New Branson 3520H

[Cataclysm]

I too am a fairly new owner (Aug 2015) of a 3520h with FEL and BH. I bought all of my filters from my Dealer and have begun my 50K mile Servicing. I'm doing my own Servicing because my Dealer is about 2 hours away and because I want to learn more about my tractor. I have completed the engine oil and filter change. and getting ready for the transmission/hydraulic fluid/oil change. My manual says my transmission capacity is 9.8 gallons of fluid/oil. That's a lot of oil to drain and dispose of. Plus at 68, I don't relish the thought of getting on the ground and placing buckets under multiple drain plugs and monitoring them so there is no overflow. Sorry for running-on....but finally my question.

Has anyone used an extractor/pump to suck-out the almost 10 gallons of old oil and right into a disposable container(s)? And then also to pump the new fluid/oil from the new container(s) back in, instead of pouring heavy 5 gallon containers into a funnel and into the filler tube? Any ideas/thoughts?

Thanks,
bippenp

A quick Google search will show several good oil transfer pumps available. We use one that set on top of a 5 gallon bucket, it works great! I've never used one of the oil extractors. If you do use an extractor be sure and take each drain plug out after to clean off the metal filings and let any water drain.

 

[bippenp]

Thank-you, Cataclysm. Great ideas. I would not have thought about the metal shavings at the drain. Do you also pump-in the new oil?

Are you familiar with where and how many transmission/hydro fluid drains there are on the 3520h (with Hydrostatic tranny)? My 3520h manual is not clear on drain plugs. The 3520R manual doesn't always pertain to the h model and especially since they have different trannys.

 

[Aquamoose]

Are you familiar with where and how many transmission/hydro fluid drains there are on the 3520h (with Hydrostatic tranny)? My 3520h manual is not clear on drain plugs. The 3520R manual doesn't always pertain to the h model and especially since they have different trannys.

I have the 3520H and my manual clearly states where the drain is for the transmission. It's on page 112 and there's only one plug for it.

 

[k0ua]

I don't have access to a manual, but I have never seen a CUT that didn't have at least 3 drain plugs. On large one for the transmission and 1 on each side by the rear axle, down low by the final drive gears.

 

[k0ua]

As for the pump out the fluid idea, one thing to consider, is the fluid down in the final drives, and all of the metal shavings, need to come out in a whoosh with the fluid flow. I really don't think the pump it out idea is a good one. Everyone has an opinion, and that is mine. .

No need for multiple buckets and switching them out , just get a 62 quart tote at the dollar store. Real cheap and will fit under most tractors.

 

[coralhead]

I just use a large storage tub and set under the drain holes. These can easily hold 15 to 20 gal of oil.

 

[bippenp]

More excellent ideas and advice. Thanks all, I really do appreciate your comments.

My manual is labeled "Branson 20(25) HST series Operator's Manual" and has 82 pages. The "Transmission Oil Fluid" section is on page 66. It states "drain the fluid through the drain holes under the rear axle case and rear axle housing." I did not see those, but maybe i don't know what I'm looking for.

It sounds like there may be more than one manual available. I had to download mine from a Branson Dealer website.

Aquamoose - is it possible to email me a copy (pdf) of your 3520h manual?

Thanks again, everyone. This forum is the best source of tractor info, especially for a newbie.

 

[Aquamoose]

bippenp,

Try going back to your dealer and ask for the right operator's manual. I think the appropriate part number is V 04232014 which is the nbr on the back of the book. It goes to 144 pages.

 

[bippenp]

Thanks Aquamoose for the manual number. I'll call my Dealer tomorrow.

 

[flyons78]

I have a 2017 3520H, and like some people on here, this is my first real tractor and I have some dumb questions. I love it so far and it's a workhorse. My question is regarding the PTO on the tractor and I'm having trouble finding a clear answer. My tractor has the option for PTO in Linked or Independent mode. I understand the difference between the two, but I don't understand when I should use one vs the other. I have a PTO WoodChipper and I need to get the most HP out of my PTO. My tractor is obviously stationary while running the woodchipper. Does it make more sense to use Linked PTO in this situation since steering and bucket movement will not be used, allowing more HP to the PTO? I can't help to think that Independent PTO needs to reserve a portion of power for steering and bucket movement?

If the answer is to use Independent PTO, what is the point of even having a Linked vs Independent option?