New GC2400 Owner

[walhondingMF]

I've actually changed the engine oil twice. It was dirtier than I like so I drained it, put a cheap filter and cheaper oil with some marvel mystery oil in it. Mowed twice and I just put a good mobil1 filter and some real expensive synthetic deisel oil (can't remember the name but my dad found it for me. He's an oil nut). I'll run that for the rest of the year.
I changed the fuel filter and air filter.
Yesterday I changed both the hydraulic/ trans fluid and filter along with the front axle fluid. Used a WIX filter case/ih hy-trans fluid.

 

[hube2]

I will do that tonight. Thanks you.
Also... I changed the rest of hydraulic fluid and filter and it is strange to think that the tractor runs better? It seems more responsive and seems to move faster. I'm I just making this or or is it a real possibility?

I've actually changed the engine oil twice. It was dirtier than I like so I drained it, put a cheap filter and cheaper oil with some marvel mystery oil in it. Mowed twice and I just put a good mobil1 filter and some real expensive synthetic deisel oil (can't remember the name but my dad found it for me. He's an oil nut). I'll run that for the rest of the year.
I changed the fuel filter and air filter.
Yesterday I changed both the hydraulic/ trans fluid and filter along with the front axle fluid. Used a WIX filter case/ih hy-trans fluid.

If it had the original fuel filter in it then changing that might explain why it runs better. Dealer recommends every 500 hours, I doubt I will let mine go that long, that would be about 10 years for me. Changing the HST filter could make it perform better if the filter was getting plugged up.

Did you clean the suction filter?

 

[walhondingMF]

Thanks for all the help with the fluid changes. Yes I did clean the suction filter.

My next question is changing gears here a bit...
My dad has an older, very light duty 5' IH brush hog. I'm going to add weights to the front of the tractor so lifting it won't be an issue. I've had several people at tractor and machine shops/ dealerships way there would be no issue since its such a light duty brush hog and have read plenty of posts on forums with mixed opinions
My biggest concern is doing damage to the pto. I know the brush hog has shear pins. I have also been drilled my entire life on starting ptos at low rpms and not slamming them on.
Does anyone run a larger than 4' brush hog on these tractors? Am I being overly cautious?

 

[Dmacleo]

I ran both a 4 and 5 foot on mine.
all depends on the stuff you are dealing with. really heavy bush/brush material would bog me a bit on 5ft.
personally I liked the 4ft better.

and never go w/o bucket on, keep bucket low to bend stuff over so not sucked in behind your hydro fan and damaging input shaft seal.

 

[hube2]

and never go w/o bucket on, keep bucket low to bend stuff over so not sucked in behind your hydro fan and damaging input shaft seal.

While I don't do this type of work

You need to be careful about those sticks poking up and breaking the fan as well. Very easy to break the fan blade on anything that might get in there.

 

[blackd]

Remember that skid plate to protect the hydro fan & filter. ;-)

 

[walhondingMF]

I plan on making my own skid plate before I starting running it in the woods. I want to make sure I can remove it easily because of the MMM pto.

 

[Dmacleo]

I plan on making my own skid plate before I starting running it in the woods. I want to make sure I can remove it easily because of the MMM pto.

don't need to remove any of the existing manufactured ones to run MMM
all of them need removal to service hyd filter.
one of them has holes to allow fan to work to cool hydro system. its a multi piece item so accessing filter easy. also cheaper price.
other is one piece w/o vents so may protect better but reduces any good fan provides.
all depends on your specific needs as to which one you buy.
both have been time tested by many and work well.
no sense reinventing the wheel unless your time is worth nothing.

 

[hube2]

Have to agree about buying the skid plate rather than making my own. I have the 3 piece model with the air holes.

I also got the step in the bundle because I was having a problem with that one big step up on to the tractor.

 

[walhondingMF]

Who makes the 3 piece guard?