Tranny/hydraulic fluid on L4400

[N80]

My L4400 is new and you check the tranny/hydraulic fluid in a little window on the back of the tractor. At first glance there was nothing to see in the widnow and it scared me for a second. So, I opened the filler cap and stuck a long, clean grass stalk down in there. Well, there is plenty of fluid and I'm guessing I don't see a fluid level line in the little window becasue its just full. But the fluid is absolutely clear! Seems like they'd ad a little color to it. In any case, I just thought I post this little discovery for others who might have wondered the same thing (although most people probably would have known intuitively).

My question is this: As I connect and disconnect the rear remote a little fluid escapes each time. I'm assuming this will slowly lower the overall fluid in the tranny and that eventually I'll begin to see a line in that little window?

You know, I'm not sure I like the window theory since there is absolutely no difference between dead full and dead empty in terms of what you see in the window. I wonder what's wrong with a dipstick.

Guess I'll keep using grass.......let me rephrase that....keep using grass as a poor man's dipstick. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[jmc012]

Sounds like it is low to me, I could always see the fluid with no problem.

 

[N80]

Nope. 'Grass test' reveals plenty of fluid. Still wish there was a real dipstick.

 

[ccsial]

I had the same problem on my L3400. It turned out to be over full. Once the level was set it is easy to see the line in the window. I could not tell if it was over or under when I could not see the line because, as you stated, the fluid is too clear.

My window has a white backround and it initially looked a bit yellow. After draining a bit of fluid I could see the bright white. If yours has that white area and it looks bright white you may be low.

The sight glass works OK if you are within the range. If you get over or under it is hard to tell if you have never seen it in the middle and don't know the color difference.