First service

sonnlaw · Apr 14, 2009

Hello gents,
I am new to the forum as well as new to owning a Branson tractor. I would like to know what I should do as far as the first service on my 3510i? This is the first NEW tractor I have ever owned and need to know if I need to drain the hydrolics and the front dif? I usually change my oil every 100 hrs and change the hydrolic filters around 500 hrs but I am assuming the first time should be quicker.
I have 38 hrs on her now and will be around the 50 hr mark in a few days and that is when I am planning on changing the fluids. Also what brand hydrolic and front dif oil do you recommend. Sorry for so many questions but my manual is worthless. The translation sucks. My dealer acts like he does not know much either. He sure talked them up and acted like he new every nut and bolt on this tractor till he got my cash now they act like I am a fly buzzing his ear......
Thanks in advance.

Erik_in_Hoyt · Apr 14, 2009

yup, at 50 hours change all hydraulic fluids, including those in the front axle.
change filters, too.
JD303 compliant oils meet spec and are easy to find.
you'll need about 15 gallons of hydraulic fluid.
fill and drain holes are easy to get at.
if your local dealer doesn't have the right filters on hand, Napa and CarQuest stock compatible ones (like WIX) - just do a forum search like i did for my 50 hour service.

good luck - it's a good machine.

Stimw · Apr 15, 2009

One tip- the hydraulic system has a drain plug. It is located at the bottom front of the rear housing. I didn't find mine (covered with dirt)until I spilled fluid everywhere taking the filter loose.
There has been discussions about filters and some have had problems with generic. I bought original filters from my dealer for less than $50. Cheap insurance in my book! And if you ever have a warranty issue guess what they will blame?

BobQ · Apr 15, 2009

I also did my own service, very easy, change all fluids and filters, I found with the after market filters that I had some weird things happen, I think the fluid has a hard time getting through the after market filter due to the smaller micron rating, consequently the system would get starved for fluid and do weird stuff, it mostly only happened when cold, once warm it would be fine. So I went back to the original hydraulic filter and all is well.

Do a search, this topic has been well covered.

Sorry your dealer sounds "not so good" You will love your machine! it is a very stout tractor! Any questions you came to the right place.

Bob

bobmisi · Apr 16, 2009

Do yourself a big favor and stick to the original Branson filters. If you have a warranty problem with the machine, you will get nothing but grief from the dealer and Branson for using aftermarket filters, and if you check the forums you will see people having problems with the cheaper filters. Branson filters are not that expensive. It is cheap insurance, money well spent. The most important thing I can tell you is check the front axle lube on BOTH sides and do it often. The lube WILL come out the breather during use and lots of times it is not full at delivery, DEALERS DON"T CHECK THIS BEFORE DEIVERY, trust me on that. Otherwise, just do the normal maintanance and you will have no problems. Also, use the best lubricants you can afford, be it NAPA, Rotella, Branson, or synthetic. I don't plan on buying another new tractor for a long time, and you probably don't want to either. Good luck.........

sonnlaw · Apr 16, 2009

I went Wednesday to the dealer and got the oil and hydraulic filter. They are not that expensive so I will stick with them for future services. I change oil in my Cummins pick up and have enough Rotella laying around so that is what is going in the engine. I am also gathering from this post that regular name branded tractor hydraulic transmission fluid is what goes in the hydraulics and front end, correct? Can anyone give me an estimate on fluid capacities for each? I am sorry for the questions but I laugh when reading the owners manual, the translations is so shady I wounder if what they say is correct to begin with. Also the dealer says that service manuals are not yet available to the public, is this true? I also would like to know if any of you paid the $500 for the Branson canopy for the ROPS? I am looking at some on ebay but I have not decided yet on one. I wish there was another dealer somewhat close to comparison shop so I would know if I was being "took" or if my dealer is telling the complete truth.
I also have some questions about some of yall's back hoe attachments but I guess that is for another post. Thanks men for all your help. I have always run FORD tractors and this Korean stuff is new to me.

bobmisi · Apr 17, 2009

I was told that the front end takes gear oil, same as a car or truck. 80-90 weight and that is what I used. Hope, that was correct. I haven't bought a canopy as sometimes I'm in the woods and it would be in the way. If they made a cab for the 3820, I would consider it. I'd like to se how plowing snow in a tee shirt feels.

polo1665 · Apr 17, 2009

Gear oil or tractor hydraulic fluid for the front end, either one will work. The first time I drained mine it was tractor hydraulic fluid that came out, so that's what I put back in.
There have been other posts about the amount of fluid to put in the front end. I think the consensus was that the manual was incorrect and the front end held alot more oil than it said. When I filled mine the first time, I put in the recommended amount and kept checking it. I had to add more oil about three times and now it is at the correct level. I can't remember now how much more I had to add (should've wrote it down).

As far as the tranny goes I'm afraid I can't help much. Mine is HST and holds 11 gallons, not sure what gear model holds. I am surprised that your manual is so shady, mine is relatively clear about fluid capacities. Good luck

Mark

MarEng · Apr 20, 2009

My first drain of the front axle came out milky and full of fines. I'm guessing this was the post assembly clean-up. After that it's been clean every time. Be curious what you find.

I use WIX filters - namely because my closest Branson dealer is over an hour away. On really cold days I do get some jumping on the FEL if I don't let things warm up. I understand, but have not confirmed, that the KUKJE filter has a bypass valve to allow the oil to flow when the pressure drop gets too high (cold, extremely dirty, etc.). Last time I bought a dealer filter it didn't fit!?! $25 bucks down the drain and back to the WIX.

I don't change the hydraulic fluid every time. I did the first time and threw away a bunch of beautiful oil. However, after the front axle experience I wanted to check the hydraulic suction screen. A few fines but otherwise OK. I use Tractor Supply Hydraulic Oil and after 150 hours it is still clear and sweet smelling. I need to drop a sample at my local independent dealer for testing.

Enjoy!