depends on storage, is it cold or warm? The most common problem is condensation or moisture in the oil to need a change before the recommended intervals. Some types of use as well as conditions might mean possible yearly changes.

 

[rScotty]

It depends on storage, is it cold or warm?

I agree. It depends on environment and usage. Each one is different. I'm coming up on the 200 hr service on our M59 and have put a lot of thought into oils. At 200 hours I will replace the existing generic hydraulic oil with Kubota's SUDT and replace the filters as well. The additional expense is very small compared with not having to think about it for the next 3 years. Our cold winters influence this decision too.
rScotty

 

[TripleR]

I agree with the other posters as to the variables involved, storage, temperatures, periods of inactivity and so on. Even given everyone's knowledge and experience however, there is only one way to know outside lab testing and that is to not do it and see what happens. In all likelihood though you may never know as it will probably not result in catastrophic failure any time soon, just shorten the life of your tractor.

From your post, I really don't think you are going to be completely comfortable without changing no matter what any of us say; small price to pay for peace of mind.

You might want to talk to a dealer you trust about storage, use and preventative measures to take based on your situation. Good luck.

ADVISORY: I am not a mechanic, nor a tractor expert.

 

[canoetrpr]

In terms of storage - my tractor is used regularly but only about 60-70 hrs per year. It is typically used weekly or every two weeks - both in summer and winter - so it gets regular use and is used for typically an hour or more once I do use it.

Our summers don't get much warmer than 32 degrees C - so 90 degrees F. Winter is typically -10 degree C - with a few cold snaps that might get to -20 degrees C or -4 degrees F.

Wrt usage. Summer an even mix of bush hogging, manure cleanup with the rake and loader, chain harrow dragging, odd loader use for a project. Winter is primarily snow blowing.

 

[TripleR]

In terms of storage - my tractor is used regularly but only about 60-70 hrs per year. It is typically used weekly or every two weeks - both in summer and winter - so it gets regular use and is used for typically an hour or more once I do use it.

Our summers don't get much warmer than 32 degrees C - so 90 degrees F. Winter is typically -10 degree C - with a few cold snaps that might get to -20 degrees C or -4 degrees F.

Wrt usage. Summer an even mix of bush hogging, manure cleanup with the rake and loader, chain harrow dragging, odd loader use for a project. Winter is primarily snow blowing.

I am sure others will disagree, but given that it is used regularly enough to heat all the fluids sufficiently, I personally would not change the fluid.

 

[ccsial]

The book says the hour meter should be at 50, 200, 400...etc.

I figure if 200 hours is OK from 200 to 400 then it is ok from 50 to 250.

I have 236 hours and I plan at doing it this fall. It will be near 250 then. It is stored inside of an unheated building and used at least weekly. The service manager of my dealer agrees with me. I can't believe it can hurt anyting. I will be putting SUDT back in. I already have the filters and fluid. I think it will be near 3 years since the 50 hour. Other than work and money it can't hurt anything. If you feel better I'd do it.

My JD calls for every 400 hours.

 

[canoetrpr]

I better go look at my manual! I thought the next HST fluid change was not until 300 hrs.

You figure probably right though - if it is fine between 200 and 400 then it ought to be fine between 50 and 250.

BTW ccsial. I wasn't able to find any of that Power Service Biocide locally. Where did you order it online? Maybe they figure our summer isn't long enough here to grow algae in the diesel. Donno.

 

[tallyho8]

I thought the L3400HST had the same maintenance schedule as my L4400HST. My manual says to do the first transmission oil change at 400 hours and every 400 hours after that.

It says to change the transmission oil filter at 50 hours and then every 200 hours but not the fluid.

 

[ccsial]

Hi Canoetrpr:

Try this link.

People have said that biocide is available at truck stops but I can't find one around here that even knows what it is.

Al

Twinco Romax Power Service Bio Kleen, 16 Oz, Model PS9016 (usahardware.com)