Got a 2012 M7040 for my first tractor.....couple questions

oosik · Nov 21, 2021

I open the hood over the engine compartment. Tractor, truck, ATV, lawn mower. Seems that mice & chipmunks do not like the open environment.

big bubba · Nov 21, 2021

welcome to forum, & congrat on a highly sought after tractor. i find dryer sheets are short lived, i like bulk mothballs that i put in a sock & hang in engine compartment & close to panel. of course change engine oil/filter (recommend OEM), the hyd fluid may not need changing, you could get an analysis.

& yes, leaving hood opened helps a lot too w/varmints, & check the ft axle level, plus the wheel hubs (on mine they are separate reservoirs) the ft end usually comes from factory with hyd UDT fluid, i changed over to GL5 80/90 gear oil. or you could go full syn 75/90 gear oil but it gets pricey
is your model hyd shuttle or shuttle shift? no matter, both are outstanding
thumbs up on your purchase & welcome here

mcfarmall · Nov 21, 2021

Put a piece of ¼" hardware cloth over the air cleaner intake. Keeps rodents from chewing the filter and filling the housing with acorns and such.

pokey1416 · Nov 21, 2021

If the exhaust outlet is low maybe stuff a piece of steel wool in it to keep mice out. Did this with snowmobiles during off season.

Rob41 · Nov 21, 2021

Thanks for all the info. It's a Hyd shuttle so I shouldn't have to block the clutch pedal.

I'm thinking I should probably drain, flush and replace the coolant. I'm guessing it's never been done on this M7040. Just going to guess it's not too different from a car as far as needing to remove the thermostat before flushing and replacing with a new t-stat and gasket?

Any idea about how much distilled water I'll need? Also, any specific recommendations on anti-freeze brand/type?