L5030 maintenance questions

[mebota]

Recently bought a used L5030 HST, and I have two maintenance questions:

(1) Just about to do a crankcase oil change, and I see that the manual calls for 10W30. Really? I am accustomed to using 15W40 in diesel engines. Also, any thoughts on standard vs. synthetic oil?

(2) Where is the hydraulic fluid reservoir/filter on the 5030? Or is it the same as the HST transmission fluid?

Many thanks,
mebota

 

[Bulldog]

I use 5w30 full synthetic in my engine and have done so since the tractors were new. Yes, 15w40 will work but it's not necessary. The heavier weight oil will just cause you to burn slightly more fuel.

Unless I'm way off base the HST filter does it all.

My $.02 about synthetic lubricants. I'm a firm believer and run nothing else. A tractor is a major investment and in my opinion nothing gives you better protection. I see you live in Maine, the cold weather performance of synthetic lubricants could be the difference between it working or not.