Oil & Fuel Low transmission fluid.

[Hagalaz14w]

I noticed that there was no fluid showing in the window and so I added about a quart and it still isn't showing. That tractor has 18 hours on it. could the fluid level really be that low?

 

[Grandad4]

It takes several gallons of that fluid, so one or two quarts is not really that much. Unless you're on steep slopes or it's actually very low on fluid, there's not much chance of actual operation being affected. That having been said, was it previously full and has leaked or something? Almost as bad: if it was delivered new like that due to dealer carelessness. Final thoughts:
1. Make sure you're not seeing an over-full condition instead of not enough in that sight glass. Easy to misread... don't ask how I know!
2. Are you measuring with the tractor parked on a truly level surface? Even a slight grade will change the reading.

 

[Hagalaz14w]

It takes several gallons of that fluid, so one or two quarts is not really that much. Unless you're on steep slopes or it's actually very low on fluid, there's not much chance of actual operation being affected. That having been said, was it previously full and has leaked or something? Almost as bad: if it was delivered new like that due to dealer carelessness. Final thoughts:
1. Make sure you're not seeing an over-full condition instead of not enough in that sight glass. Easy to misread... don't ask how I know!
2. Are you measuring with the tractor parked on a truly level surface? Even a slight grade will change the reading.

The surface was level. And I did make sure that it wasn't overfull. Should add some more until it shows up in the window?

 

[Grandad4]

New tractor, right? No drips or leaks you can see, right? Before adding fluid, I'd try to see just how low the fluid really is... perhaps with some kind of temporary metal or stiff wire dipstick for the filler hole (something that won't break, fall in, get caught, etc.!) . Another quart or two, deal with it; if it's 2 gallons low, it should be the dealer's responsibility to make it right. If it is really low, either the dealer messed up when prepping the machine or something is seriously wrong. For example, I could see someone forgetting to top up the fluid after installing the loader, which uses the same fluid.

 

[allenjack]

I have had difficulty determining the fluid level on my HST L4400 Kubota with the sight glass. This winter I used a log splitter off the rear remotes and there is some leakage from the connections. I just noticed a difference in gearing down on my steepest slopes when bushhoging I am going to add fluid and get someone to view the sight glass bubble while doing it. Can you really somehow dipstick the level. After years of not seeing the level in the bubble I am looking for any way to determine the amount of hydraulic fluid in my tractor

 

[Blondie70]

I have a L2501 (new) and added oil until the level was just right. Not much at all....maybe 1/2 quart. I have used tractor quite a lot since then and now the level appears to be high and over the sight glass. Checking in the same place parked in same situation and cold in the AM. Can't figure out how it got high.....oh well...as long as it's not low, I ain't worrying about it...too much...ha

 

[gwstang]

JD makes a dye that can be put in to better see the level. I've seen it on ebay.

 

[crashz]

I did my 50 hr service a few weeks ago and had the level perfect. Did a little earthwork the following weekend and noticed my HST filter weeping a little (I could smell it) and gave it a slight turn to tighten it up. noticed my level look way down. With everything down on the ground, no fluid in the site glass. Got it back to the barn, added maybe half a quart and now its at the top of the sight glass. With just a slight incline in any direction, it throws the level off in the glass. A dipstick would be easier.

 

[rScotty]

In spite of efforts to make a hydraulic fluid that doesn't expand much when hot, most do. Hydraulic reservoirs on commercial machines typically have a sight glass with two marks - cold and hot. The hot mark represents a fluid volumetric expansion of about 10%.
Hydraulic fluids are notoriously hard to see in a sight glass or on a dipstick.

 

[allenjack]

FYI: After years of not knowing how much hydraulic fluid in my L4400 I drained every possible plug and measured 6.2 gallons out of a total capacity of 10.6. Added 3 gallons and finally saw the fluid in the sight glass. Assuming there is another 1.4 gallons in the undrainable areas and the filter. Just monitoring the level now. Could go into other details of how it may have gotten that low but not taking the time here.

 

[oosik]

See my avatar - that's the big 'ol carport stall where the tractor lives when at rest. I alway thought it was pretty level. So I changed ALL fluids, oils and lubes at 50 hours. Next morning the engine oil is right up there - full - - - hydraulic oil is low. Takes almost a gallon to bring it to the top mark on dipstick. I start up - warm up - take off down the driveway. Hear a big - "boop".

The hydraulic fluid is a gallon over full and it blew the plastic fill plug out - fortunately I found it lying right there in the driveway.

Bottom line - the carport is slightly off level - and Yes, slightly off level DOES make a big difference. Suck, suck, suck with the rose gun. How very embarrassing.