Hydrostatic fluid level

[mhart]

Hello guys,

I have a b2920 with 73 hours on it. I had the 50 hour service done in May at the dealership. I have not used the tractor in probably 6 weeks due to the change in weather and not needing to mow. I went to put the rear blade on it to get it ready for snow season this morning. I checked the hydrostatic level and it is barely above the first notch. Admittedly, I dont check it every time I use the tractor, but seems to me it is usually halfway between the notches at least (not sure)

On the engine oil dipstick the oil is real dark looking. I get a small plume of black smoke out of the pipe when I first start it and then it goes away after a few seconds. It does not smoke when running after that. Tractor seems to run fine.

Should I ask the dealer to come take a look. Will they send someone out to look at it or will I have to transport it into the dealer. Will this cost me or will they look at it for free if under warranty.

Thanks again, sorry for novice questions as I am relatively new to tractor owning.

Matt

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

There isn't anything wrong with it. You may want to top up the HST fluid if it bothers you but there is really no need. It will probably read a bit further up the stick when you run it to normal operating temp and then take your reading. Mine are usually so clear that I can't see exactly where it is on the dipstick, yours may be the same and actually a little higher.
The diesel engine will blow a puff of black smoke at start up, it's normal and engine oil will turn black really quick.
Good luck with you tractor, enjoy it, be careful and always ask questions if you have a concern.:thumbsup:

 

[mhart]

Thanks a lot for reply. I agree, I looked at it probably about 10 times before I decided on exactly where the level it. Very difficult to see it. I will run it and check the level again at that time. Thanks once again.

 

[Thomas]

"Mine are usually so clear that I can't see exactly where it is on the dipstick,"

Indeed a pain if one forgets there glasses.

 

[mhart]

Hey JohnThomas

Is the "proper time" to check when the engine has just been run or when cold.

Thanks, Matt

 

[smweatherman]

I always check the tractors cold as the manuals seem to list the different oil checks in the 'before starting' or 'before use 'section. I have always used the cold check method except where checking warm/hot was specifically called for, like most of my auto engine oil or auto transmission check procedures.

I am sure others will have differing opinions.

For practical purposes, if it is 'in the range' either way you are most likely OK.

Good Luck
Wxman

 

[timswi]

Thanks a lot for reply. I agree, I looked at it probably about 10 times before I decided on exactly where the level it. Very difficult to see it. I will run it and check the level again at that time. Thanks once again.

I clean the dipstick and color it with a perminant black marker to the top level...Very easy to read that way.

Why can't the fluid be some other color beyond water clear?

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Hey JohnThomas

Is the "proper time" to check when the engine has just been run or when cold.

Thanks, Matt

I don't know the "proper time" but I check cold and hot and if it's above the bottom line I believe I'm OK. Below the line is an absolute add but I've never been below the line on any other than when I've changed it and bringing it up to "proper" (above the bottom line) level. I really think anywhere above the bottom line is OK.

 

[Jay4200]

On the engine oil dipstick the oil is real dark looking. I get a small plume of black smoke out of the pipe when I first start it and then it goes away after a few seconds. It does not smoke when running after that. Tractor seems to run fine.

After 73 hours, the oil is going to be BLACK. If it was changed at 50 hours so it only has 23 hours on it, well, it'll still be pretty black. A poof of black smoke on start-up is normal.

JayC