T273 Initial thoughts

[Bkjohns]

-Changing the oil filter looks like it will be a little bit of a trick the way its nestled in behind the loader mounting bracket (for that matter checking the oil isn't the easiest thing in the world).
-The control for the rear auxilliary SCV's is easy to hit, and once it is "engaged" this seems to bypass all hydraulic flow so the 3 pt will not operate. Has anyone else run into this, or explored removing this handle while not using the rear remotes? The first time I had done this it took me better part of an hour to figure out why the 3 pt would not lift.
-The muffler bracket was broken on my tractor at delivery. I've already contacted dealer to order new muffler. Not a big deal, but the muffler tends to vibrate against the hood occasionally as it is.

Oil filter change is easy with the proper tool such as a wrench with the socket adapter on the end or a modified strap wrench.

The auxiliary SCV control is a 3 position lever. In the middle is disconnected, to the right (from the seat when you are in it) is normal operation for the backhoe or other accessories, and to the left is supposed to be reversed direction of the flow. If mine is in the left position, the backhoe won't work. I don't know about the 3pt stuff because I haven't used any attachments yet.

The muffler problem was addressed early on (a couple of years ago) as a warranty item. If you bought an older stock tractor it might not have been upgraded. If your tractor is a current year model you might still be under warranty. Either way you shouldn't have to pay for a muffler if has broken. Take a look at the muffler bracket that attaches to the frame at the end of the exhaust pipe (you might have to take the bolt and washers off to see this) and if it is a hole in the end it is probably the old style. The new ones have a slot that the bolt and washers go into to allow movement of the exhaust with frame flexing.

A couple of other things that have happened to mine in the last 2 years are both vibration related. One was the fuel pump bracket broke (3 times) before I modified it myself. The latest problem is a broken bracket attach point on the hydro fluid cooling radiator (the small one in front of the engine radiator - I think it is hydro). Still have to fix that one before the hydro lines break.

Overall I'm happy with my tractor. Mine is the first year of production so hopefully some of these things have been redesigned to work better.

Good luck.