50 Hour Service on 28XL

rdwyer · Jan 2, 2016

Hi all.

I just changed the gas filter, oil and oil filter today on my 28XL Hydro...with the intent of doing the full 50 hour service.

A bit of confusion on what needs to be done. The dealer sent me the air filter (the wrong one...correct one on the way), the oil filter, fuel filter which are on and good to go and a large black filter that appears to be the HST filter. When I read the manual today it referenced a hydraulic filter directly under the tractor. A call to the parts/service department and I was told the HST filter served double duty as both in the 28XL Hydro's. I don't believe this to be the case as I found the small black hydraulic filter exactly where the manual showed it to be under the tractor. I will order this filter separately.

When on the phone with the dealer, I asked him if the fluid had to be drained from the tractor before replacing the HST filter as the manual seems to imply it gets changed at 100 hours and the filters at 50. He told me to drain it as it would run out when the filter was removed...but he was also wrong on there being only one filter vs. two.

At the 50 hour service, am I draining the transmission fluid and replacing both filters...or just filters and fluid at 100 as the manual suggests?

Too confirm, the hydro transmission uses the same fluid that the FEL and backhoe hydraulics use, correct?...it's all coming from the same reservoir, correct?

Finally, what's a good hydro oil to use? I see the recommendations in the manual....but is one better than another? Seem to be a lot of opinions online about which ones to use.

Thanks for any info.

--Rick

s219 · Jan 3, 2016

I don't have Mahindra-specific information, but on other tractors that call for filter change only, I simply swap filters and then top off the fluid to replace any that dribbled out. On Kubotas, the breather vent can be plugged with a nail to help slow the rush of fluid that comes out with the filter. Before I figured out that trick, I used to park sideways on a hill with the filter uphill. I normally lose very little fluid, probably less than a 1/2 cup.

oldpilgrim · Jan 3, 2016

I have a 3016, pretty much the same as yours only a bit larger
The tran and the lifts use the same fluid supply.

As you found out there are 2 hydro filters.

You only need to change them and the fluid at the 100 hr mark. Only engine oil/filters need be changed at 50/hrs.

You can use any good universal tractor oil .are for modern tractors, not the 303/stuff. I use the TSC PREMIUM universal tractor fluid.

when you do change the fluid, don't forget the front axle. Mine takes the same utf, not grease or oil.

davesl708 · Jan 3, 2016

The purpose of the 50 change is to get the trash (metal shavings,clean/cooling fluid residue ) left inside the trans and engine from manufacturing.
Drain the fluid into a clean container for reuse if you want to reuse the trans fluid. You need to remove the suction screen on the trans that feeds the hydraulic pump. You will most likely find some metal shavings trapped in the screen left from machining and assembly.
Some use a shop vac on the fill hole to apply negative pressure to the tank and keep the fluid in the tank while you change the filter.

Stay with OEM during warranty to protect it.

Jabonee · Jan 5, 2016

I just looked at the service manual for the MAX28 XL. The only service required at 50 hrs is engine oil and filter. Hydraulics and front axles at 100. :thumbsup:

JoeyDude · Mar 2, 2016

rdwyer said:
At the 50 hour service, am I draining the transmission fluid and replacing both filters...or just filters and fluid at 100 as the manual suggests?

Too confirm, the hydro transmission uses the same fluid that the FEL and backhoe hydraulics use, correct?...it's all coming from the same reservoir, correct?

Finally, what's a good hydro oil to use? I see the recommendations in the manual....but is one better than another? Seem to be a lot of opinions online about which ones to use.
--Rick

Rick,

As far as hydraulics are concerned, at the 50 hour mark you're just replacing the filters but you're going to lose some fluid in the process so you will need to top it off.

The hydraulic fluid is all the same throughout your tractor, from the same reservoir.

As far as which hydraulic fluid to use, I posted some info in another post that should help you. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...-hour-fluid-change-questions.html#post4323294
Good luck!

shawn89 · Mar 4, 2016

When I drained the front axle fluid it was awkward as my oil pan was too big to set up inside the wheel and I couldn't find a small funnel in a pinch in my messy garage...some of it drained onto the rim and onto my garage floor as I wasn't prepared. I'll be making some sort of catch pan to direct it out of the rim and into an oil pan. Other than that I had no problem doing my 50 hour. My dealer said there's no reason to waste that (hydro)fluid at 100 hours from his experience just do the filter at 50 and fluid at 300 so I followed his recommendation and he also wanted gear oil in the front axle. I am at 120 hours and he's already replaced the starter solenoid and packed the electrical connections with dielectric grease. He claims the plugs don't fit water tight as intended and that's likely what causes the arcing and failure. Other than that I have no complaints with my max 28 gear tractor. I feel I have a good relationship with my dealer and dont believe he would steer me wrong. I was going to change the fluid anyways but he assured me it will be fine. I assumed I'd be pushing 200 hours by now pushing snow I've only had to use it 1 time so far and i live in PA! For the first year of ownership I'm very satisfied with my max 28.