BIGUN
Gold Member
I did the 50 hour service on my BX1500 today; here are the things I learned…..
I found Tom’s BX-2200 50 hr service write-up helpful so I used it as a basis for detailing my experience with the BX-1500 50 hr service.
I started out by removing the MMM. It is very easy to remove and it is much easier working under the tractor with it out of the way.
To remove the engine oil filter I used a small strap wrench, the plastic type with a rubber strap. The filter was not on very tight and came off easily. A couple of black wiring harnesses run right across the center of the filter. I was able to lift the wires up slightly and hang them on parts above the filter. Some oil will get on the frame and will need cleaning off.
I put in 2.25 quarts of Rotella 15-40W oil. The book says it will take 2 quarts, must not include changing the filter. This put the oil level about ¼” below the upper hole on the stick.
Removing the transmission filter was not a problem; I was able to use an automotive filter wrench I had since the diameter of this filter is larger than the small engine filter. When installing the new filter hand tight the metal edge of the filter bottomed out on a nearby bolt head before becoming completely tight on the gasket. No leaks so far though.
I used the Blitz 15 quart drain pan to drain the transmission. It just barely fit under the housing. I wonder about the 15 quart capacity claim, my engine oil and transmission fluid completely filled the pans reservoir. I don’t think I drained more than 13 quarts.
I removed the transmission screen using a 26mm socket. I bought a ¾” drive socket set from Harbor Freight for about $35 since my 3/8” drive sockets didn’t go this large. The set has larger sockets to fit mower blade bolts also. My screen had a few fine metal pieces, cleaned it with a little regular unleaded, compressed air, and reinstalled. Care needs to be taken here to prevent damaging the o-rings. Remember you are working on an aluminum case, so go easy when tightening the screen bolt and drain plug.
To fill the transmission, I used an 8” plastic funnel with a 12” piece of clear ¾” vinyl tubing on it. I removed the upper 3pt link and used the small orange clip that holds it up to hold the funnel with the hose attached. It worked so well it was like it was made for that purpose. I was able to pour the 2.7 gallons of Super UDT from 2.5 gal jugs without spilling a drop. I was sure I would need someone to hold the funnel until I discovered the clip trick.
Reinstalled the MMM. I lower the lift all the way down then use the height knob set to “4” to hold the lift arms out of the way while I slide the deck under the tractor. Then I turn the knob to “0” to connect the arms up to the deck. Then hook up the front hangers and the drive shaft and it’s ready to go.
The engine oil was very black and dirty looking but the Super UDT looked so clean and clear that I can see why some dealers recommend just changing the transmission filter and leaving the fluid till the next scheduled change.
While under the tractor I discovered a diesel leak from the fuel tank in the area of the sending unit dripping down on the left axle housing. I guess this is the leaking sending unit problem I have read so much about. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
I found Tom’s BX-2200 50 hr service write-up helpful so I used it as a basis for detailing my experience with the BX-1500 50 hr service.
I started out by removing the MMM. It is very easy to remove and it is much easier working under the tractor with it out of the way.
To remove the engine oil filter I used a small strap wrench, the plastic type with a rubber strap. The filter was not on very tight and came off easily. A couple of black wiring harnesses run right across the center of the filter. I was able to lift the wires up slightly and hang them on parts above the filter. Some oil will get on the frame and will need cleaning off.
I put in 2.25 quarts of Rotella 15-40W oil. The book says it will take 2 quarts, must not include changing the filter. This put the oil level about ¼” below the upper hole on the stick.
Removing the transmission filter was not a problem; I was able to use an automotive filter wrench I had since the diameter of this filter is larger than the small engine filter. When installing the new filter hand tight the metal edge of the filter bottomed out on a nearby bolt head before becoming completely tight on the gasket. No leaks so far though.
I used the Blitz 15 quart drain pan to drain the transmission. It just barely fit under the housing. I wonder about the 15 quart capacity claim, my engine oil and transmission fluid completely filled the pans reservoir. I don’t think I drained more than 13 quarts.
I removed the transmission screen using a 26mm socket. I bought a ¾” drive socket set from Harbor Freight for about $35 since my 3/8” drive sockets didn’t go this large. The set has larger sockets to fit mower blade bolts also. My screen had a few fine metal pieces, cleaned it with a little regular unleaded, compressed air, and reinstalled. Care needs to be taken here to prevent damaging the o-rings. Remember you are working on an aluminum case, so go easy when tightening the screen bolt and drain plug.
To fill the transmission, I used an 8” plastic funnel with a 12” piece of clear ¾” vinyl tubing on it. I removed the upper 3pt link and used the small orange clip that holds it up to hold the funnel with the hose attached. It worked so well it was like it was made for that purpose. I was able to pour the 2.7 gallons of Super UDT from 2.5 gal jugs without spilling a drop. I was sure I would need someone to hold the funnel until I discovered the clip trick.
Reinstalled the MMM. I lower the lift all the way down then use the height knob set to “4” to hold the lift arms out of the way while I slide the deck under the tractor. Then I turn the knob to “0” to connect the arms up to the deck. Then hook up the front hangers and the drive shaft and it’s ready to go.
The engine oil was very black and dirty looking but the Super UDT looked so clean and clear that I can see why some dealers recommend just changing the transmission filter and leaving the fluid till the next scheduled change.
While under the tractor I discovered a diesel leak from the fuel tank in the area of the sending unit dripping down on the left axle housing. I guess this is the leaking sending unit problem I have read so much about. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
