L39 Fifty Hour Service

JimMorrissey · Jun 12, 2005

The engine oil is easy.....The hydro oil is another story, but there really is nothing to "screw up". The only problem will be the mess. You just take the filter(s) off and put the new ones on and fill it up. I used a cheap kerosene pump on the five gallon pails. The L39 seemed full, then I ran it a bit and the level dropped as it worked into the filters and the attachments.

You won't have to call the dealer and have them pick it up. You'll just need to powerwash yourself when you're done /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

BoneheadNW · Jun 12, 2005

Jim-

Thanks for the words of encouragement. With regard to the mess, don't worry about me. I'm going to let you in on a little secret (you and the rest of the internet): Whenever I go out on an EMS call and the patient has ANY tendency to want to puke, I'm the guy that gets it. Elderly people, babies, middle aged women, you name it- if they are going to hurl, I'm the target. I may be Bonehead to you guys, but in some circles I'm know as barf boy!

That being said, hydro oil will feel more like expensive bath oil.

Bonehead

_RaT_ · Jun 12, 2005

Jim, unless the filler location is significantly different then the L3830, the hydraulic oil change should be a snap. Folks make an issue out of finding big enough containers to capture the used oil, but I find that since a 5 gallon bucket can fit under the tractor, I can easily slide it under the lowest drain hole (4 on the L3830 HST) get it about 3/4's full and easily get the drain bolt back in place with very little fluid on me or the ground. Pull that one out and get another. I have yet to understand the fuss folks make doing these relatively simple things. Sure the oil filters can be tight, but a good wrench and a cheater bar will either remove it or destroy it, either way, it comes off without the help of Mr Atlas. Filling it is about the simplest thing. Maybe I just have the right funnel or the L39 decided to have a lousy location for filling up. No doubt as was mentioned, it is easier to remove the attachments prior to changing the fluid, but the L39 makes this a bit more of a challenge. The loader is pretty much there, my primary objection to owing one. I mow far more then I would ever hoe. Anyway, I hope you get all the necessary service done with the fewest four letter words as possible.

SkyPup · Jun 13, 2005

Come On Jim, I getting ready for the 200 hr service myself, what's taking you so long??? /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Ha Ha, did you remember to loosen the hydraulic filler plug prior to removing the tranny drain plugs like I mentioned to you? That was the only hassle I had when I did the 50 hr service.

After changing those two hydraulic filters (I used Kubota Super UDT), the L39 ran allot quieter.....

JimMorrissey · Jun 13, 2005

Rat,

There are two hydo filters back to back and they screw in opposite directions with a large steel plate to protect them. There are also four drain plugs to deal with, so I'd say yes, it is quite a bit different. There's no way to get a 5er under the two rear-diff drains.

I was unprepared and didn't think it through enough before moving forward. Next time will be less smelly and time comsuming. I'll take the backhoe off too. That might speed things up a bit /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

mike69440 · Jun 13, 2005

So As I have to have the dealer fix the wimpy L39's TL1000 loader, what has the 50 hour service been running?

JimMorrissey · Jun 13, 2005

I'd figure 2.5 hours @ $65 per hour with about $300 in parts (oil and filters). With tax, I put it at just under $400. Maybe you'll get lucky and the dealer will do it for you to take care of your trouble. I doubt it though /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Just be prepared with enough buckets of different sizes to get under the rear differential drains and a filter wrench and you'll be fine. Take off the BH helps too. Read your manual and find all the drains and filters the night before so you know what you're in for. -If you're prepared, it's not as bad as I made it sound. This was my third fifty hour services and just jumped in without thinking or reading.....Mistake.