L3800 5 yrs & low hrs - transmission fluid change?

[bambam31]

My L3800 is officially 5 years old and paid off (yay!). I have completed all of the recommended maintenance up to this point. I have 225 hours and still have the original transmission fluid. The manual says to change the transmission fluid at 400 hours. At my current run rate, my tractor may be 9 years old by the time I get to 400 hours. I’m thinking that maybe I shouldn’t wait that long. I’d like to hear some opinions as to what I should do. Change it before 400 or wait?

 

[rjcorazza]

Really, the answer is what you feel comfortable with. I changed the HST fluid on my last tractor at 50h and every 400h thereafter. With my current tractor I did not change it at 50, and will do it at the Kubota interval of 400h. In my case, I will have had the tractor for about 4 years at the 400h mark.
The transmission fluid is not exposed to the products of combustion like engine oil is, so barring water contamination I do not consider time to be a factor (within reason).


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[RCW]

Like rjcorazza said, water would be my concern.

I feel like I've said it so often, and often in the minority...but there's never a time where one could find fault for changing fluids too often.

Given the many years and low hours, just routine heating and cooling from the seasons can draw moisture into the system.

If it isn't run regularly at full operating temperature for a decent period time (which could be the case), it can accumulate that moisture.

I would get it out of there...JMHO.

 

[Bmbbm]

I agree 5 years is long enough disregarding the hours.

 

[bambam31]

Thanks for the feedback. I’ll be dropping it off at the deal soon to get my wheels reposition to the widest setting and changing the transmission fluid too.

 

[Bulldog]

If it was mine it would have been changed at 50 hrs. My opinion the 50 hr service is the most important one of the tractors life.

 

[Titan17]

I'm a maintenance fanatic but only because I like working on my things (retired mechanic). Reality though is your Kubota is going to outlive you regardless what you do to it.
Use Kubota fluids and filters; doesn't cost much more - actually cheaper than QUALITY aftermarket products. Only deviate from this with gear, engine oil and grease. Cross reference seals, hoses, belts, nuts/bolts, paint, etc. No difference there.
You really want to save money - do your own work. Don't wus out and send it to the dealer for every little thing. For simple stuff the dealers usually put their "B" grade mechanics on the job and they know less than you! If you're mechanically challenged get a mechanic friend to show you for the first time.
You feel good when it's done but the tractor could care less. It's gonna run regardless.

Difference in longevity might be 30 years with poor maintenance and 40 with extreme maintenance.
Good rule of thumb: if you're under 40 maintain the heck out of it. If you're over 50 who gives a crap you'll be dead or too old to care by the time it's worn out. If I'm wrong then it's time for a new one anyway. Why leave it all to the grandkids!

Grease everything that moves; it's the only thing you can't over do.

 

[bambam31]

I'm a maintenance fanatic but only because I like working on my things (retired mechanic). Reality though is your Kubota is going to outlive you regardless what you do to it.
Use Kubota fluids and filters; doesn't cost much more - actually cheaper than QUALITY aftermarket products. Only deviate from this with gear, engine oil and grease. Cross reference seals, hoses, belts, nuts/bolts, paint, etc. No difference there.
You really want to save money - do your own work. Don't wus out and send it to the dealer for every little thing. For simple stuff the dealers usually put their "B" grade mechanics on the job and they know less than you! If you're mechanically challenged get a mechanic friend to show you for the first time.
You feel good when it's done but the tractor could care less. It's gonna run regardless.

Difference in longevity might be 30 years with poor maintenance and 40 with extreme maintenance.
Good rule of thumb: if you're under 40 maintain the heck out of it. If you're over 50 who gives a crap you'll be dead or too old to care by the time it's worn out. If I'm wrong then it's time for a new one anyway. Why leave it all to the grandkids!

Grease everything that moves; it's the only thing you can't over do.

Thanks for the encouragement. I found a YouTube video on how to change the fluid on a L3901. Seems pretty simple. As I mentioned, I’m getting my rear wheels adjusted out. That’s something I don’t want to tackle myself because my tires are loaded. I’ll get the dealer to quote me on the fluid change. If the labor is reasonable I’ll let them do it, otherwise, I will do it myself. My time is just so limited right now.

 

[mikester]

If you leave your machine parked outdoors then it would be a really good idea to change the fluid.

If the fluid looks clean and you have been doing all the regular maintenance and you store the tractor out of the elements then Id probably not worry about it.

Heat and moisture are your enemies.

If you dont run the machine regularly and dont get the fluids hot when you do then condensation can be an issue.

 

[Titan17]

Thanks for the encouragement. I found a YouTube video on how to change the fluid on a L3901. Seems pretty simple. As I mentioned, I’m getting my rear wheels adjusted out. That’s something I don’t want to tackle myself because my tires are loaded. I’ll get the dealer to quote me on the fluid change. If the labor is reasonable I’ll let them do it, otherwise, I will do it myself. My time is just so limited right now.

I have same size tires loaded on my L39. Yes. A little heavy. I have outriggers to lift rr wheels so much easier. I use a 2" x 6" board under tire to lift on to stud.