Front Wheel Case Oil Level (left and right)

[Milehghcty]

Kubota L4850. Trying to figure out if the axle oil reservoir also is used by the front wheel case hubs. I have a dip stick to check the oil in the front axle and it is at the full mark. Per the owner’s manual, the front wheel case (L&R) also has a Oil check Plug, filling plug, and drain plug. Removing and looking in the filling plug opening, I can see oil a couple of inches down from the plug hole. Did not remove the check plug, but based on the oil being down a couple of inches from the fill plug, assume it would be probably about an inch below the check plug since check plug sits about an inch lower than the fill plug. Question is … does the oil in the axle (that is at the full mark) also feed the wheel case? If so, then don’t need to add oil. If the axle oil is not used by the front wheel cases, and if I can see the oil is it really necessary to add to the fill plug level (probably a dumb question but just trying to figure out how much damage I may have done by not having it all the way full)?

One time when using the tractor, I did notice oil on the top of the wheel case leaking a little … if would be like the upper ball joint and appeared to be leaking around the case that covers the top (ball joint). Not very much, but did notice it was enough to cause a drip after the tractor was parked in the shed. Is there a seal in that area that needs to be replaced or sign of a more serious problem? No more than I use the tractor, probably won't make the repair unless it is serious and may causes the tractor to become unuseable. Only use the tractor maybe 10-15 hrs a year.
Thanks … Tom

 

[Bluegill]

With our old L3750 you have to fill the front hubs (final drives) separate from the front axle. A little leaking is not so bad, but also not that hard to fix. Especially the top one. There is an O ring and bushing than needs replacing. Assuming the L4850 is anything like the L3750.

 

[Milehghcty]

Thanks. Kind of suspected they were separate resorvoirs and you confirmed, so I will fill the final drives to the required level. Perhaps I might get more of a leak by doing so, but if still not too bad, probably won't fix right away. I'll just add 90w oil every now and then. Thanks again.