T273 Transmission fluid change

Mike5252 · Oct 5, 2008

I just turned over 50 hrs recently on my T273 and changed the transmission fluid this weekend.

First, couldn't find the suggested fluids anywhere local, so ended up using a Traveler's transmission/hydraulic fluid at Tractor Supply. There were some other posts suggesting any good quality transmission/hydraulic fluid would suffice. Has anyone else used Traveler's in their TYM?

Second, manual indicates capacity is 5.8 gallons. I would be surprised if I got 4.5 of fluid out. That's quite a bit of fluid left in the tractor. (level was full before change). Anyone else notice this?

Third, in cleaning the screen there was a pretty good amount of metal shavings and various other unknown materials. The screen wasn't completely plugged by any means, but I'm certainly glad I performed the service when I did. Sorry, forgot to take a picture.

The best news is that the tractor seems to work fine after the change.

Tom59 · Oct 18, 2008

Yeah, same deal here. I called my dealer and asked what type of oil for the change. I'd have to go look what I went with , but I know it was a little lighter than what was in it.

This way winter/cold morning she loosens up faster.

Yeah not as much came out as they mentioned in the manual. Not as much goes in either....it might hold 5.8 but it all doesn't come out. Mine was warm too.

My screen also was loaded with crap as was the magnetic oil plug. I'm quite sure thats the reason for the 50hour service. The next interval is 100 hours. That will be telling as far as the screen and shavings. I'm doubting it has much, if any.

Also for anyone interested NAPA Gold #1356 is the correct oil filter.

snshall · Oct 29, 2008

I took my 273 to the dealer for the 50hr service. Thought I would watch the professionals do the first service before doing the rest myself (didn't want to miss anything). I too had a good deal of metal shavings in the filter. The mechanic said this was common on the first couple of services and as long as he could identify the shavings as fragments left from tapping the openings on the HST he was not concerned. He said if I ever found anything unidentifyable as being from machining to keep it and let him know. Seemed to me like poor quality control in manufacturing to leave such items in the working cavity of the HST but the mechanic was not a bit concerned.

jaln · Oct 29, 2008

My dealer told me the hydraulic fluid Walmart sells in 5 gal buckets is good, and they also have Rotella oil.

I doubt if they leave any filings in the castings that can be removed. That would be nuts, looking for trouble, and possible early failure. Most new engines and trannies need a service early on because a lot of metal comes off during the break in process. It continually gets less as the machine loosens up. Something wearing prematurely, droping a bearing, etc., is another story.

mdeshazo · Jun 25, 2019

Can someone please tell me where that screen is located on T273 when changing transmission fluids? Also, I only got about 1 quart of oil out of the transmission at the Plug under the transmission when I drained it. I don't understand that unless there was none in it to begin with. I am working on this tractor based on the owners recollection of it working when he parked it it over 8 years ago. This tractor has a disposable filter. Is that where the screens use to be? Thank you all a bunch....

mdeshazo · Jun 25, 2019

Also, regarding that T273 I am working on. Can someone please tell me if the the ONLY way to determine the transmission is full is by that White Sight Glass on rear of tractor with a H and L Line ?

Thank you guys as this tractor has been a nightmare to me as I have had to practically rebuild it from the ground up. I am use to rebuild 2 Cylinder Johnnies that dont need relays and circuit breakers with brakes pushed in to start it.