My Tractor Seems Unstable

[countrybumpkin]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm suspicious of the differential as well. Can anyone tell me how and where to check the differential fluid and what sort of fluid it would require?
Thanks again to all!! Gene

The rear diff is lubricated with hydraulic fluid, which is all in one common sump.

 

[52wej]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm suspicious of the differential as well. Can anyone tell me how and where to check the differential fluid and what sort of fluid it would require?
Thanks again to all!! Gene

Gene, on the rear of the tractor, beside the PTO shaft, is a sight glass that has two horizontal marks on it. The fluid level is supposed to be between those two marks when the tractor is parked on level ground. The transaxle/hydraulic fluid used will have a faint golden color that will contrast with the marks. But if over filled you may not be able to discern any fluid level. if you suspect overfilling, park the tractor with the front end pointing down hill and compare the difference. Underfilled the glass will be clear. W. Jones

 

[JD15302155870]

I have had my tractor for 5 or 6 years now and this year it feels like it wants to flip over when sideways on a hill. The same hill I have driven on often before. Anyone got any ideas why? I also had a problem a short while ago where one of the rear wheels would lock up briefly while traveling. The wheel would be turning and then stop for a fraction of a revolution and resume turning again. My tractor is a Century 2535 (similar to a Branson 3510) with 4WD.
Thanks - Gene

This may not be true for all tractors but I have found the tractor will hold a steeper grade than your butt will.

 

[PILOON]

--" the tractor will hold a steeper grade than your butt will. "

Commonly known as the "pucker meter"

 

[GeneSimm7]

Gene, on the rear of the tractor, beside the PTO shaft, is a sight glass that has two horizontal marks on it. The fluid level is supposed to be between those two marks when the tractor is parked on level ground. The transaxle/hydraulic fluid used will have a faint golden color that will contrast with the marks. But if over filled you may not be able to discern any fluid level. if you suspect overfilling, park the tractor with the front end pointing down hill and compare the difference. Underfilled the glass will be clear. W. Jones

I parked the tractor on a steep hill with front pointing down and I still cannot see a fluid line. How else can I tell if it is empty or overfilled??

 

[GeneSimm7]

I parked the tractor on a steep hill with front pointing down and I still cannot see a fluid line. How else can I tell if it is empty or overfilled??

 

[Fallon]

I parked the tractor on a steep hill with front pointing down and I still cannot see a fluid line. How else can I tell if it is empty or overfilled??

John Deere Lubricants - JOHN DEERE #MT3668 HYDRAULIC OIL DYE most JD dealers should have it or be able to order it.

Works great & you end up with pink hydraulic fluid you can readily identify. Could barely tell if the crystal clear SUDT2 in my old Kubota L3200 was in the middle of the sight glass, much less above or below. That fixed things so you can easily tell.

It can wig out mechanics that think you put in ATF instead of the right hydraulic fluid (ignoring the fact ATF is hydraulic fluid, just with slightly different additives & what not that would likely work just fine). Just let them know you added dye to the fluid if you ever have them service or repair.

I used half the jar in my L3200. Went to use the 2nd half in my new L4060 (dipstick, but can still barely see the clear fluid in it) & found the jar dried out. Not sure what the moral if that story is. Either I didnt tighten the lid well, or it doesn't store well for 2-3 years.

 

[52wej]

Rereading the posts I see that you said the hydraulic fluid level was ok earlier, but then you said that you see no fluid on the marks in the sight glass at the rear of the tractor irrespective of how it is parked. So what causes you to say the hydraulic fluid level is ok? Are you checking the power steering fluid tank that is under the left step? That is separate from the rest of the hydraulic system.

You must have some fluids or the rear hydraulics and 3 pt hitch would not work. Again, as others have said we are talking about a combination hydraulic and transaxle fluid that resides in the transmission and differential area. If you never have changed the fluid in this area, then you need to do so. That is the only surefire way I know to verify how much fluid you have. And your hours would require a change. If you have changed your transaxle fluid then please disregard this and the next paragraph

Get the hydraulic filter and about 10 gallons of premium hydraulic/ transaxle fluid. I think it uses 8 + gallons, but I need to go back and check my manual. I use the Tractor Supply premium fluid and have had good success. It is best to use the filter from the dealer imho. Park the tractor on level and drain the fluid and refill until you you see the fluid level appear in the rear sight glass between the two lines. Please let us know how this goes. W Jones

 

[RickB]

Your thread title led me to believe the appropriate remedy for your tractor situation was to medicate it. Almost seemed like you were concerned about your tractor heading off and tearing up a field or crashing into other tractors or something.

There was a horse farm down the road from where I used to live. The sign said Relatively Stable.

 

[GeneSimm7]

Rereading the posts I see that you said the hydraulic fluid level was ok earlier, but then you said that you see no fluid on the marks in the sight glass at the rear of the tractor irrespective of how it is parked. So what causes you to say the hydraulic fluid level is ok? Are you checking the power steering fluid tank that is under the left step? That is separate from the rest of the hydraulic system.

You must have some fluids or the rear hydraulics and 3 pt hitch would not work. Again, as others have said we are talking about a combination hydraulic and transaxle fluid that resides in the transmission and differential area. If you never have changed the fluid in this area, then you need to do so. That is the only surefire way I know to verify how much fluid you have. And your hours would require a change. If you have changed your transaxle fluid then please disregard this and the next paragraph

Get the hydraulic filter and about 10 gallons of premium hydraulic/ transaxle fluid. I think it uses 8 + gallons, but I need to go back and check my manual. I use the Tractor Supply premium fluid and have had good success. It is best to use the filter from the dealer imho. Park the tractor on level and drain the fluid and refill until you you see the fluid level appear in the rear sight glass between the two lines. Please let us know how this goes. W Jones

Since you have a Century 2535 would you be able to tell me where the drain is so I can replace my hydraulic fluid? I would be very grateful, Thanks Gene