3515H 50 Hour Service

[Bald Squatch]

I just did the 50 (Actually 60) hour service on my 3515H. I have a few questions and concerns that I hope someone with more knowledge can help me with. I am a complete tractor noob. I have had my machine for just over 2 years. Unfortunately my tractor lives 3-1/2 hours north of me, so I don't get nearly enough seat time. I use it for mowing and maintaining my family's hunting property. The owners manual states that the hydraulic fluid capacity is 37 liters which translates to 39 quarts. Unfortunately, I have found the manual to be severely lacking and in some cases just wrong. After draining the system (removed both drain plugs and both hydro filters) I added 37quarts of fluid. I thought I was being smart leaving it 2 quarts shy of full. I checked the dipstick and it was about 2 inches past the full mark. I thought that maybe I just needed to fire it up and run the the hydro's to allow the lines, filters and cylinders to fill up. I let it sit and idle for about 5 minutes then drove from the barn down to the road and back which is about a half mile R/T. I checked the fluid level again and it was all foamy almost like soap, so I couldn't get an accurate reading. I let it sit over night so it could settle. When I checked again, the fluid level was about 1 1/2 inches past the full mark. I drained between 2 and 3 quarts and am now reading right at full, so it must have retained 4 to 5 quarts when I drained it. I assumed it would retain some, but that seems high. Is that unusual? I checked the dipstick again after running for about 20 minutes and I am still getting some foam but a lot less than before. My question is, did the foam result from overfill and is it something to worry about? Is it an issue with the fluid I used? I used a from Blain's Farm and Fleet. Made by Citgo and states that it meets J20C. I talked to my local dealer and he said that it would work just fine. I have read some comments about cheaper fluids foaming up. I don't recall the causes or implications of the foaming. The other issue I am having is finding all the grease points. The manual says there are 9 grease points, then lists only 8 including the clutch pedal, which my hydro unit does not have. I was able to locate and grease 5 places. I got the left and right tie rod ends, the front axle bracket and the 2 fittings on the 3PH lift rod. I was not able to find a fitting on the rear axle bracket or the brake pedal. Do these fittings exist and if so, can anybody help me locate them? I plan on stopping by the dealer next time I go up. Because of the long ride up and his limited weekend hours, that isn't always possible.

Any info and/or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all in advance.

 

[Aquamoose]

It’s a common mistake that when changing fluids, ALL of the old fluid comes out. There will be some remaining. The capacity is what it can hold, not the amount you should replace with. What you experienced was “frothing” when it gets too full. Just bring it back to regular level and it’ll work fine after some time.

Not sure about the fittings since I can’t say if there’s any difference with the 3520h. You can always ask the dealer you bought it from.

 

[ptsg]

I believe you should have a grease fitting for the brake pedal and maybe one for the HST pedals but that I don't know for sure. You may need to look very closely.

With a Geared tractor, there are 2 more fittings hidden for the clutch fork shaft but this don't apply to your tractor.

Also, while you're there, spray all the linkages with something like WD40, Fluidfilm, some of those products you guys get there to lubricate stuff.

 

[Bald Squatch]

Thank you for your responses. I knew there would be some oil that did not drain, but the amount did surprise me. I figured that the "Frothing" was caused by the overfill. As I said, I'm a complete noob and always worry that I'm going to screw things up. I will chalk this up to a lesson learned. I plan on stopping by the dealer next weekend to find the hidden grease fittings. PTSG, thanks for the tip on lubricating the linkage. I never would have thought about that. It's great to have people that are willing to share their knowledge.

 

[ptsg]

Take special attention to the shaft enters into the rear diff housing where the brake rods connect from the brake pedals.

It's my understanding that due to the lack of lubrication, it can froze over time and if the brakes are pressing, it won't quite release fully. I think it happens more in the 20 series but it's still something to keep in mind.