transmission/hydraulics - dumb question

[outoftractorluck]

OK I'm brand new to this so have mercy. Just bought a used L3400DT (only 51hrs) and I've never owned anything bigger than a lawn tractor!

I'm confused about references to the Hydaulic system which I assume is the PTO, loader etc. and the transmission which is the gearing. Kubota refers to Hydraulic oil and transmission oil but, in the manual, there only seems to be transmission oil checks and changes. There is a Hydraulic filter but it says to change it when you change the transmission oil. So are the two systems the same thing? I assume they have to be only they have different names...sometimes? If they are not the same system, where is the Hydraulic system check/fill.

I was already confused when I changed the engine oil and filter since there appears to be two oil fill points, one in the side of the engine and one on the top(which I used) but the manual only refers to the one on the side.

I'd appreciate any advice and clarification. I'm usually not this confused with machinery!

 

[KYDan]

I don't know the 3400, I used to have an L2900 so they are probably similar engines. There is only one oil fill port on the 2900 on the side of the engine, also on my MX5100. Has the tractor had it's 50 hour service? And, do you have the owner's manual? This is all covered in the owner's manual. If you don't have the manual you can order from your Kubota dealer or get one online through Tractorsmart.com.

TractorSmart home page

I hope this helps.

 

[k0ua]

Lets see if this helps.. from the manual L3400 the fill port is on the side, and yes there are 2 drain plugs for the engine oil. and yes the transmission fluid and hydraulic system tank are all one and the same.

Here is another little tip when checking hydraulic fluid level: it is difficult to determine if the fluid is totally full or totally empty as the fluid is very clear. if you raise the 3pt and loader the fluid level will drop to a level you can see the line of the top of the fluid if it was at the very top to begin with with all implements down, which is the correct position to perform the check.

James K0UA

 

[RaydaKub]

Here is another little tip when checking hydraulic fluid level: it is difficult to determine if the fluid is totally full or totally empty as the fluid is very clear. if you raise the 3pt and loader the fluid level will drop to a level you can see the line of the top of the fluid if it was at the very top to begin with with all implements down, which is the correct position to perform the check.
James K0UA

I can understand the 3ph affecting this, but why would a FEL affect the level at all? This is powered both directions, so in theory at least, the same volume that goes out on the bottom of the cylinder goes back in on the top.

 

[k0ua]

I can understand the 3ph affecting this, but why would a FEL affect the level at all? This is powered both directions, so in theory at least, the same volume that goes out on the bottom of the cylinder goes back in on the top.

You may be right, when I did this I raised both and did not try just the FEL by itself to see if it made a difference. I will try it later.

James K0UA

 

[wdchyd]

I can understand the 3ph affecting this, but why would a FEL affect the level at all? This is powered both directions, so in theory at least, the same volume that goes out on the bottom of the cylinder goes back in on the top.

You forgot about the volume taken up by the chrome rods as they retract.....collapsing all cylinders is the best way to read your oil level

 

[RaydaKub]

Ah, true enough. Not enough caffeine yet this morning.

Do those dogs know how to drive it? :thumbsup:

 

[k0ua]

You forgot about the volume taken up by the chrome rods as they retract.....collapsing all cylinders is the best way to read your oil level

Aha!

James K0UA

 

[k0ua]

Teg I think he is ok, I believe the one on the top is also an oil fill for when the engine is used in Marine applications. I am sure he has already run it many hours since the oil change.

James K0UA

 

[wdchyd]

Ah, true enough. Not enough caffeine yet this morning.

Do those dogs know how to drive it? :thumbsup:

the tractor AND the bunnies.....:licking:

 

[Chilly807]

Kubota must have dropped the top oil fill when they built mine, the engine is so far back under the hood it's a pain to get at the best of times. As mentioned, there are 2 (count 'em) engine oil drain plugs, one on each side of the front drive shaft tunnel in the oil pan.

The hydraulic level check point is on the lower left side of the transmission, below your left foot. A fluid level should be visible in the glass with the engine stopped and the tractor sitting dead level. There's a white background in the check glass, it may be hard to see fluid. The fill point is behind the seat, red plastic plug. Trans and hydraulic oil is one and the same in the L3400.

Assuming yours is a 4 wheel drive version... Check your front axle fluid level soon, there's a million Kubotas that are running as we type with too low a front axle fluid level. There's an issue with how slowly the fluid gets to bottom of the bevel gear cases, and it results in a low final level in 9 out of 10 tractors sold.

The manual will show you how to check it, same as a rear wheel drive car really. There's a small check plug on the front of the axle, as well as a larger fill plug. You remove the check plug, then add fluid at the fill plug until it comes out the check plug. Re-check it several days of use after refilling, it will probably be low. Mine was over 2 quarts low after changing the oil.

And finally, welcome to the Kubota L series owner's society!! We've come to love them dearly, even with the much-talked-about, universally-despised and greatly-bemoaned jerky 3 point hitch..

Sean

 

[k0ua]

And finally, welcome to the Kubota L series owner's society!! We've come to love them dearly, even with the much-talked-about, universally-despised and greatly-bemoaned jerky 3 point hitch.

:laughing::laughing:
We do go on about that hitch don't we! when in fact for 90% of the time it doesn't even matter. Just a small aggravation. But I will say it has stopped me from buying a boom pole. Have thought about making one for my SSQA on the FEL.

James K0UA

 

[Chilly807]

And finally, welcome to the Kubota L series owner's society!! We've come to love them dearly, even with the much-talked-about, universally-despised and greatly-bemoaned jerky 3 point hitch.

:laughing::laughing:
We do go on about that hitch don't we! when in fact for 90% of the time it doesn't even matter. Just a small aggravation. But I will say it has stopped me from buying a boom pole. Have thought about making one for my SSQA on the FEL.

James K0UA

I'd like to dangle the design engineer responsible for the L series 3 point hydraulics from said boom pole, and try to raise him slowly with a strap around his scrawny neck..

Sean

 

[k0ua]

I'd like to dangle the design engineer responsible for the L series 3 point hydraulics from said boom pole, and try to raise him slowly with a strap around his scrawny neck..

Sean

:laughing::laughing:
Now that funny, I don't care who you are!

 

[teg]

Teg I think he is ok, I believe the one on the top is also an oil fill for when the engine is used in Marine applications. I am sure he has already run it many hours since the oil change.

James K0UA

:ashamed: Went out to look at mine and sure enough an oil cap on top!!! so i deleted the post you commented on

Other things to look for... if the steering or FEL gets a bit jerky, the hydraulic return hoses crack and allow air into the system. If you think the ride is rough... check the suspension seat to see if it's locked up (and I'm not talking about the two little springs either ) Enjoy the tractor...

 

[outoftractorluck]

Fantastic! Thanks for all the great help! That explains a lot.

I have more questions (already) but I'll post them separately.

Thanks again!

 

[outoftractorluck]

...by the way Chilly807, you were right the front axle was low by about a quart!