What do I need for a 50 hour service on a DK45SE

[IslandTractor]

Fluids and filters are easy. What folks often forget is that 50hrs is an important time to check tightness of bolts all around the tractor. Pay special attention to the FEL mounting post when it is bolted to the engine block and the BH subframe if you have one. Get a torque wrench from HF if you don't own one. Check every 50 hrs religiously. Also make sure you grease all the zerks especially the ones that are a bit hidden like on the front axle, 3PT, both sides of any PTO shaft and any that are under the operator station (pedals). Don't forget to blow out the air filter too. Also a good time to check tire pressure.

 

[k0ua]

Fluids and filters are easy. What folks often forget is that 50hrs is an important time to check tightness of bolts all around the tractor. Pay special attention to the FEL mounting post when it is bolted to the engine block and the BH subframe if you have one. Get a torque wrench from HF if you don't own one. Check every 50 hrs religiously. Also make sure you grease all the zerks especially the ones that are a bit hidden like on the front axle, 3PT, both sides of any PTO shaft and any that are under the operator station (pedals). Don't forget to blow out the air filter too. Also a good time to check tire pressure.

The only thing I would do different is I use a a good shop vacuum to vacuum the outside of the air filter. I believe it works better and is easier on the filter than the high pressure air hose from the inside. Just my preference, but this is what I do. When I am finished I hold the filter up to the sun and inspect for pinholes. If any holes toss it and put in a new one.

 

[IslandTractor]

The only thing I would do different is I use a a good shop vacuum to vacuum the outside of the air filter. I believe it works better and is easier on the filter than the high pressure air hose from the inside. Just my preference, but this is what I do. When I am finished I hold the filter up to the sun and inspect for pinholes. If any holes toss it and put in a new one.

I'm sure it is effective but is there any advantage to vacuuming over blowing air from the inside? It's generally easier to grab an air hose than hauling out a shop vac and cord, at least for me.

 

[k0ua]

I'm sure it is effective but is there any advantage to vacuuming over blowing air from the inside? It's generally easier to grab an air hose than hauling out a shop vac and cord, at least for me.

I just felt that high volume air with low pressure would be less likely to punch a hole in the paper element. I don't have any scientific study's to back this up, but my results are good.

 

[DK35vince]

I'm sure it is effective but is there any advantage to vacuuming over blowing air from the inside? It's generally easier to grab an air hose than hauling out a shop vac and cord, at least for me.

I don't like using compressed air on my filters for the same reason as James. Just not worth the risk of damaging the filter to me.
I have blown them out before, but avoid it if I can. I'd rather change a filter than blow it out..
I founds a thread on this subject from a few years ago.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/257536-cleaning-air-filter.html

 

[kspring61]

Is this a gear model ?
Assuming your changing hydraulic fluid,
$150 or so in transmission fluid
$35 hydraulic filter.
$20-$30 engine oil
$10 oil filter
I'd be guessing closer to $220 area doing it yourself if changing the transmission fluid (gear drive machine).
Shouldn't need a fuel filter or air filter at 50 hours IMO.

Why would he be changing the hydraulic fluid? I thought that was called for at 400 hours, only a filter change at 50 hours on the HST.

 

[Btown]

Why would he be changing the hydraulic fluid? I thought that was called for at 400 hours, only a filter change at 50 hours on the HST.

This has been discussed several times. Some people find stuff in the fluid and some don't. Better to get that stuff out asap.

 

[IslandTractor]

This has been discussed several times. Some people find stuff in the fluid and some don't. Better to get that stuff out asap.

Flip side of this argument is that the filter protects the engine from small metal debris and that the fluid itself is still fresh at 50 hrs.

Do you change transmission fluid in your new car/truck after 3000 miles???

 

[kspring61]

Flip side of this argument is that the filter protects the engine from small metal debris and that the fluid itself is still fresh at 50 hrs.

Do you change transmission fluid in your new car/truck after 3000 miles???

This was my thinking, plus the transmission runs at low RPM's, I think the PTO is the fastest moving part. I have no problem with changing the engine on break in, but that is a whole different animal given combustion, ring set, etc..
Just wondering what the thought was in changing 12 gallons of HST fluid after the 50 hours

 

[IslandTractor]

This was my thinking, plus the transmission runs at low RPM's, I think the PTO is the fastest moving part. I have no problem with changing the engine on break in, but that is a whole different animal given combustion, ring set, etc.. Just wondering what the thought was in changing 12 gallons of HST fluid after the 50 hours

It's easy for the manufacturer to make a 50 hr recommendation as it costs them nothing. Not all manufacturers make that 50 hr recommendation however so it isn't an industry standard backed up with data. And, there are dealers who ignore it too. I think it is pretty silly and wasteful to toss out 10-15 gallons of crystal clear HST oil.