Service Intervals

[Tscott9330]

What do you all use for standard service intervals? The Branson dealer said ever 200 hours between their services. However I don't run the tractor many hours a week lately and after having it for over a year I have only put about 40 hours on it. Should I take it in for service sooner?

Second question may negate the first. I hate trailering my tractor to the dealer. They are too slow and charge too much. What is involved in servicing a diesel tractor? I am very handy, and can tear down and rebuild almost anything. I have rebuilt a small block chevy and am in the process of a body off restoration of a 78 corvette so I know I have the ability. I have never serviced a diesel tractor though. Is their anything to do but change the oil and check belts and fluid levels? Does anyone have a log book or spreadsheet they would be willing to share?

Thanks,
Tom

 

[Diamondpilot]

Hey Tom

I have a 28Hp diesel tractor and here is what I do

25 Hours:
Check all fluids
Check tire pressures
Check belts
Check hoses
Check general condition

50 Hours:
Grease
Tighten all bolts
Change Oil

200 Hours:
Change Air Filter
Change Hydro Filter

400 Hours:
Change Hydro Fluid
Change Tranny fluid
Change Front Axle Fluid
Flush and Change Coolant

Chris

 

[jimainiac]

Didn't you get an owner's manual with the tractor? That will explain what needs to be done and when you should do it. If you're used to working on cars, you shouldn't have a problem doing routine service. Lots of owners opt for buying the service manual for their tractors for more in-depth instructions.
If you don't put many hours on the tractor, you'd want to adjust the oil and greasing to calendar time rather than machine hours. Especially for greasing the loader and the 3PH.

 

[Bird]

Tom, the owner's manual should tell you the recommended intervals. Personally, on any vehicle that I don't put enough hours or miles on, I still want to service them once a year, but that's just me. If you can change oil, oil filter, fuel filters, and air filters on your car or truck, you can service that diesel tractor.

 

[Red55]

Tom-
Another consideration is whether you store your tractor outside or inside (controlled environment) that will affect how much moisture ends up inside the motor/tranny/hydro reguardless of the # of hours on the tractor. -Ed

 

[bigdad]

If you see a response from Bird..... read it.

 

[Soundguy]

Ditto what bird said.. check your owners manual for a service sheet.

In most cases it will list xx hours.. or 1/year.. whatever comes first.

It's the usual things like a car.. engine oil, oil filter.. air filter(s).. fuel filter(s).. hydraulic filter(s).. etc.. grease and lube joints.. etc.

At some point it probably wants you to repack wheel bearings.. and adjust valve clearances..e tc..

soundguy