Check the fluids even on new machines

[IrishStout]

So I brought my new CK4010SE HST home last weekend, Saturday. Unloaded from the trailer Sunday morning and got to work. I've put 5 or 6 hours on it now and decided to go through and check the fluid levels despite this being new fresh from the dealer, highly respected dealer at that. Engine oil level was fine. I found the transmission/hst fluid level did not even register on the dipstick. Yes, engine was off, 3 point was lowered, and loader was down too. The tractor is on a level surface. I've checked it multiple times and there is not even a drop of fluid on the dipstick. I looked through the fill port and at least was able to see there is fluid in the system, it's just low, micro bubbles in the oil I could see.

Emailed the dealer and he is going to send me some fluid. He said it would be ok to mix brands if I bought something local, but I'm not a fan of that. I'm buying the three filters for the first service while he's shipping. He indicated that there is not a concern for damage as the loader and 3 point would simply just not operate if there was too little oil. Makes sense to an extent, but there are still gears for the HST that may have been under lubricated. Pto appears to be low in the system so should have had adequate lubrication. Sure, it's only 5-6 hours of use, but that was bush hog time where pto and hst were active. I'm not excited, but I think all will be ok.

I can only guess the tractor was prepped, and after installing the loader maybe they did not check the fluid level again. I'd guess the loader lines probably are worth a half gallon of fluid.

Anyway, check your fluids even if new and fresh from the dealer.

 

[K5lwq]

Also check bolts are torqued properly. I doubt you have any issues from it being low and probably will not take much to fill.

 

[rademamj1]

I am pretty sure that's exactly what happened. Could even happen at factory. After installing the HST filter, Hydraulic filter, and the loader and rear hydraulic remotes, upon startup you can see a 1.5 gals drawdown filling both filters, all hydraulic lines, hydraulic pump and loader. Dealer obviously never checked fluid levels prior to delivery. Glad you caught this. When I received my CK4010 SEHC, all my fluid level were perfect....thanks to a caring mechanic at my dealership.

 

[IrishStout]

Good advice here too.