Flail Mower Changing Gear Box Fluid

[Charlie B]

What's the easiest, most practical way of changing the fluid in the gear box on a Bush Hog (SQ60)?

There is a side level check plug that I can't get out, but there is no drain plug, only a top fill plug.

The fluid is old, full of water(?) and is cloudy, so I know it needs to be changed. I tried to siphon it, but that's not going to work... at least not with the smaller hose I used.

What do you other guys who have bush hogs use? A turkey baster or something to suck it out?

Appreciate any suggestions that will make this job easier and quicker.

Thanks.

 

[bp fick]

If I couldn't get the old drain plug out, I would take it out. I just don't have the worries about drilling and tapping things. Have done it so many times, it no longer freaks me out. Remember to put a stop on your drill so as to not stab through and hurt anything, but it's a simple job. I'd tap for a 1/4" pipe plug or cap plug with mylar gasket and done. Easy.

Flush with diesel fluid to remove any shavings and to clean up the goop that is already there. Re-fill with quality 75w-90, personal preference, and use it like you want to.

 

[piller]

When changing oil in the gearbox of my bush hog I use a siphon pump, available at most auto parts stores. Stick the hose in, pull back on the handle, it draws the oil into the chamber. Remove hose end from gearbox and put it in a bucket/pan and push down on the handle, empties contents of chamber into the bucket/pan. Repeat. It's a lot like a large syringe.

 

[bp fick]

When I had an inboard engine in my boat, i also used an oil siphon pump. Couldn't just dump it into the bilge. Works OK. Good suggestion. :thumbsup: I might still do some flushing and more pumping before re-fill.

 

[Charlie B]

If I couldn't get the old drain plug out, I would take it out. I just don't have the worries about drilling and tapping things. Have done it so many times, it no longer freaks me out.

Flush with diesel fluid to remove any shavings and to clean up the goop that is already there. Re-fill with quality 75w-90, personal preference, and use it like you want to.

I thought about installing a drain plug, just hadn't gotten serious enough about it yet since I'm now thinking I may be needing to change the bearings anyway. The bottom shaft & bearing seem to have more play in them than I'd expect.

I guess I'll go pick up an oil siphon pump. I've got one, but didn't want to contaminate it with hydraulic fluid since I use it for other things occasionally.

Thanks.

 

[Solo]

I pulled the gearbox cover on my Bush Hog and then used a siphon pump and a rag to clean out the old oil. Cleaned it all up, put on some Permatex and filled it back up.

Solo

 

[clemsonfor]

I thought about installing a drain plug, just hadn't gotten serious enough about it yet since I'm now thinking I may be needing to change the bearings anyway. The bottom shaft & bearing seem to have more play in them than I'd expect.

I guess I'll go pick up an oil siphon pump. I've got one, but didn't want to contaminate it with hydraulic fluid since I use it for other things occasionally.

Thanks.

Contaminate it? The thing is use to suck old oil out , right?

Go to TSC and buy a huge cattle or livestock or horse syringe if it has a needle throw it away and just use the end and get some clear vynal (sp??) tubing form TSC if they have it or, Lowes (i know its there by the foot) and put it on the end of the syringe and use it as your sucker thing. Yea it will take like 10-15 pulls probly to get a quart if not more but you dont have to get it all just like 80-90 % will do. Then refill.

But if you have a back plate like the other guy has just pull that and use permatex gray to seal it back up.

 

[RalphVa]

I'd use it to get the lube hot. Then use a Minivac to suction out the fluid. Can't be too much in there.

Think some actually turn them upside down. That would work, if you have a something to get them back upright. Not something I'd want to do with my back.

Ralph

 

[beenthere]

What's the easiest, most practical way of changing the fluid in the gear box on a Bush Hog (SQ60)?

There is a side level check plug that I can't get out, but there is no drain plug, only a top fill plug.

The fluid is old, full of water(?) and is cloudy, so I know it needs to be changed. I tried to siphon it, but that's not going to work... at least not with the smaller hose I used.

What do you other guys who have bush hogs use? A turkey baster or something to suck it out?

Appreciate any suggestions that will make this job easier and quicker.

Thanks.

That is what FEL's are for. Pick it up, turn it upside down and open the fill plug. Let it drain.

I would also drill and tap the check plug to get it out. So many people think those things need to be tightened as tight as they can get them. Works to finger tighten and add a 1/4 turn.